Ulverston-based Wolftown, has won a fourth award for its second gin expression – Wolftown Citrus Gin – at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).
At this year’s event, which took place during the first two weeks of March, 120 of the world’s leading spirit experts gathered in London to assess over 4,100 entries from 98 countries.
All the spirits were tasted by the IWSC’s selected panel of industry experts, led by members of its Spirits Judging Committee comprising: Ian Burrell, Marie Cheong Thong, Dawn Davies MW, Joel Harrison, Deano Moncrieffe, Richard Paterson OBE, David T Smith, Shannon Tebay and Olivier Ward.
Wolftown Citrus Gin received a score of 87/100 and a bronze medal, issued with the following tasting notes: “Aromas of citrus pith and thyme. A fresh, mellow, creamy palate akin to lemon cheesecake.”
Commenting on the award, co-founder of Wolftown, John McKeown, said: “We are once again delighted to announce that our delicious Wolftown Citrus Gin has gained another accolade and to receive any award from the globally respected IWSC competition, is a massive stamp of approval.”
Had Covid-19 not prevented the distillery owners from travelling to Sorrento in 2020, to celebrate the birthday of co-founder, Helen McKeown, the gin might never have been conceived, as she explains: “Not being able to travel gave us the inspiration to produce a classic gin with a big citrus hit, so we could at least imagine that we were sitting on the Amalfi coast.”
The brand is stocked by selected retailers, bars and restaurants in Cumbria, including in three businesses belonging to multi-Michelin starred restaurateur, Simon Rogan.
After a recent visit to the Northern Restaurant & Bar show in Manchester, the owners are looking to expand outside their region and hoping that their award-winning gins will be chosen by hoteliers and bar across the country.
Observing the trends in the industry, John said: “Hospitality businesses seem to be looking to reduce the number of gins they stock, in favour of something that will stand out on the shelf and satisfy people’s thirst for something unique.
“They are definitely getting that with our gins and with the wide range of accolades that they have received, they know they will be getting quality too.”
Commenting on the company’s plans for the future John added: “We have two excellent spirits that were produced from inspiration and instinct and we wouldn’t want to dilute the brand by producing other drinks for the sake of it.
“We are talking to someone about a possible collaboration and whatever we produce next, will be carefully considered and has two great acts to follow.”
Here at Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine we very much look forward to bringing you news from one of the region’s most exciting distilleries.