CLASSIC GIN
Judged by Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling
GOLD
Copas Small Batch Rosemary Gin – “Copas is a well-rounded blend of botanicals that shows through the finishing product. It would be perfect in a negroni, garnished with rosemary.”
Orkney Gin Company, Aatta Gin – “Aatta is rich and smooth and very well-balanced. It’s juniper-heavy, so would make a nice crisp dry martini or would be perfect in just a classic gin and tonic.”
Dyfi Distillery Pollination Gin – “Dyfi Distillery Pollination has a wonderful aroma for a classic and versatile gin. It definitely showcases an incredible combination of botanicals.”
SILVER
Highclere Castle Gin Lenzie Gin Exeter Gin Ivaar The Boneless Silverstone Distillery, Club 80 Navy Strength Gin Shorty’s Gins, United We Stand Gin Tiger Gin
VODKA
Judged by the ‘King of Cocktails’ and TV personality Merlin Griffiths
GOLD
Orkney Gin Company, Orkney Vodka – “From the elegant and stylish bottle, redolent of quality, through to the clean and crisp liquid inside, Orkney Vodka excels. Fresh lemon zest, pink grapefruit and juniper-esque fragrance lead the nose. A silky-smooth mouthfeel delivers liquorice sweetness and pink peppercorn spice. Is it fair to call a vodka satisfying? I think in this case, yes, it is.”
Royal Mash Vintage Vodka 2020 – “As one would want from a potato vodka, Royal Mash is creamy and silky with a full and powerful texture. This is very nice, with soft cream soda flavours and a touch of dark fruit encouraged by the copper pot still. A nice bit of distilling.”
Deerness Distillery, Into the Wild Vodka – “An excellent well-rounded vodka. Lightly zesty, smooth and with hints of cinnamon and white pepper, the spirit is fulsome and oily on the palate. The finish has a lightly salted feel similar to samphire, with a savoury edge.”
SILVER
58 and Co., Triple Distilled Vodka
FLAVOURED GIN
Judged by Michelin star restaurateur David Moore, owner of Pied à Terre
GOLD
Highclere Castle Barrel Aged Gin – “A labour of love, an extremely high quality product with matching price point. Rich, rounded (from the oak) and complex – a special occasion tipple.”
58 and Co., Apple & Hibiscus Gin – “Lovely botanicals, with a light blush coming from the hibiscus, subtle floral notes and elegant balance.”
Peak Ales, Chatsworth Small Batch Rose Pink Gin– “Floral notes abound in this gin, tussling with juniper, lemon and herbal scents, it dances on the pa
