A boutique distillery based in the Old Town of Hull has won a silver award in the 2019 International Wine and Spirit Competition, placing their gin amongst the world’s top spirits.

Competing against the world’s best gins, Hotham’s Distillery has been awarded 91 out of a possible 100 points for their Hotham’s Cardamom Gin in the ‘Flavoured Gin’ category, coming third out of 60 finalists in the category.

Recognising and rewarding the very best of wines and spirits in the world, the International Wine and Spirit Competition ‘sets the international benchmark for quality’ and has over 400 global experts judging the awards. The organisers state that ‘Only the best producers and distillers, who create exceptional high-quality products, are able to win a medal from the IWSC.’

Hotham’s Cardamom Gin is distilled in Hull using traditional methods, and in batches no bigger than 50 bottles. Distiller Emma Kinton said: “When we say we’re making handcrafted spirits, we really are. Everything we do is done by the two of us, from weighing out botanicals, distilling them, right down to bottling and labelling. It’s important to us to have that hands-on approach. We’re also very proud that our gin is made right here in Yorkshire - home to so many great craft distillers who are as passionate about producing quality products as we are.”

Co-founder Simon Pownall said: “To win an award for our gin is always a thrill. To be shortlisted then to win such a prestigious award, alongside some of the most well-known and well-respected names in the distilling industry, is fantastic news, and we’re so proud. Our customers often tell us how much they love our Cardamom Gin and to find out that the world’s leading spirit experts think the same is absolutely thrilling. It just goes to show that you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best!”

The international silver medal is the latest in an array of prestigious awards won by Hull’s Gin School and Distillery, including ‘Taste of Yorkshire’ and an incredible four shortlistings at the White Rose Tourism Awards, which recognise the region’s top tourist attractions - results will be announced in November.

IWSC finalists will celebrate their successes at a lavish awards banquet at London’s Guildhall in November 2019.