Entries now open for the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is calling on Australia’s finest distillers to enter the prestigious Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show, with entries now open for one of the nation’s leading competitions celebrating excellence in spirits production.

This year’s competition features 37 classes, ranging from gin and liqueurs to Ready-to-Drink and alternative spirits, with 14 Championships up for grabs alongside the coveted Chair of Judges Annual Prize.

Celebrating excellence, innovation and craftsmanship across the nation’s spirits industry, the competition offers producers a valuable opportunity to have their products independently assessed and benchmarked against the best in the country.

The 2026 competition marks the third year of the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show and the final year the event will be judged under industry expert and Lark Distilling Co. CEO Stuart Gregor.

“While the Australian spirits industry has seen remarkable growth over the past 15 years, distilled spirits have long played a role in the rich history of Sydney Royal, with gin and rum entered in miscellaneous drinks classes as far back as the 1870s. To me, it is that legacy and depth of knowledge that makes Sydney Royal stand out for producers,” said Gregor.

“Spirits in Australia are continuing to have their moment and while many distillers, and likely entrants in this year’s show, are in their early stages of growth, the industry believes Australian spirits could and should be a $1 billion+ industry before the middle of the 2030s.

“Competitions such as the Sydney Royal are designed to help the industry achieve that by challenging producers and providing valuable external feedback. Our role as judges is twofold. To acknowledge the best Producers and help all Exhibitors hopefully ‘improve the breed’ and for us to let consumers know who we think are the best Producers in the land at this point of time.

“I encourage all Australian spirits producers to put themselves to the test and enter this year’s competition - you may walk away with a coveted Sydney Royal medal or receive judges’ guidance that will help take your product to the next level.”

Entries for the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show close on Wednesday, 24 June, with judging to take place on 3–4 September at Sydney Showground.

Winners and champions will be announced at the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Awards Presentation Event on Thursday, 17 September.

With demand for premium spirits continuing to rise, the competition provides an important platform for both established and emerging distillers seeking to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Key Dates:

• Entries open: 20 May
• Entries close: 24 June
• Product delivery: Mid-August
• Judging: 3–4 September
• Awards Presentation: Thursday, 17 September

To learn more or to enter, visit www.rasnsw.com.au/distilled-spirits

Media Contact:

Nicola Dalby
Manager – Communications and Public Relations
T: (02) 9704 1041
M: 0434 579 906
E: ndalby@rasnsw.com.au

Samantha Cannings
Communications Co-ordinator 
T: (02) 9704 1453
E: scannings@rasnsw.com.au