"It's always an honour when folks say they like your spirits and liqueurs but it's a fabulous confidence boost to have them assessed technically at a national level and be recognised for quality," said Nathan Williams, distiller at Baker Williams Distillery.

"This year we'd submitted three products and to have all three come into a medal is really a bit of a shock".

The ADSA is the National awards program for Distilled products made in Australia and is administered by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

It is Australia's first and largest national spirits competition, established in 2015, and highlights excellence and innovation of spirits, liqueurs and bitters.

Over two days in early March the judges - comprised of leading industry experts - conduct blind taste tests and award points for appearance, nose, palate, balance and finish.

The local distillery first threw their hat into the ring in 2017 and have tasted success ever since.

Mr Williams shared credit with their small team for their success.

"This really represents growth in our business - from decisions around the blend ratios, alcohol strength, label design and of course the practical aspects of bottling and labelling these three products embody contributions from the entire team - Bek, Mike, Maria, Helen and I all worked really hard to make these products what they are."

Visitors to the region are able to taste all three medal winning spirits at Baker Williams Distillery - Single Barrel Rum; Navy Strength Gin X-XLCR and now the Whisky Barrel Aged Gin. Bottle sales are also available on site or through limited stockists.