One of the Riverland’s most recognisable distillers has marked its 100th season by releasing a new piece of Australian spirit “history”.

Renmark’s St Agnes Distillery – operated by Angove Family winemakers – last week unveiled the St Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve brandy, the oldest bottled spirit ever produced in Australia.

The spirit was released alongside the XO 30 Year Old Centenary Reserve, at the St Agnes 100-year anniversary event, at the National Wine Centre on Friday, May 9.

St Agnes Distillery co-managing director Richard Angove said the limited release, of 500 bottles, “honours five generations of distilling excellence at Australia’s oldest family-run distillery”.

“This release is the pinnacle of our century-long pursuit of greatness,” Mr Angove said.

“When my grandfather Thomas Angove decided to distil incredibly small parcels of exceptional spirit, he wasn’t thinking about today or tomorrow – he was thinking decades ahead.

“He believed this spirit had the potential to become something truly exceptional, and that’s exactly what happened. We’ve watched and waited, allowing time to do its work, and have been rewarded with an incredible spirit that we can’t wait to share.

“It’s more than just a brandy—it’s a reflection of everything we stand for.

“This release is both a tribute to the last 100 years and a toast to what’s still to come.”

The St Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve brandy, which was unveiled to mark the distillery’s 100th season.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 21 May 2025.