Cider Australia has announced the winners of its 2019 Australian Cider Awards at a gala dinner in Melbourne this evening.

Barossa Cider Co – Squashed Apple Cider from South Australia won ‘Best in Show’, ‘Best New World Cider’ and ‘Best Australian Cider’ with a score of 97 in the New World Medium Sweet Cider class.

Hosted by Cider Australia, the show promotes and rewards excellence in cider production and bringstogether the Australian cider community in a celebration of the cider category’s rapid advancement.

A field of 267 Australian and international entries across 24 classes were judged by a panel of respected industry professionals including visiting guest judge Tom Oliver from Oliver’s Cider & Perry in the UK and Jody Scott from Zeffer Cider in New Zealand.

Of the record 16 gold medals awarded this year, 14 were won by Australian producers in a show of the outstanding skills of our local cider makers.

Within each class, bronze, silver or gold medals were awarded based on points achieved, with the highest score winning best in class and the overall category trophy.

2019 Australian Cider Award winners:

Best in Show: Barossa Cider Co – Squashed Apple Cider
Best New World Cider: Barossa Cider Co – Squashed Apple Cider
Best Traditional Cider: Kangaroo Island Ciders – Colony Cove 2018 Draught Cider
Best Perry: Small Acres Cyder – 2017 Sparkling Perry
Best Intensified / Distilled Cider or Perry: William Smith & Sons – Charles Oates Distilling Apple Blanco
Best Australian Cider or Perry: Barossa Cider Co – Squashed Apple Cider
Best International Cider or Perry: Cester Camillo – Sidro del Bosco, Italy
Most Successful Small Producer: Small Acres Cyder, New South Wales
Most Successful Larger Producer: William Smith & Sons, Tasmania

Cider Australia also honoursindividuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Australian cider industry over a prolonged period of time through itsChampion of the Industry Award.

This Award was presented jointly toDr Clive Crossley and Lynne Uptin OAM from Tasmania.

Sam Reid, president of Cider Australia, saidClive and Lynne’s passion for cider, their commitment to producing unique and high quality ciders and generosity in sharing their knowledge and love of cider with others led to their selection.

“The strength of Clive and Lynne’s international networks and friendships has been important in shaping and influencing Australian cider”, Mr Reid said.

“They arean inspiration to many cider producers in Australia and overseas and show what is possible if you retain integrity and aim for the best”, said Mr Reid.

For more information and a full list of award and medal winners visit The Cider Australia 2019 results page.