Local Distilleries Shine at 2024 Perth Royal Food Awards

Variations Distillery and Little Stiller have both been recognized with champion awards at the 2024 Perth Royal Food Awards, celebrating excellence in distilled spirits.

At the awards ceremony held last week, Variations Distillery secured the title of champion gin, along with gold and silver medals for their exceptional spirits.

Established in 2021, this Ravenswood-based distillery is operated by three husband-and-wife teams.

Part-owner Nic Willis, wife of head distiller Saul Hart, expressed immense pride in the dedication and creativity that led to these accolades.

“These achievements reflect Saul’s hard work and commitment to excellence,” she said.

“This recognition is truly a team effort; we feel both proud and humbled to share it with our wonderful community.”

Meanwhile, Little Stiller, located on the Mandurah foreshore, received the champion award in the alternative spirit category for its meticulously crafted coffee vodka.

Part-owner Jiah Minifie shared that the product underwent over a year of testing and refinement before achieving perfection.

“We failed quite a lot of times on that product before we finally got it right,” he said.

“A lot of hard work and passion went into it, so we were over the moon receiving the champion award. It’s something we’re really proud of, so being recognized by our peers for this has blown us away.”

These awards highlight the growing prominence of local distilleries in the region.

In addition to these successes, the area is experiencing significant developments.

In Ravenswood, a 33.4-hectare site along the Murray River is set for a 360-lot subdivision, promising to enhance the community’s growth and appeal.

Furthermore, the iconic Ravenswood Hotel, located approximately 500 meters from the Ravenswood Waters estate, continues to be a central hub for residents and visitors alike.

In Mandurah, the Peel Health Campus is undergoing a redevelopment to expand services and upgrade facilities, aiming to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.

Additionally, the construction of an additional bridge next to the existing Mandurah Estuary Bridge is underway, expected to improve traffic flow and connectivity upon its completion in late 2025.

These developments, coupled with the recent accolades for local distilleries, underscore the dynamic growth and vibrancy of the Mandurah and Ravenswood communities.

Residents and visitors can look forward to a blend of tradition and innovation, as the region continues to flourish.