A craft gin distilled in the heart of the country’s newest national woodland has been chosen as a world-beater by two different authorities.
The team at Burleighs, in the hamlet of Nanpantan, near Loughborough are toasting success after their National Forest Gin was picked out as one of the world's best.
The gin, produced in collaboration with local foresters, received a five-star rating in Difford’s Guide – which showcases cocktails, spirits and liqueurs. It also picked up a silver award in the 2022 International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC), which are described as the world's biggest and most influential international spirit awards.
Burleighs management said Difford’s Guide provides drinkers with information and expertise on what to drink and how, while the IWSC is judged by experts from across the global spirits trade and involves a tightly structured and rigorous tasting process.
The “double blind” method sees samples tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses to ensure the experts never see a bottle for full impartiality.
The IWSC described the National Forest gin as “gorgeously rounded”, having “lovely clean flavours of bitter orange and coriander” and a “gloriously dry finish”, while Difford’s Guide outlined its “attractive earthiness”, “assertive spice” and “delicate floral and fruity notes”.
The gin was inspired by the area that surrounds the distillery in the north Leicestershire Charnwood Forest, and sales will contribute funds and support to the wider National Forest.
A donation from every hand-crafted bottle goes to the forestry organisation and supports its work planting and caring for woodland across Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
Burleighs Gin commercial director Sam Watson said: “The National Forest Gin is the first addition to the core range in two years, so for it to be well-received is fantastic news.
“Both the IWSC and the Difford’s Guide ratings are highly regarded by the alcohol industry but also by consumers who are passionate about gin.
“We hope that the awards highlight The National Forest’s quality and flavour to our existing fans and new ones too, along with its purpose and environmentally-led approach – something we know gin drinkers want to see and buy more of.”
The latest achievements build on Burleighs Gin’s success in the 2021 IWSC awards, where its Distiller’s Cut Gin was presented a silver accolade and its Pink Edition Gin and Signature Gin won bronze prizes.
The National Forest Gin is the third Burleighs product to score a five-star rating in Difford's Guide, along with Distiller’s Cut Gin and Pink Edition Gin.
It is available on the Burleighs Gin website for £37.50 (70cl at 40% ABV).
Gin lovers can also join distillery tours and gin distilling experiences at its revamped headquarters, based at Bawdon Lodge Farm.
