SCOTTISH distillers more than held their own against rivals from around the world at the recent Gin Guide Awards.
Producers including 1881, North Point and Dark Art Distillery all picked up awards in various categories, beating entrants from scores of other countries.
Caithness-based North Point Distillery picked up three awards from the scheme, with the distillery’s Burgh Island London Dry Gin named a winner in the Traditional Gin (up to 42% ABV) category – which is determined by a blind taste test – and its Crosskirk Bay Gin one of the winners in the Design & Branding category.
The company itself was named as a winner in the Environmental Sustainability category.
Elsewhere, 1881 Distillery – which is owned by the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels and located at the company’s Peebles Hydro hotel – was named a winner in the High ABV Gin (over 53% ABV) category for its Honours Navy Strength gin, with the gin also holding the distinction of being the highest-rated in Scotland for its flavour.
1881 brand manager Charlie Leckie said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised in The Gin Guide Awards for yet another year. We pride ourselves on creating exciting, delicious gins which celebrate Peebles Hydro’s rich heritage and the people the hotel has welcomed over the years.
“This could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from our fantastic team.
“The enthusiasm and energy they bring is unmatched, and it’s that edge which I believe gives our gins the true gold standard.”
Other Scottish winners included Dark Art Distillery, which was a winner in the Design & Branding category, and The Biggar Gin Co, which was named a winner in the Aged Gin category for its Biggar Cask Aged Gin.
Drinks giant Diageo was a winner in the Traditional Gin (over 42% ABV) category for Tanqueray No.10, which is produced in Scotland.
