A GOLD Coast Hinterland distillery has again shown the rest of the world how to make quality spirits and liqueurs. Tamborine Mountain Distillery was given a three gold star award for its Australian Bush Herbal Liqueur at the prestigious International Taste and Quality Institute (iTQi) awards in Belgium.

The liqueur is the result of two years of experimentation with Australian native leaves, including lemon myrtle, aniseed myrtle, native peppermint and eucalyptus, to create a unique Australian flavour.

"A premier competition of its kind in the world, the iTQi's aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs, so to win gold, is a sensational achievement," said Wine Industry Development Minister, Margaret Keech.