The Gin Cooperative Awards 2025, now in its fourth year, once again saw a wide and varied number of entries from established and new Scottish Gin brands. The Scottish Gins entered this year covered a range of recognised gin styles with solid representation across London Dry Scottish Gin, Distilled Scottish Gin, Flavoured Scottish Gin, Old Tom Scottish Gin and Navy Strength Scottish Gin. Similar to other years we had no Cask Aged Scottish Gin entries this year.
Since we launched in 2022, our awards programme has continued to evolve, with the addition of new awards, growing the judging panel to what is now the largest recorded judging panel of any spirits competition, with every judge carefully selected. We’ve continue to look at how our Judges’ Guide can be improved to provide not only a tool for guiding the judges through the judging process, how to prepare their samples, but also best practice for judging, industry tips and insight.
This year we introduced a new Seasonal Scottish Gin Award to recognise the seasonal Scottish Gins. These are Scottish Gins were inspired by a Scottish season for example winter, summer or seasonal theme, for example Christmas.
Our judging panel of 72 judges underwent a few changes this year with some of our regular judges who had been with us since we launched our awards in 2022 decide to take a break for judging. We are grateful for all the time, support and commitment these judges have dedicated to judging over the years. These changes also meant we’ve added some new faces to the judging panel for 2025.
Like previous years our 2025 awards judging panel featured 72 judges: 24 industry judges, 24 consumer judges, and 24 community judges divided into 8 judging groups. Each group featured three industry judges, three consumer judges and three community judges.
Each of the eight judging groups included three industry judges, three consumer judges, and three community judges who were all provided with a group of samples and packaging for review and assessment. Every sample had 72 individual scoring elements that were used to provide the final scores covering taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
Judges were given our in-depth judging guide covering every aspect of judging, including our scoring system. Our scoring system has been designed so each score is allocated weight and meaning, so the judges know what a score of 5 for palate represents compared to a score of 5.5, rather than it being left up to the judges to interpret what a score of 5 represents. The judge’s guide also covers how to prepare the samples, hints and tips for judging best practices, and how to judge the samples safely, fairly, and consistently. We also had some new judges across the community and consumer judging panels, all carefully selected.
Judges were also sent Walter Gregor’s Original Tonic for the Scottish Gin and Tonic judging element and a Glencairn glass as a thank you for their time and help.
Although we have the largest publicly documented judging panel of any spirits competition, including Scottish Gin, all our judges have been carefully selected to reflect industry, community and consumer, with many across all three judging panels holding various WSET qualifications or judging experience from other competitions.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our judges for their time, dedication, and the insightful judging notes they provided. These notes will be shared with the entrants once the final winners are announced later this month. We understand that judging any spirit is a time-consuming and challenging task, requiring judges to set aside personal preferences. We are once again delighted with the quality of judging and the hard work our panel has put in to ensure that the scores accurately reflect their sensory experiences. Thank you judges for another amazing effort.
Samples were sent out to judges across the UK using Flexi-Hex packaging to ensure all samples were received safely. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Entries covered a wide number of gin styles, including Flavoured, Old Tom and London Dry. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Thank you to our 2025 award sponsors for their time and support this year. It’s a testament to our awards programme that we have a range of key supply chain sponsors involved with our awards; great businesses that play a crucial role in supporting and championing the Scottish Gin category and the broader Scottish drinks and spirits industry.
Last but not least, thank you to all Scottish Gin business and brands who took the time to enter The Gin Cooperative Awards 2025. Scottish Gin and the wider gin category have and continue to face a wide range of challenges, perhaps more now than ever before. Our awards has and always will be about showcasing the Scottish Gin brands, producers and the amazing Scottish Gins available. We are very grateful to all the brilliant Scottish Gin brands and producers who took the time to enter the awards this year. Thank you.
Judges feedback will be provided to all entrants once the winners are announced.
Congratulations to all finalists listed below, and good luck. We look forward to sharing the Gold, Silver, Bronze winners and any Highly Commended winners via The Gin Cooperative website and social media channels on Monday 24th of November, 2025.
Judges were provided with the signature original tonic from Walter Gregor's to aid with the Gin & Tonic judging. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Judges were provided with a highly detailed, in-depth judges guide. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin of The Year Award 2025 – sponsored by Flexi-Hex; innovative Packaging for Shipping Spirits.
Scottish Gin of The Year Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging, across all taste award categories.
The winners of Scottish Gin of The Year 2025 will be announced on Monday 24th of November, 2025.
Scottish Gin of The Year Award 2025 - sponsored by Flexi-Hex; innovative Packaging for Shipping Spirits. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin of The Year Award 2025 Winners will be announced on Monday 24th of November, 2025. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award 2025 – sponsored by The Gin Cooperative – The global resource for all things Scottish Gin.
Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award is awarded to a brand, business or individual who has had a positive and tangible impact on the Scottish Gin category. The winner of this award is selected by The Gin Cooperative.
Since 2017 we’ve contributed in our own way to the Scottish Gin category, driven by our passion for the category and the many unique aspects of the industry that make it special. We’ve met countless people, from distillers and brand ambassadors to professors, tour guides, mixologists, and everything else in between.
Our industry insight has provided us with a wealth of knowledge and led to many conversations about which businesses, organisations and individuals have positively contributed to the growth, success and promotion of the Scottish Gin category.
The Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award, awarded by The Gin Cooperative each year, recognises the importance and value these businesses, organisations, and individuals contribute to the Scottish Gin category.
The winner of this award is selected by The Gin Cooperative and is based on our own industry knowledge and insight. There is only one award presented in this category. The winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award 2025 will be announced on Monday 24th of November, 2025.
Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award 2025 - sponsored by The Gin Cooperative; The global resource for all things Scottish Gin.
The Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Gin Award 2024 was awarded to The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), Heriot-Watt University. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 – sponsored by Walter Gregor’s – premium Scottish tonic.
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the three highest scores for taste as a gin and tonic, across all taste award categories.
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists are:
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Walter Gregor’s - premium Scottish tonic. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Walter Gregor’s - premium Scottish tonic. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Walter Gregor’s - premium Scottish tonic. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Walter Gregor’s - premium Scottish tonic. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Walter Gregor’s - premium Scottish tonic. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin and Tonic Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Walter Gregor’s - premium Scottish tonic. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 – sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons – premium corks, capsules and closures.
Scottish Gin Packaging Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for bottle and packaging design, and shelf appeal.
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists are:
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons - premium corks, capsules and closures. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons - premium corks, capsules and closures. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons - premium corks, capsules and closures. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons - premium corks, capsules and closures. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons - premium corks, capsules and closures. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Scottish Gin Packaging Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons - premium corks, capsules and closures. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
New Scottish Gin Award 2025 – sponsored by CRE-ATE – Website Design, Branding, Marketing, 3D Animation.
New Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging, released in the last 12 months.
New Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
New Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by CRE-ATE; Website Design, Branding, Marketing, 3D Animation. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
New Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by CRE-ATE; Website Design, Branding, Marketing, 3D Animation. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
New Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by CRE-ATE; Website Design, Branding, Marketing, 3D Animation. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
New Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists - sponsored by CRE-ATE; Website Design, Branding, Marketing, 3D Animation. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
New for 2025, the Seasonal Scottish Gin Award. The Seasonal Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three seasonal themed Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
Seasonal Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
Seasonal Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Seasonal Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
The Seasonal Scottish Gin Award was introduced to recognise the Scottish Gins that were inspired by a Scottish season for example winter, summer or seasonal theme, for example Christmas. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
London Dry Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three London Dry Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
London Dry Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Distilled Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three Distilled Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Distilled Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Old Tom Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three Old Tom Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
Old Tom Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
Old Tom Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Old Tom Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Old Tom Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Old Tom Gin is sweeter style of gin. Normally, sugar or honey or syrups are added to create a sweet style gin. Pic: Used under licence.
Navy Strength Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three Navy Strength Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
Navy Strength Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
Navy Strength Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Navy Strength Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Navy Strength Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
The term ‘Navy Strength’ was never historically used and was actually created by Plymouth Gin in the 1990s as part of their advertising and marketing. Pic: Used under licence.
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award is awarded to the three Flavoured Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging.
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists are:
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Flavoured Scottish Gin Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Industry Judges Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging, scored by the Industry Judging panel.
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists are:
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Industry Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Community Judges Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging, scored by the Community Judging panel.
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists are:
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Community Judges Award 2025 Finalists. Pic: ©The Gin Cooperative
Consumer Judges Award 2025 – sponsored by ScottishGin.com, our sister company, The specialist online Scottish Gin shop.
Consumer Judges Award is awarded to the three Scottish Gins with the highest combined scores for taste neat, taste as a gin and tonic, and packaging, scored by the Consumer Judging panel.
Consumer Judges Award 2025 Finalists are:
Consumer Judges Award 2025 - sponsored by ScottishGin.com; our sister company, The online specialist Scottish Gin shop.
Consumer Judges Award 2025 - sponsored by ScottishGin.com; our sister company, The online specialist Scottish Gin shop.
Consumer Judges Award 2025 - sponsored by ScottishGin.com; our sister company, The online specialist Scottish Gin shop.
Consumer Judges Award 2025 - sponsored by ScottishGin.com; our sister company, The online specialist Scottish Gin shop.
Consumer Judges Award 2025 - sponsored by ScottishGin.com; our sister company, The online specialist Scottish Gin shop.
Consumer Judges Award 2025 - sponsored by ScottishGin.com; our sister company, The online specialist Scottish Gin shop.
Winners Announcement
Once again, congratulations to all the finalists who made it to this stage in The Gin Cooperative Awards 2025, good luck. Winners will be announced later this month via The Gin Cooperative website and social media channels.
Thank You
To all the brilliant Scottish Gin brands and producers who took the time to enter the awards this year, thank you. To our amazing judges for their hard work, time, energy and support with this year’s judging, thank you. To all our super sponsors from across the Scottish Gin and wider food, drinks and spirits supply chain who have supported this year’s awards, thank you.
The Gin Cooperative Awards Sponsorship Opportunties
Sponsorship package’s are available for The Gin Cooperative Awards, contact us today to learn more about how your business and brand can be involved. Email: martin@thegincooperative.com
Learn more about The Gin Cooperative Awards by visiting the links below.