A SCOTTISH gin has picked up a coveted award at one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious spirit competitions.
First launched in 2019, Ben Lomond Gin picked up a “double gold” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Inspired by the natural surroundings of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Ben Lomond Gin is distilled using 11 different botanicals, balancing Scottish flavours with others from around the world.
READ MORE: Edinburgh: Scottish airport to trial 'free parking' as part of luggage changes
Distilled as a classic London Dry, the gin’s blend of botanicals includes locally foraged rowan berries, Scottish blackcurrants as well as whole oranges and Szechuan pepper.
Founded in 2000, the SFWSC judged 5500 entrants across more than 30 separate categories throughout four days of highly controlled blind tastings with judges receiving no information on producer or price point to ensure everything is fairly assessed.
Gold medals are awarded to “exceptional spirits that are near the pinnacle of achievement,” with double gold given to the entries which received a gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel.
Chief marketing officer of Ben Lomond Gin John Grieveson commented: “We are immensely proud to receive recognition for our dedication to crafting versatile, premium gin that reflects the beauty and heritage of our Scottish home.
“It’s a significant milestone for everyone at Ben Lomond Gin as out first international win and has inspired us to continue nurturing Ben Lomond’s
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here