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Best Retail Experience and Best Educational Experience

WINNER: BUNDABERG DISTILLERY, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Bundaberg put in probably the best entry overall and was unlucky not to scoop Best Visitor Centre. But the judges gave it both these awards for its retail operation and its commitment to educating visitors in the broadest sense, not just extolling the virtue of its brands. Joanne Moore particularly liked the use of props, such as a microscope, to bring to life the process of distilling. The submission also showed an excellent retail operation.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, UK

Judge Graham Cox liked the effort Bacardi had put into explaining the background to developing the Laverstoke Mill distillery, its sustainability and recycling and the distillation process involving 10 botanicals.