FAQs - The Gin Guide Awards
Full costings, category information and further details can be found on the 2021 Awards page and the Judges & Judging page, and below are frequently asked questions including where samples need to be sent, how UK Duty can be paid, and what the definition of a London Dry Gin is:
Where do samples need to be sent for judging?
The sample delivery address is: The Gin Guide Awards, 1 White Hart Close, Chalfont St Giles, Buck, HP8 4PH.
How do you pay the UK Duty when sending samples?
Most leading courier companies can arrange this for you and most offer it as an option when sending a parcel. Attempted deliveries without all duty and taxes having been paid in full will not be accepted until these have been paid. If a delivery is received and The Gin Guide is subsequently provided with an invoice for duty and taxes, the sender will be sent an invoice compensate these costs.
Is there value in entering a previously entered gin again?
Yes. Many entrants enter the Awards repeatedly to gain feedback from the judges, to make any possible improvements, and to then get feedback again. Also, each year the judging panel sees changes in personnel and in the categories that each judge is assessing and providing feedback on. There is therefore the opportunity to receive a new set of judges' comments and potentially a different score and result.
Is there an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner?
Due to the limitations brought about by COVID-19 and based on feedback from gin brands and producers, The Gin Guide Awards does not hold an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner. Given the global nature of the Awards, this minimises the cost to entrants who would not be in a position to attend the Awards Ceremony.
Is there a licensing fee for Finalists and Winners to use the logo?
Winners, Finalists and national/continental highest scorers will receive hi-res logos and imagery that can be used on websites, social media, printed materials and bottle tags, with no licensing fee. The logo imagery or wording may not be edited in any way and must be used as provided.
Can Finalists and Winners purchase bottle stickers?
The use of bottle stickers is very much encouraged as a prominent and effective way to display success in The Gin Guide Awards. Based on feedback, stickers must be purchased direct from The Gin Guide's chosen provider. No profit is made by The Gin Guide on sticker orders. International Winners and Finalists may use local printers, however, the stickers must be approved by The Gin Guide to avoid a trademark breach.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2020, however a Genever category may be established in future Awards.
Can liqueurs or Sloe Gin be entered?
Currently only gins with a minimum 37.5% ABV can be entered.
Can gins containing CBD oils or cannabis extracts be entered?
Gins cannot be entered if they contain additives that are not solely intended to influence the flavour of the gin.
Can gins containing shimmer or glitter be entered?
Gins cannot be entered if they contain visible additives, such as shimmer or glitter, that are not solely intended to influence the flavour of the gin.
Can gins at 54.5% ABV be entered into the Navy Strength Gin category?
In the history of rum and the British Navy, tests were carried out by the Navy that determined that rum at 54.5% ABV met their standards. However, the term 'Navy Strength' is one that has been coined and popularised relatively recently in gin's history, and the global, industry-accepted standard for Navy Strength Gin is 57% ABV or above.
What is the London Dry Gin definition?
If you cannot confirm or provide evidence that your gin meets the above requirements, or if you are unsure, please do not enter the London Dry Gin category.
Do sponsors of The Gin Guide Awards have influence in Judging?
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact awards@theginguide.com
Where do samples need to be sent for judging?
The sample delivery address is: The Gin Guide Awards, 1 White Hart Close, Chalfont St Giles, Buck, HP8 4PH.
How do you pay the UK Duty when sending samples?
Most leading courier companies can arrange this for you and most offer it as an option when sending a parcel. Attempted deliveries without all duty and taxes having been paid in full will not be accepted until these have been paid. If a delivery is received and The Gin Guide is subsequently provided with an invoice for duty and taxes, the sender will be sent an invoice compensate these costs.
Is there value in entering a previously entered gin again?
Yes. Many entrants enter the Awards repeatedly to gain feedback from the judges, to make any possible improvements, and to then get feedback again. Also, each year the judging panel sees changes in personnel and in the categories that each judge is assessing and providing feedback on. There is therefore the opportunity to receive a new set of judges' comments and potentially a different score and result.
Is there an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner?
Due to the limitations brought about by COVID-19 and based on feedback from gin brands and producers, The Gin Guide Awards does not hold an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner. Given the global nature of the Awards, this minimises the cost to entrants who would not be in a position to attend the Awards Ceremony.
Is there a licensing fee for Finalists and Winners to use the logo?
Winners, Finalists and national/continental highest scorers will receive hi-res logos and imagery that can be used on websites, social media, printed materials and bottle tags, with no licensing fee. The logo imagery or wording may not be edited in any way and must be used as provided.
Can Finalists and Winners purchase bottle stickers?
The use of bottle stickers is very much encouraged as a prominent and effective way to display success in The Gin Guide Awards. Based on feedback, stickers must be purchased direct from The Gin Guide's chosen provider. No profit is made by The Gin Guide on sticker orders. International Winners and Finalists may use local printers, however, the stickers must be approved by The Gin Guide to avoid a trademark breach.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2020, however a Genever category may be established in future Awards.
Can liqueurs or Sloe Gin be entered?
Currently only gins with a minimum 37.5% ABV can be entered.
Can gins containing CBD oils or cannabis extracts be entered?
Gins cannot be entered if they contain additives that are not solely intended to influence the flavour of the gin.
Can gins containing shimmer or glitter be entered?
Gins cannot be entered if they contain visible additives, such as shimmer or glitter, that are not solely intended to influence the flavour of the gin.
Can gins at 54.5% ABV be entered into the Navy Strength Gin category?
In the history of rum and the British Navy, tests were carried out by the Navy that determined that rum at 54.5% ABV met their standards. However, the term 'Navy Strength' is one that has been coined and popularised relatively recently in gin's history, and the global, industry-accepted standard for Navy Strength Gin is 57% ABV or above.
What is the London Dry Gin definition?
- The gin is produced exclusively from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin with a maximum methanol content of 5 grams per hectolitre of 100% vol. alcohol.
- All flavour is imparted exclusively through the distillation of ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin in the presence of natural plant materials.
- The resulting distillate must contain at least 70% ABV.
- Any further ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin that is added must have a maximum methanol content of 5 grams per hectolitre of 100% vol. alcohol.
- The gin is not coloured.
- The gin is not sweetened in excess of 0.1 grams of sweetening products per litre of the final product, expressed as invert sugar.
- The gin does not contain any other ingredients other than those listed above.
If you cannot confirm or provide evidence that your gin meets the above requirements, or if you are unsure, please do not enter the London Dry Gin category.
Do sponsors of The Gin Guide Awards have influence in Judging?
- Unlike some spirits awards, sponsors and partners of The Gin Guide Awards are completely excluded from any involvement in the Judging process. The blind tasting process ensures this.
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact awards@theginguide.com
