Bright distillery's gins are the toast of Victorian awards

Bright-based family-run craft distillery, Reed & Co. Distillery, has been awarded Victoria’s Champion Gin for its NEO New World Gin at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards. The local distillery was also awarded a gold medal and the trophy for Australia’s Best New World Gin for its Neo Yuzu New World Gin at the awards held in Melbourne last week. Co-founders Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed said the awards cement Reed & Co’s reputation as a leader in Australia’s distilling innovation, craftsmanship and quality. “Winning Victoria’s Champion Gin is a dream come true,” said Hamish, who is also head distiller. “From sourcing local High Country botanicals for our gin to refining traditional Japanese techniques for our Shochu, every step we take is driven by passion and precision. “So to have our spirits recognised as some of Australia’s best is an amazing validation of their quality and the community that supports us.” In addition to the champion gin award, Reed & Co’s Koji Spirits Yuzu Chuhai canned cocktail was also named Australia’s Best Ready-to-Serve Cocktail. Reed & Co Distillery was established by restauranteurs and chefs Rachel and Hamish in Bright in 2016 while running their hatted restaurant, Tani Eat & Drink. Inspired by the Victorian High Country’s native flora, the couple produced one of Australia’s first native botanical gins, their flagship Remedy Gin, which remains a best-seller today. They then turned their attention to Japanese fermentation and pioneered Australia’s first commercial Shochu - a Japanese clear spirit which is more popular than sake in Japan. Reed and Co’s Shochu is made in a purpose-built Koji Room. The Koji Spirits range of Shochu are drinkable spirits that deliver a complexity of flavour, while being versatile enough for cocktails and Australian palates. “This recognition is about more than a trophy,” said Rachel. “As a small, regional distillery, this is an absolute labour of love and passion and we’re so grateful to our local growers, our amazing team, and our wonderful community that embraces every new step we take, and every bottle we produce. “This award shows that passion, innovation, and quality can compete on any stage.”

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