A GIN made in County Durham has won a prestigious award within months of production.

WL Distillery, in South Hetton, has been awarded the silver medal at the London Spirits Competition 2021 for its debut 1st Edition Gin.

Now in its fourth year, the prestigious competition is an annual judging of international spirits organised by the Beverage Trade Network and the Silver medal is an ultimate endorsement in the global spirits industry.

The independent small-batch producer, WL Distillery is just six months into production of its 1st Edition gin – described as a refreshing gin infusion boasting an indulgent aroma infused with garden botanicals, touches of apple, pear, raspberries, blackberries and juniper berries.

The London Spirits Competition looks to recognise, reward and help promote spirits brands that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific spirits drinkerand are judged on quality, value and packaging.

Scott Wilson-Laing, of WL Distillery, said: “We are delighted that our 1st Edition Gin has been awarded Silver at such a prestigious spirits competition.

"Like many businesses 2020 was a difficult time which saw production put on hold due to the pandemic and a refocus in business strategy.

"We are just six months into production and the demand for our gin continues to be strong. We have a number of exciting plans in the pipeline and look forward to unveiling these in the coming months.”

The judging panel of 2021 was drawn from leading spirits industry professionals with direct commercial buying responsibility. This establishes the winners at the competition to be agreeable to the on-premise trade and consumer alike and makes an award from the London Spirits Competition a coveted one.

Sid Patel, CEO of event organiser Beverage Trade Network, said: “Spirits brands consumers are looking for an-round experience when drinking a spirit. The spirit needs to hit all the right notes to be enjoyed again and again. So, at the London Spirits Competition, we evaluate spirits that contribute to a spirit’s overall drinkability. Along with the quality, spirits are assessed for their appearance and value.”

Mr Wilson-Laing added: “We are committed to ensuring a fresh and classic authentic gin experience for customers. The Silver medal demonstrates that the spirits we are making are the kind that bar managers and mixologists want to stock and spirits drinkers enjoy drinking.”

With ingredients taking centre stage, WL Distillery take great interest in nature and the beauty that it represents.

Each bottle is infused with nature using handpicked, measured botanicals and natural mineral spring water to ensure the freshest, most authentic taste.

The distillery is committed to combining their passion for gin with capturing the charm and nature of the region.

Distilled in the North-East, from start to finish the gin is expertly monitored and created, by hand in the distillery.

Alongside the award-winning 1st Edition gin, the distillery found great success with their popular limited-edition Christmas and Valentine themed gin gift sets.

Shop at wldistillery.com