Gin produced in the North-east of Scotland in Aberdeenshire has been recognised as the best in the world at the recent International Wine and Spirit Competition. The annual spirits tasting event which took place at London’s Vintners’ Hall on July 26, awarded four gin producers based in the Aberdeenshire region with over a quarter of the possible prizes in the gin category.
Nikki Morris-Laing, marketing director of VisitAberdeenshire said, “Aberdeenshire has always had a strong association with food and drink thanks to the high quality of our local produce, from fresh sea food, to Aberdeen Angus beef and whisky. The success of the recent emerging growth market in gin production in Aberdeenshire has been incredible. All of the prize-winning gins have been in production for less than two years, and to already be recognised as among the best in the world is something we can definitely raise a glass to.
“The global gin industry is expanding rapidly, with latest figures between January and October 2016 showing the export of Scottish gin had increased to nearly £400m, an 11% increase from 2015. There is clearly a growing demand for Scottish gin around the world, and Aberdeen is leading the way, further strengthening the region’s reputation as a top food and drink destination where visitors can sample the home of their favourite drink.”
Porter’s Gin was recognised as the top gin at last year’s ceremony, and this year received the bronze awards for the categories best gin and best gin and tonic. Ben Iravani, co-founder of Porter’s Gin said, “The International Wine and Spirit Competition provides a global recognition of excellence, and receiving an award is a real statement of quality. In recent years gin has taken centre stage in the world of spirits, and for Aberdeenshire, a region known as a fine food and drink destination, it seems like a natural progression for us to evolve and continue to lead and create new world class produce.”
Esker Gin was awarded the top accolade in the gin tasting category and silver in the gin and tonic tasting. Steven Duthie, director of Esker Gin said, “We only launched Esker Gin in June last year, so to win the top prize in the first time of entering the competition is fantastic, particularly when there are so many great gins on the market. Our location in Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire has played a significant role in the flavour of our gin and winning this amazing award, as it has given us access to botanicals which make Esker Gin unique.”
Award Winners
Esker Gin. Gold in gin (sampled neat). Silver in gin and tonic.
Porters Gin. Bronze in gin (sampled neat). Bronze in gin and tonic.
House of Elrick. Bronze in gin and tonic. Bronze in packaging.
Lonewolf Gin. Silver in gin (sampled neat).
