Burgh Island Gin, launched last year by Devon's iconic Burgh Island Hotel, has been honoured with the bronze award at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). The IWSC was founded in 1969 by viticulturist and wine chemist Anton Massel. Since then, it has grown to become one of the world's most renowned drinks competition, with entries received from almost 90 countries across the globe.
Drinks were evaluated on a 100-point system with the judging panel including such leading figures in the spirits world as global rum ambassador Ian Burrell, award winning drinks writer Joel Harrison, and head bartender of the Savoy hotel's American Bar, Shannon Tebay. From this year's 4,000 entries, only 99 drinks coveted one of the esteemed medals.
Burgh Island Gin was launched in 2022 when the coastal hotel first made its move into the world of spirits. The drink is produced in partnership with North Point Distillery, one of the UK's leading distilleries for sustainability. A mingling of seventeen different botanicals, including Rosa Rugosa and Gorse from the island, the gin encapsulates Burgh's natural beauty while making allusion to its long history as a stage for wild and glamorous parties.
The decision to partner with North Point Distillery reflects the hotel's ongoing commitment to sustainability and its long-standing reputation as one of the South-West's leading eco-friendly hotels. Sourcing its raw ingredients from recycled materials and the majority of its energy from wind farms, North Point Distillery is dedicated to producing high quality beverages without damaging our environment in the process.
Burgh Island Gin is available to purchase on the hotel's website and can be enjoyed in a cocktail at the hotel's Palm Court Bar.
Lilly Krupa, Head of Events and Brand at Burgh Island Hotel, said: "It's truly wonderful to have the hotel's gin recognised in such a prestigious competition. Burgh Island Gin captures everything that's special about the hotel and island, its nature, its beauty, and the chance it has given guests for the past hundred years to gather together, relax, and of course, enjoy a good drink. We're very proud of what Burgh Island Gin has achieved in a few months, and we'll certainly be raising a glass of it to celebrate award."
Alex MacDonald, Co-Founder of North Point Distillery, said: "We're delighted to announce our achievement of this competitive and sought-after award, and particularly proud to have reached this place in partnership with Burgh Island. Our mutual goals of creating sustainable and delicious drinks have led us to this point - and I'm very excited to continue working with the hotel into the future."
