Top Drop from Balingup

Balingup has the edge when it comes to producing 'liquid gold' - taking out the top prize for award winning olive oil at this year's Perth Royal Show.

Tarnagulla Farm of Balingup has been named the Best Oil of the Show at the Perth Royal Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2013 competition.

Karridale Olive Farm took out the Best Boutique Oil of Show trophy for the second year running. It was also a second year win for Preston Valley Grove with its chilli oil claiming the Best Flavoured Oil and a silver medal.

With 15 judges sniffing, swirling and tasting 152 entries of which 22 were from interstate, the competition saw a 21 per cent increase this year.

Of the 10 gold medals awarded, WA producers claimed 6 of them - Tarnagulla Farm took home one with five more being awarded throughout the sandgroper state including Burnbrae, (Donnybrook); Torbay Olives, (Albany); Karridale Olive Farm, (Karridale); Meelup Grove, (Dunsborough); Regans Ford Estate, (Gingin). The remaining four gold medals went to the eastern seaboard.

Award winning olive oils will be on display at the IGA Perth Royal Show - IGA Fresh from WA Pavilion, from Saturday, September 28 to October 5.

The judging was again led by Australia's best known olive oil taster, Richard Gawel.

"The best oils were fresh and most importantly, complex in their aroma and flavour profiles," he said.

"The best of class winners were diverse in their varietal make-up and overall style which indicates a healthy acceptance of diversity on the part of the judges."