A Devonport distillery, Southern Wild Distillery, has been named the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business of the Year.

Southern Wild Distillery produces gins and other spirits, using locally grown and produced ingredients wherever possible.

The business’ vision is to bring the ‘Tasmanian spirit’ to all its beverages. Sold under the brand Dasher + Fisher, the products celebrate small local growers and the beautiful seasonal imperfections of real, local ingredients.

“Southern Wild Distillery’s aim is to bring together and showcase the natural beauty, ingredients and producers of Tasmania and its spirits,” said Co-founder and Master Distiller, George Burgess.

Mr Burgess has studied the art of perfumery in France, spent many years in the distilling industry, and also brings expertise in food technology and cheesemaking to produce an amazing array of layered aromatic finishes to the products.

Southern Wild Distillery also took home the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Emerging & Energised Award.

The Telstra Business Awards are a long standing, exclusive platform that recognise Australia’s best businesses, provide expert advice, open networking opportunities and help them gain the credibility to take their business to the next level.

Winners were chosen across four categories: Emerging & Energised, Small & Succeeding, Medium & Making Waves, and Social Change Maker.

Telstra Group Executive, Consumer & Small Business, Michael Ackland, said the winners of the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards demonstrated excellence across six key judging criteria, underpinned by a commitment to innovation and technology.

“The Tasmanian winners are shining examples of businesses doing great things in new and effective ways for their customers,” Mr Ackland said.

“They have inspired us all with their resilience, courage and incredible commitment.

“Southern Wild Distillery’s passion for Tasmania and spirits shines through its beautifully crafted products, taking distilling to a whole new level. The business’ excellent vision, expertise and business management practices impressed our judges. It is an excellent example of a Tasmanian business doing amazing things and helping to promote this beautiful region beyond its borders.”

The other category winners of the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards are:

· Family-owned dental practice, Kingston Beach Dental, won the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Small & Succeeding Award

· New Norfolk building company, Crusader Homes, won the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Medium & Making Waves Award

· Not-for-profit community organisation, Bridgewater Police & Citizens Youth Club, won the 2019 Telstra Tasmanian Social Change Maker Award

All 2019 Tasmania winners will join other state and territory category winners at the national 2019 Telstra Australian Business Awards in Melbourne on Thursday 21 November 2019.