Hawkesbury Local Wins at the International Wine and Spirit Competition
Ally Ayres, co-founder of Hawkesbury-based Karu Distillery, won in this year’s International Wine and Spirit Competition, taking home the Emerging Talent in Spirits Award in April 2025, the first Australian to do so.
The IWSC has been a yearly competition for wines and spirits since its inception by Anton Massel in the 1970s, attracting entries from individuals around the world.
This year’s trophies include Emerging Talent Trophies, Producer Trophies (incl. Spirits, Wine, Alternative Drinks, Outstanding Producers), Wine Communicator Trophy, and Spirits Communicator Trophy.
Specialty Drinks Head Buyer Dawn Davies MW, and Journalist & Spirits Consultant Olivier Ward judged Ally’s work.
Dawn mentioned that Ally has “an enthusiasm and zest for life, that sheer energy. I think it’s energy that we need at this time in this industry, especially in the gin category.”
While Olivier continued, “She brings personality that really comes through in the product. Ally has an individual voice, and it makes her work stand out as a truly disruptive force.”
Couple Ally and Nick Ayres had set their sights on winning an IWSC trophy since 2018: “The IWSC is like the Oscars of our industry. It’s the highest achievement (in my eyes anyway) that you can reach for your spirits,” Ally said.
“They opened up a ‘Talent Award’ for multiple categories across the spirits industry. I was fortunate to be shortlisted 3 times all up for the ‘Emerging Talent in Spirits’ and on the third time, ended up winning the trophy.”
The multi-awarded local distillery, established in 2018 at Grose Vale, has continued to rack up wins ever since. Ally’s win at the IWSC is a personal achievement not solely based on their spirits but on their journey and the accolades they have earned over the years.
“I’d go to bed thinking ‘what if I wake up and I get it! or what if I go to bed and I don’t get it?’ or ‘Did I leave something out that was important?’ You always look at the other shortlisters too and they are all really impressive powerhouses, it’s hard not to compare yourself to their greatness,” she said.
The couple has been busy juggling operations, attending back-to-back events, and representing NSW in the US at Expo West. Back in Grose Vale, Ally tells the Hills to Hawkesbury Community News what to watch out for.
“Our rotation of Specialty Casks Rums is growing, so we have some really unique and tasty things coming up there in the Outcask Wild Rum space, which I always look forward to. We’re bringing back an old favourite by popular demand, but with a new look!”
While they say there’s still a lot to work on, Ally and Nick are currently focusing on making customer experiences better. To learn more about the Karu Distillery, visit their website at https://karudistillery.com.au.
