ADA Announces Industry Awards 2026 Finalists
We are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 ADA Industry Awards.
The response to the first year of the Awards program has exceeded expectations, with an incredibly high calibre of submissions received from across the country. From emerging distilleries and bold innovators through to established industry leaders, the quality, passion and professionalism demonstrated across the entries has been something we are genuinely proud to a part of.
Our Industry Awards were created to recognise the people, businesses and ideas helping shape the future of Australian distilling. Unlike traditional product competitions, these awards focus on broader industry contribution, innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, leadership and business development.
Finalists have been selected across five award categories:
- Distiller of the Year
- Emerging Distillery of the Year
- Innovation
- Sustainability & Responsibility
- Safety
ADA Vice President Claudia Roughley said the strength and diversity of submissions reflected the exciting momentum currently driving the industry forward nationally.
“We are incredibly proud of the response from members across the country. The quality of submissions and the diversity of businesses represented demonstrates just how much talent, passion and professionalism exists within the Australian distilling industry right now,” Ms Roughley said.
“The finalists announced today represent an exceptionally high calibre group of distilleries and individuals who are pushing the industry forward through innovation, sustainability, safety, business excellence and craft.”
Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner on Thursday 18 June at the Adelaide Convention Centre as part of Conference 2026: Festival of Distilling.
The Gala Awards Dinner will also feature the prestigious Hall of Fame induction celebrating the individuals and businesses who have helped shape and strengthen our sector over many years.
Now the countdown begins!
Who will take home the inaugural ADA Industry Awards trophies? There is only one way to find out.
Join us in Adelaide when we come together to celebrate achievement, ambition, innovation and the remarkable people building this industry every day.
We cannot wait to raise a glass with you very soon!
ADA Industry Awards 2026 Finalists
DISTILLER OF THE YEAR
- Sarah Prowse, Four Pillars Distillery (VIC)
- Adam Chapman, CAVU Distillery (QLD)
- Kristy Lark, Killara Distillery (TAS)
- Ally Ayres, Karu Distillery (NSW)
EMERGING DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR
- BY.ARTISANS (QLD)
- Callington Mill Distillery (TAS)
- Sip & Banter Distillery (QLD)
- Dharawal Distilling Co. (NSW)
INNOVATION
- Anther Distillery (VIC)
- Milton Distillery (QLD)
- Archie Rose Distilling Co. (NSW)
SUSTAINABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY
- Four Pillars Distillery (VIC)
- Furneaux Distillery (TAS)
- Callington Mill Distillery (TAS)
SAFETY
- Callington Mill Distillery (TAS)
- Greenbanks Tasmanian Whisky Co. (TAS)
- Imperial Measures / Dock Distilling Group (SA)