Hernö and Caorunn triumph at the IWSC awards, Portofino’s Le Penisola named best London Dry Gin

We are delighted to announce that Portofino Dry Gin La Penisola the IWSC 2024 London Dry Gin of the year Trophy, sponsored by The Gin Guild. London Dry remains the most important, stand-alone type of gin for the Gin Guild, with its rich heritage, its authenticity and its unique place in the international market.

The IWSC judges were impressed with the quality of The Portofino Dry Gin La Penisola, describing it as the classic London Dry showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into creating this type of gin.

“The Portofino Dry Gin La Penisola special edition is an excellent example of what well-crafted London Dry Gin can and should be – it works brilliantly in a Martini and is hugely versatile for mixology.  Congratulations to the team at Pudel for creating this variation on their ultra-premium Portofino Dry Gin,” said the IWSC judges.

Picture shows Gin Guild Director General presenting the team from Portofino Dry Gin Le Penisola with the trophy for Best London Dry Gin

Caorunn Wins Best UK Gin Producer Trophy

Caorunn Gin, a proud product of International Beverage, stands at the forefront of Scotland’s gin renaissance. Established in 2009, it was the first small-batch premium Scottish gin crafted within a working Scotch whisky distillery, Balmenach, which has a storied history dating back to 1824. With its name deriving from the Gaelic word for ‘Rowan Berry’, Caorunn embodies the spirit of Scottish heritage, harnessing the local environment by foraging five unique Celtic botanicals within a ten-minute walk from the distillery.

This commitment to local sourcing is matched by their innovative production method: Caorunn is the only gin worldwide distilled using a Copper Berry Chamber, maximising the flavour extraction from its carefully selected botanicals.

Picture shows Caorunn Gin team being presented with award for the best UK Gin Producer 2024

Hernö Wins Best International Gin Producer Trophy…again!

Hernö Gin, established in 2011, stands as Sweden’s pioneering gin distillery, celebrating excellence in the world of spirits. Driven by a mission to craft the finest organic gin while promoting sustainable practices, Hernö Gin has consistently garnered international acclaim, becoming a beloved choice for gin enthusiasts around the globe. With its products now distributed across 30 countries, the distillery has made significant strides in elevating the drinking culture, advocating for a philosophy of “drinking better but less often.” Notably, Hernö Gin has recently achieved a remarkable feat, winning three gold medals at the IWSC 2024, including the coveted Gold Outstanding for its exceptional offerings. The distillery has also reached an exciting milestone with the completion of its own hotel which opens in February 2025.

Picture shows Gin Guild Director General Pal Gleed with International gin producer of the year Trophy winner Jon Hillgren at the IWSC Awards 2024

Hernö’s selection as the winner of the International Gin Producer Trophy is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. The distillery has distinguished itself by not only producing award-winning spirits but also by fostering meaningful collaborations, exemplifying a commitment to excellence that resonates through its product line. The judges noted: “We’ve been impressed with the standard of their collaborations. These aren’t just for attention; the liquid is fantastic too. They also just won the most golds in their category, giving them that extra edge.”

What sets Hernö Gin apart in the competitive landscape of gin production is its steadfast commitment to sustainability. The distillery utilises organic wheat alcohol, botanicals, and pure well water, ensuring that every bottle embodies a respect for nature. Additionally, Hernö Gin has transitioned to solar energy, already achieving 80% sustainability in electricity production and aiming for 100%. Their innovative packaging, made from 50% recycled glass, further minimises their carbon footprint, showcasing a forward-thinking ethos deeply ingrained in the company’s culture.

As Hernö Gin continues to innovate, it remains committed to its roots, focusing on craftsmanship, quality, and ethical practices. With the trophy win, Hernö  reinforces its position as a leader in the gin industry, inspiring both consumers and producers alike to appreciate the art of fine spirits.

Picture shows Jon Hillgren from Hernö Gin  being presented with award for the best International Gin Producer 2024

Congratulations to all the winners!