About Us
Our team is comprised of people with a genuine love for rum and our fellow afficionados, and we seek to set the gold standard when it comes to our favourite spirit.
When we say we work ‘tirelessly’ we’re not using this term lightly. Last year we launched the first Australian Rum Awards, hosted the Rum Revolution Festival (twice!) and established Rum Runner, the first Australia-wide rum subscription service. Why? Because we love rum. And if the last year has taught us anything, it is that we are not alone.
Australia has a close-knit relationship with rum.
The country currently has over fifty distilleries producing world-class rum and cane spirits, many of which have only been established within the last decade, and we feel it is important to shine a spotlight on their outstanding products. Rum, in our opinion, is the most underestimated of original spirits.
There are little to no opportunities for rum distilleries to showcase their products in a competitive, high-stakes setting and the creation of the Australian International Rum Awards is our attempt to set things right.
Our goal is to create a competition that will be genuinely beneficial for all participating artisans, no matter where their spirits originate.
What Does AIRA Mean for You?
When you submit one (or more) of your best product to AIRA, you are entering a competition with the potential to elevate your product’s standing in the international rum community beyond measure. It is our goal to open up the Australian market to international rums – including smaller boutique distilleries – and, by extension, showcase our home-distilled spirits on an international stage.
Your submission will be judged by an impartial panel of industry experts, who will provide you with valuable feedback via their combined tasting notes – no matter whether you place in a medal or trophy category or not.
By simply entering the AIRA, you are automatically extending your network in the rum world and are bound to make some useful contacts for future trades and ventures.
If your product stands out enough to win a trophy and/or medal (ranging from Double Gold to Bronze), you can count on international promotions that are bound to boost your profile and sales.
Medal and trophy stickers will be made available to winning entries, so you can shout your accomplishment from the rooftops – or the shelves.
As this is the first event of its kind to be hosted in Australia, you also get to be part of making rum history – and there is nothing quite like that.
The planning and execution of the inaugural Australian International Rum Awards has been a truly exciting time and we are thrilled to welcome you to our community. We look forward to your submission and are available for contact if you have any further questions.