THE debut offering from a family-run craft distillery in Cheshire has taken home a silver medal in a coveted competition.

Nantwich Gin, created by Cheshire Botanicals, was awarded by the judges at the London Spirits Competition 2021. It’s the first industry accolade for the new distillery, which launched barely six months ago in November 2020, and represents an ultimate endorsement in the global spirits industry.

The gin scored highly across the three key judging criteria of quality, value and packaging.

In addition, the homage to Nantwich has also been recognised as a finalist in this year’s Gin Guide Awards 2021.

The London Spirits Competition stands apart from other spirits competitions by awarding spirits for their drinkability.

Where other competitions focus solely on technical competence and distilling prowess, the London Spirits Competitions goes further to evaluate a spirit for its all-round excellence; the way it tastes, looks and the value it provides.

As lockdown lifts and the hospitality industry ramps up for summer, Cheshire Botanicals is celebrating the win by working with local pubs, restaurants and hotels to offer Nantwich Gin first to locals and visitors, before focusing on expansion further afield.

Holly Challinor, Cheshire Botanicals’ founder and director said: “It’s an amazing feeling to have been recognised at our first industry competition.

"The London Spirits Competition is extremely well-respected and judges the spirit from all angles so we are delighted with our score.

“Now that the pubs, restaurants and bars are starting to reopen, we look forward to sharing Nantwich Gin with more gin fans and are prioritising stock for local hospitality partners who are all keen to offer a taste of home on their cocktail lists.”

In addition to local retailers, from this week, Nantwich Gin will be available from the following local venues:

• The Townhouse Nantwich

• Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

• Bench Bistro Bar

• The Cheshire Cat