Hepple Gin have won the prestigious Double Gold Award honour at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017. The awards are considered the Oscars of the drinks industry and the Double Gold accolade is awarded to entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel and are regarded as among the finest products in the world.
The Northumberland based distillery launched the gin in October 2015 and soon were awarded their first gold last year. The gin has gained recognition and fans for its pioneering “triple technique” that captures the true character of the fresh ingredients found at Hepple. These processes allow complete, live flavours – such as those from the young green juniper – to emerge purer and brighter than is possible using traditional methods alone.
Since winning their first gold medal at the competition last year, Hepple Gin has developed a forward-thinking sustainable juniper propagation programme on the moors around the distillery in association with Northumberland National Park, Newcastle University and Hepple Whitefield Farm.
Chris Garden, the Head Distiller for Hepple commented “We are delighted to win the double gold from one of the world’s most important spirits competition. The award is a testament to our unique triple technique, which brings a new level of juniper to our gin. To celebrate I’ll be back outdoors picking more green juniper, fingers crossed for sunshine.”
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has become the most respected and influential spirits competition in the world. Emphasising integrity and impartiality, an SFWSC medal has come to be the most reliable indication of excellence, and those spirits recognised as medal-worthy are understood to be the best in the industry.
