York Gin win two best English gins at World Gin Awards 2021

Best gins: York Gin make two of them after a double World Gin Awards win.

York’s reputation as a leading gin maker has been bolstered after the city’s gin company won two Best in England titles at the prestigious World Gin Awards 2021

York Gin Old Tom - a collaboration with the Michelin-starred Star Inn, Harome, - won the Best English Old Tom title for the second year in a row.

Respected gin reviewers, The Spirits Kiosk have previously said York Gin Old Tom is ‘one of the best gins in the world’.

York Gin Outlaw - inspired by the city’s outlaws, Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin and ‘Yorkshire Witch’ Mary Bateman – triumphed as Best English Navy Strength.

These two huge awards show that York Gin is making a serious impression on the international stage and truly making world-leading gins – just three years after launching on 1 March 2018. The awards attracted a record number of entries - and organisers said the standard was ‘outstanding’.

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How the press covered the story

Yorkshire Post article

York Mix article

‘Put York on the world map as a spirits producer'

York Gin’s master distiller Harry Cooke said: ‘It’s a fantastic day for York. When York Gin started out nearly three years ago, we said we wanted to make wonderful spirits that would make our beautiful city proud – and put York on the world map as a spirits producer.

‘Today is a further step in that direction, following the international gold medals our gins have already won.

‘York is already renowned for our brilliant restaurants, pubs and bars. Our successes on the world stage mean our city can claim to be a leading producer of world beating gins too.’

Andrew Pern, chef patron of the Star Inn, Harome, who also co-owns York’s Star Inn The City, said: ‘For the Old Tom to win last year was fantastic. But to win English Best Old Tom Gin for a second time proves we’re all doing something right. Let’s hope it encourages lots of people to come and enjoy all that York and North Yorkshire have to offer - once the restrictions are lifted.’

York Gin Old Tom is a dry gin that is slightly sweetened by a sugar syrup that’s made using ingredients from the kitchen garden of the Star Inn, as well as North Yorkshire hedgerows – including the White Rose of Yorkshire. The Star Inn team also looked further afield to complete the complex syrup with Bronze Fennel, Star Anise, Angelica and pink peppercorns.

York Gin Outlaw is inspired by York’s famous baddies, including Gunpowder Plotter, Guy Fawkes, highwayman Dick Turpin and ‘Yorkshire Witch’, Mary Bateman. At 57%, York Gin Outlaw’s serving instructions warn: ‘Serve with ice, tonic … and care.’ It has previously won a rare Double Gold medal at the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019.

Record-breaking number of entries

Anita Ujszaszi, awards director of the World Gin Awards, said: ‘We received a record-breaking number of entries, with more than 800 gins submitted, and the quality has been outstanding across the board.’

Tasting notes from the World Gin Awards

York Gin Old Tom

‘Clear, classic juniper on the nose, with citrus and herbal hints and warm spices like cassia. Very well-balanced palate with juniper, citrus, spicy pepper, cassia and a dash of sweetness. The peppery notes continue into the finish, which is long with hints of anise.’

York Gin Outlaw Navy Strength

‘Nice balance of citrus and spice on the nose that’s inviting, while being surprisingly soft and delicate. Gently spiced notes towards finish with hints of cardamom or clove. Good complexity and balance.’