Scottish Gin Awards 2020 Round-Up

Now in its fourth year, the Scottish Gin Awards 2020 went virtual this year and saw Scotland’s Gin industry gather digitally for an awards ceremony like no other. Normally the Scottish Gin Awards ceremony is held in Glasgow with an all-singing, all-dancing glitzy evening for excellent food, the very best Scottish Gins, laughter, camaraderie and a wonderful evening of celebrating the industry we love. With on-going lockdowns, social distancing and travel restrictions in place, the team at KD Media had to adapt quickly to the changing restrictions, which meant this year’s in-person event was not an option.

The restrictions also impacted the judging process and saw the judging process go online. Under the watchful eye and carefully coordinated procedures that normally govern the in-person judging, Cara Technologies with KD Media implemented a new online judging process. This process allowed judges to register their scores online across the various gin categories that were being judged. As part of the judging panel for this year, we were impressed by the technology and the way the judging was undertaken.

The event this year also moved online and saw guests, nominees and participants gather online at their digital tables. With a live stream of the awards, mixed with some pre-recorded segments, host Des Clarke kept the celebrations rolling with his ever astute wit and humour.

We often highlight the amazing work that Scotland’s gin makers and brand owners undertake. Innovative renewable energy schemes for powering their distilleries, partnerships with innovative packaging suppliers, creative, strategic solutions that help push and inspire the Scottish Gin industry forward. And the Scottish Gin and spirts supply chain is also a place of innovation, problem solving and delivering solutions that make the industry better. We have to say the team at KD Media did an outstanding job of not only making the event happen on the night but all their hard work, time, investment and dedication to putting on a celebration the Scottish Gin industry could be part of, was amazing to see, witness and enjoy.

The judging process and awards event were fantastic and once again reiterated why KD Media are Scotland’s events specialists. It’s also a reminder why businesses who champion and support the Scottish Gin industry are important to the on-going growth of the sector. A big congratulations to all winners and nominees on the night.

We have to give a big congratulations to all our members who won a total of 22 awards including Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, Gin of The Year, London Dry Gin of the Year, High Strength Gin of the Year, Gin Liqueur of the Year, Flavoured Gin of the Year, Fruit Flavoured Gin of the Year, Old Tom Gin of the Year, Best Newcomer, Growth Business of the Year, Best Marketing Campaign, Excellence in Sustainability and Scottish Gin Destination of the Year. 

Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year

Crafty Distillery, makers of Hills & Harbour Gin

Gin of The Year

Mackintosh Pineapple & Grapefruit Old Tom Gin, Mackintosh Gin (Distillutions)

London Dry Gin of the Year

Gold Award: Lind & Lime Gin – Port of Leith Distillery

Silver: Eidyn Gin – Aldi (The Old Curiosity Distillery)

Bronze: Purist Gin – Purist Gin (Distillutions)

Distilled Gin of the Year

Gold: Isle of Bute Gorse Gin – Isle of Bute Distillery

Silver: Rule Gin – Bloodline Spirits

Bronze: Wild Rose Gin – Tayport Distillery

High Strength Gin of the Year

Gold: Tarbert Legbiter Navy Strength Gin – Beinn an Tuirc Distillers

Silver: Mackintosh Mariner Strength Gin – Mackintosh Gin (Distillutions)

Bronze: Edinburgh Gin Cannonball – Edinburgh Gin

Gin Liqueur of the Year

Gold: El:gin Moray Berry – El:gin Findrassie Distillery

Silver: Edinburgh Gin Raspberry Gin Liqueur – Edinburgh Gin

Bronze: Redcastle Raspberry & Pomegranate Gin Liqueur – Toll House Spirits (Distillutions)

Flavoured Gin of the Year

Gold: El:gin Speyside Heather Honey – El:gin Findrassie Distillery

Silver: McQueen Premium Pink Gin – McQueen Gin

Bronze: Rose & Cardamom – Kinrara Distillery

Fruit Flavoured Gin of the Year

Gold: Toradh Rhubarb & Ginger Gin – Aldi (McQueen Gin)

Silver: Edinburgh Gin Lemon & Jasmine Gin – Edinburgh Gin

Bronze: Crabbie’s Citrus Orange Gin, George Crabbie Edition – John Crabbie & Co

Old Tom Gin of the Year

Gold: Mackintosh Pineapple & Grapefruit Old Tom Gin, Mackintosh Gin (Distillutions)

Silver: Makar Old Tom Gin – Glasgow Distillery Company

Bronze: South Loch Black Raspberry Old Tom – South Loch Gin Distillery at 56 North

Best Newcomer

Seven Crofts Gin – Highland Liquor Company

Growth Business of the Year

John Crabbie & Co

Best Marketing Campaign

Edinburgh Gin for “Filled with Wonder”

Excellence in Sustainability

Beinn an Tuirc Distillers

Scottish Gin Destination of the Year

Darnley’s Gin

Excellence in Branding

Eden Mill St. Andrews

Best Brand Experience

Eden Mill St. Andrews

Product Development Team of the Year

Eden Mill St. Andrews