Announcing the winner of the 2025 IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Award

Today we are pleased to announce the winner of the IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Award. This category invites applications from a wide range of roles in the spirits industry, including production, operations, sales, marketing, and finance.

This year's winner is an entrepreneur who co-founded her business in 2018. She was commended by the judges for her energy, broad involvement in the business, and her passion. She not only leads operations and distilling but also finds the time to cover brand management, communications, and education.

Congratulations to Ally Ayres, winner of this year’s Emerging Talent in Spirits Award and co-founder of Karu Distillery in Australia.

Judge Dawn Davies MW commented 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.” Olivier Ward 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.”

Distilling Dreams into Reality
From an idea born over a glass of whisky in the back room of her home to a thriving career in spirits, Ally Ayres has reshaped what it means to be a modern distiller. Ally exemplifies innovation, authenticity, and leadership. Based in Australia, she co-founded Karu Distillery, a brand now renowned for its dynamic, hands-on approach to spirit creation and consumer engagement.

Ally's journey into the drinks industry started with a deep passion for taste and storytelling. What set her apart from the outset was a rare combination of scientific curiosity and artistic creativity. Entirely self-taught, she approached the steep learning curve of distillation with perseverance, taking the wise advice of a mentor to tackle challenges "one bite at a time." Today, she brings that same spirit of openness and encouragement to her work, helping newcomers feel at home in the vibrant world of spirits.

A Fresh Approach to Consumer Connection
At Karu Distillery, Ally has worked tirelessly to demystify spirits for consumers. Her philosophy is simple yet impactful: people crave authenticity. Under her leadership, Karu connects directly with customers through markets, festivals, and masterclasses, offering behind-the-scenes insights into spirit production. Whether it's showcasing botanicals or running tastings that break down complex processes into relatable experiences, Ayres ensures that every interaction leaves a lasting impression.

Her efforts are backed by a track record of award-winning products, bolstering Karu's reputation for excellence. On digital platforms, she shares personal stories and production snapshots, fostering transparency and building trust. Winning the IWSC award is a testament to Ally’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, and her plans to use the prize bursary to deepen her knowledge of Australian rum ingredients will no doubt propel her influence even further.

The IWSC Emerging Talent Award in Spirits is kindly sponsored by Komoro (Karuizawa Distillers)