Spirited release: Meet Australia's oldest - and most expensive - bottle

Meet the most expensive standard bottle of spirits made in Australia. It will cost you almost $5,000. 

The special release - only 500 bottles were made - marks the100th distilling season, in 2025, at St Agnes Distillery. 

The newly unveiled St Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve, is the oldest bottled spirit ever produced in Australia.

The XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve brandy 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 night. 

The limited release sets a new benchmark as the most expensive Australian spirit with a price tag of $4800. 

Crafted from parcels of brandy distilled between 1953 and 1972 and aged in the Angove family's historic Riverland barrel halls, this strictly limited release honours five generations of distilling at Australia’s oldest family-run distillery.

“This release is the pinnacle of our century-long pursuit of greatness,” said Richard Angove, co-managing director of St Agnes Distillery.

“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.”

Celebrations are planned throughout 2025 in both Adelaide and Renmark.

Founded in 1925 by Carl Angove, St Agnes Distillery also produces Blind Tiger Organic Gin and single malt Camborne Whisky.

Family-owned St Agnes celebrates a century of distilling

Family-owned St Agnes Distillery is celebrating a historic milestone in 2025 - the start of its 100th distilling season.

The Angove family operation is Australia’s oldest family-run distillery and a pioneer of world-class spirits in the country.

To celebrate its history, the Riverland distillery will host a series of events in Adelaide and Renmark where brandy enthusiasts and connoisseurs can immerse themselves in the heritage of distilling.

This calendar of events will include a number of exclusive tastings and dining experiences at this year’s Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond in early May.

“Reaching 100 distilling seasons is an incredible achievement,” said Richard Angove, co-managing director of St Agnes Distillery.

“This milestone reflects the dedication, skill, and passion of generations of distillers who have worked tirelessly to craft exceptional brandy right here in the Riverland.”


 

Chief winemaker Tony Ingle with Victoria and Richard Angove

Founded in 1925 by Carl Angove, the distillery has grown from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of Australian spirits manufacture.

The business is now led by the fifth generation of the Angove family, which is also known for its wine production.

“This 100th season is more than a celebration of our history - it’s a moment to look to the future,” Richard Angove said.

“We’re proud to honour our legacy while embracing what’s next for Australian spirits. Our commitment to hard work, tenacity and craftsmanship remains as strong today as it was a century ago.”

While best known for its exceptional brandy, St Agnes Distillery’s range also includes Blind Tiger Organic Gin and single malt Camborne Whisky.