Three Silvers were also awarded to Juniperus Distillatus, Horseshoe Gin, and The Molen Gin. Gin and tonic: The judges commented how multiple award-winning entries would make fantastic G&Ts Hernö Old Tom Gin also delivered, delighting panellists with its “sweet citrus, juniper and fantastic balance – a great entry point for non-drinkers too”, the judges noted. Cheong Thong also liked what she sampled. “These were big and bold, but also quite classic. A couple of these were very typical of what a navy gin should be, very good.” Preparation: Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with rosemary and candied ginger.

Blood Monkey Irish Gin features botanicals including citrus peel, lime leaves, rosemary and Szechuan pepper, offering a warming citrus spice to the spirit alongside caramel notes reminiscent of whiskey from its malt base. The ‘robust’ flavours make the gin stand up in a classic G&T. Blood Monkey Spice Storm is double distilled Milliken was very impressed by the standard of entries in the Navy Strength flight. “There were a couple of standouts there, especially the aged ones. Despite the navy strength, I found these very easy to drink. I did add water to them, not because I needed to, but to see how they worked – and they worked either way.” Blood Monkey and Two Shores are both high quality, innovative brands, just the kind of drinks that we love to see in our portfolio. We're looking forward to introducing these to our customers across the whole of mainland UK over the coming months."Blood Monkey’s name and signature ‘drill bit’ design are nods to ‘bleeding the monkey’, the act carried out by sailors in the 17th century of drilling into the officer’s barrel to steal the liquor inside.

There is plenty of juniper, allied to notes of pine, green herbs and flowers, with a touch of mint and a freshness that carries on through to the finish. A trio of Silver medallists – Gargano Sloe Gin, Plymouth Sloe Gin, and Bareksten Sloe Gin – completed the round. While the judges enjoyed the selection of medal winners, they yearned for bolder flavours. The fourth Gold award in this heat went to Nouaison Gin Reserve, which impressed with “some sweetness, pine juniper and a little mint humbug”. Our G&T serve: Double shot of Blood Monkey, Bitter Orange tonic, garnished with red grapefruit and smashed rosemary, all over ice.Overall, the judges were full of praise for the standard of gins presented in the first instalment of this year’s competition. Experimentation was well received, and I was hoping for more,” Pamplin admitted. “Some of the entries were a little thin on flavour, and sloe gins offer such wonderful, full flavour.” Conncullin is a big and bold gin, bursting with flavour: wild fruits, juniper and citrus peel with subtle spice.

The gin category continues to premiumise and the growth that started around five years ago isn’t stopping,” said Blood Monkey founder Jason Kidd. “However, the premium segment has become somewhat feminised in liquid, brand and serve – over-run with a sameness of experience. Ten gins proved they have what it takes to win a Gold medal in the following flight: Organic. Swedish producer Hernö continued to grow its medal tally in this heat, adding four Gold medals to its name. Awards were given to Hernö Dry Gin and Hernö Pink Btl Gin, among others. Pink Gin has been an increasingly popular category over recent years, and there was one gin in particular that stood out from the rest in this year’s tasting: Filey Pink Gin. The judges enjoyed the Master medallist for its “coriander leaf, mint” aromas, leading to an “open, flavourful palate, well-balanced herbs and red fruits – refreshing”.They were looking to pay homage to an original corn wine or genever bottle in the original bottle design. The label features a signature drill bit that would have been used by the Blood Monkeys! How does Blood Monkey Gin taste The huge number of gins entered in our annual blind-tasting competition showed just how popular this category is, so much show that for the second year we have split the judging into two sessions. Who were the medal winners in this year’s Gin Masters blind tasting? Perrett said: “They were really good, delivering more intense flavours, better integration, although some needed work on the integration of the alcohol. They brought more heightened complexity. Something that punches doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good – for the price you’re paying you have to show a level of refinement.” Garnish Island has fresh floral aromas of iris, rose and hibiscus balanced perfectly by hints of rosemary and thyme. It is soft on the palate, herbaceous with juniper and notes of citrus, and a hint of spice, lingering in the mouth.