The national awards programme which celebrates excellence in Scottish gin has revealed the best gins made in Scotland as part of its 6th annual competition. The Scottish Gin Awards, one of the largest gin competitions in the UK, following a judging process involving 46 leading experts, the assessment of 63 written entries and the blind tasting of over 200 gins, all distilled in Scotland.
The ultimate award, Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, was presented to North Uist Distillery who have created a formidable business with an impressive range of gins. They also collected the award for Excellent in Branding.
In the highly sought after taste competition, 12 Gold Medals were presented with Caorunn, Edinburgh Gin, Holyrood Distillery and Isle of Bute each collecting 2 golds each. Holyrood Distillery and Eden Mill tied in first place for the most amount of medals achieved with each of them taking home 4 medal positions.
Start up gin businesses including Fassfern Distillery and Rutland Square Gin also collected medals, with Rutland Square Gin, made under contract at Summerhall Distillery, collecting the Gold Medal for Best Flavoured Gin.
21 Brands achieved medal status and 8 brands collected Gold Medals.
Chair of the judging panel, Adam Hardie, Partner and Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmichael, commented, “Do not underestimate how difficult the conditions are just now for Scottish Gin distillers across Scotland.
“To have medalled in the Scottish Gin Awards this year is a phenomenal achievement and these results shine a light on those businesses which have excelled under pressure and can deliver excellent product whatever the weather holds.
“Congratulations to all our winners across the country.”