Australian distillers have been well represented at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), with 100 different local products picking up gold or double gold medals. Nicknamed ‘The Oscars of Booze’, the SFWSC is one of the foremost spirits contests in the world, and the oldest in North America. Held over two weeks in April, the competition saw approximately 5,000 different spirits judged by a panel of 70 experts from around the world.

Australia’s best vodkas have been revealed at the World Vodka Awards, which has named country winners in four categories: Flavoured Vodka, Infused/Botanical Vodka, Pure Neutral Vodka and Varietal Vodka. The awards also named the medal winners in each category, with 17 Australian vodkas gaining recognition.

Meet the standout local drinks brands that were voted the state's favourites as part of the BWS Local Luvvas initiative.

The results are in from BWS’s Local Luvva campaign, which saw customers vote for the local drinks they wanted to see more of in store.

At The Boatbuilders Yard and Polly Woodside in Melbourne, the popular festival rounded up 23 boutique gin producers.

When it comes to farming, change ensures long-term survival.

Ruby Daly from the Hellfire Bluff Distillery is turning potatoes into gin.(ABC News: Annah Fromberg)

What do two Australian farmers of the year, a dairy farmer, a potato grower and an IT expert have in common?

Gerard and Susie Daly grow about 5000 tonnes of Nicola, Pink Eye and Red Rascal potatoes a year on their 530ha Dunalley farm.