Adnams, the Suffolk-based brewer and distiller – or perhaps that should now be ‘distiller and brewer’ – has won the prestigious Gin Trophy at this year’s International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), less than three years after its Copper House Distillery first opened its doors.
Top honours
Judges at the IWSC, one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions, awarded Adnams’ Copper House Distilled Gin the top honours, having already commended it with a Gold Outstanding Medal. An IWSC judge described the spirit as “a creamy, sweetly-spiced satisfying gin that is inviting and engaging. It’s ample, bold and complex with well-balanced notes of cardamom, nutmeg and bark. A beautifully crafted example.”
The Gin Trophy topped off a plethora of awards for Adnams’ spirits this year, with the Suffolk distillery scooping six other medals at the same competition. Adnams Copper House Distilled Gin also won a Gold Outstanding medal. Other medals were: Gold for Adnams Spirit of Broadside; silver medals for First Rate Gin, Absinthe Verte and Absinthe Rouge; and a bronze medal for Adnams Copper House Barley Vodka.
Jonathan Adnams, Chairman of Adnams, commented: “We are thrilled to have been recognised with such a prestigious award at this international competition. It is only three years since we built the Copper House Distillery in the heart of the Adnams brewery and we have worked extremely hard to create world-class products for our customers. These awards, in particular the coveted Gin Trophy, really mark the success we have achieved in such a short period of time.
‘Grain to glass’ approach
“We take huge pride in the fact that our small-batch spirits are being successfully judged on a global stage. Part of the uniqueness of Adnams spirits is our ‘grain to glass’ approach, which we believe sets us apart from others. With over 140 years of brewing expertise, we have great confidence in the use of raw materials to achieve the distinctive flavours of our award-winning spirits and liqueurs.”
Anna Grant, Head of Sales & Marketing, IWSC Group Ltd said: “We at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, are delighted with Adnams’ Copper House Distillery’s success in the 2013 Competition. With entries up 20% into the Gin category (making this a record year for Gin), the competition was fiercer than ever for the coveted Gin Trophy. The win is a great tribute to local, handcrafted spirits and to Adnams for their innovative approach to distilling.”
Next for Adnams…
In December this year Adnams will launch two whiskies which have been slowly maturing in oak casks within the brewery cellars since 2010. The company is running a ‘List of interest’ on its website where customers can sign up to hear the latest news about the whisky in the lead up to the launch.
Picture of Adnams Distillery by Anthony Cullen
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