|
|
Judging Process & Judges
The Judging Process
The judging for each category of the Awards is carried out in independent blind tastings by expert Judges with experience across spirits distillation, marketing, events, mixology, distribution, importing and retail - this achieves a comprehensive and widely relevant view of each entry. Each product is scored against our unique and rigorous scorecard system, with Judges focusing on carrying out unhurried and thorough assessments without time pressures or large volumes of tastings in single sittings. To avoid influence between judges there is no group judging, and to ensure maximum consistency there are clear criteria that must be adhered to. The unique scoring system considers key elements including:
Each product is assessed independently and on its own merits. In blind tastings the only information provided to the Judges is the ABV, as this is considered to be valuable in providing the most useful feedback, whilst other details are considered to be surplus to requirements for judging or to be potentially influential to Judges' tastings. All entries are judged neat and Judges also sample entries with Artisan Drinks Co Tonic Water (in selected categories) to best understand the quality and flavour profile, and to provide further feedback for you.
- Appearance, aroma, taste, balance, mouthfeel, finish, with Tonic Water (in selected categories), and overall appeal.
Each product is assessed independently and on its own merits. In blind tastings the only information provided to the Judges is the ABV, as this is considered to be valuable in providing the most useful feedback, whilst other details are considered to be surplus to requirements for judging or to be potentially influential to Judges' tastings. All entries are judged neat and Judges also sample entries with Artisan Drinks Co Tonic Water (in selected categories) to best understand the quality and flavour profile, and to provide further feedback for you.
The Judges
Get to know the judging team from the 2025 Awards. Find out more about each of the Judges, visit their websites, and follow them on social media. The full judging team for the 2026 Awards will be announced shortly.
|
Hugh Anderson - Founder & Distiller, Downton Distillery
Hugh founded Downton Distillery and launched Explorer's Gin in 2019, now based on the Domaine Hugo Vineyard on the Wiltshire and Hampshire border. Hugh has created multiple award-winning spirits, has WSET Level 2 in Spirits, and has a passion for working with unusual botanicals, as well as being dedicated to sustainability and supporting re-wilding projects. |
|
Jamie Baxter - Distillery Consultant, Craft Distilling Services
One of the industry's most distinguished professionals, Jamie is responsible for having trained a generation of distillers, as well as developing countless products and managing the set up of over 100 distilleries. His business, Craft Distilling Services, provides consultancy to spirits companies all over the world as well as supplying and installing equipment. Follow Jamie on Instagram. |
|
Anna Bones - Founder, Gintuition & Event Host
After developing a thirst for knowledge of all things gin, Anna began hosting gin events for Waitrose and John Lewis, as well as helping to develop and launch a 'Cocktails at Home' set during the pandemic. Anna then branched out with her business, Gintuition, sharing her passion for local and regional Gins with like-minded Gin lovers. Anna has WSET Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits. Follow Anna on Instagram. |
|
Anthony Brimacombe - Co-Founder, Martini Club UK & Founder, Brim's Gin
Having been put off gin in his early drinking years, Anthony was reintroduced to quality gin in 2016. After a visit to Duke’s Bar soon after, where he met Alessandro Palazzi and his world-famous Martinis, Anthony’s passion for cocktails and spirits was ignited. Anthony is a founder member of Martini Club UK and an avid supporter of Negroni Club UK and many distilleries – especially those in the South West and Wales. Anthony shares his passion at Brim & Tonic. |
|
Debbie Burgess - Spirits Consultant & Writer
Debbie founded her Instagram page @ginstaburge in 2017 after discovering her love for all things gin. From there she branched out into brand collaborations and event work, and has recently ventured into freelance consulting, writing and photography. Debbie is as passionate about the people and the story behind the brands as the products themselves, and prides herself on helping to amplify particularly in social media and influencer-based activity. |
|
Matt Burton - Writer, The Gin Shelf
Matt is a gin enthusiast and author of gin blog ‘The Gin Shelf’. Having started the blog back in 2016, it has continued to evolve into a passion and labour of love for Matt, and when he is not hidden away writing, he can often be found propping up the bar in a gin joint, getting to know to brands, visiting distilleries, and attending gin festivals and product launches. Instagram: @theginshelf |
|
Raymond Clynick - Head Distiller & Managing Director, Oro Distilling
Ray is the Head Distiller at his family Distillery - Oro Distilling. Ray received a MSc in Chemistry and realised his true calling, going on to study a Masters in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt University before establishing Oro Distillery in Scotland and creating and developing their spirits range. Follow Ray on Instagram. |
|
Ivan Dixon - Drinks Consultant
Ivan has been a Spirits Judge for over 15 years. His career began at Harvey Nichols, where he left as Spirits Buyer, before working for wholesaler Enotria&Coe as Head of Spirits. Ivan has achieved the WSET diploma, managed numerous drinks projects and been at the forefront of drinks innovation and market leadership in the UK. In 2020 Ivan joined Procera Gin as a Co-Owner of the brand in a role as European Brand Manager. Follow Ivan on Instagram: @ivan_dixon |
|
Vicki Draper - WSET Qualified Founder of Braccan Dry Gin
Vicki has been a gin lover and enthusiast since before gin was fashionable! She set up her 'Gin Queen' Instagram grid to share this love, support brands and distilleries and connect with other gin-minded people. This led to Vicki studying spirits with WSET and in 2025 she fulfilled her ambition to launch Braccan Dry Gin; a local gin for her home town. |
|
Sara Jane Eichler - Founder, Negroni Club UK & Aperitifs Curator, Spirits Beacon
Sara Jane is one of the leading experts on aperitifs, spirits and classic gin cocktails. As well as having a wealth of experience in running bars and developing exceptional spirits and cocktail menus, Sara Jane is the founder of Negroni Club UK and is the freelance Aperitifs Curator at Spirits Beacon. Follow Negroni Club UK on Instagram. |
|
Rory Faiers - Founder, Faiers Distillery & The Gin Lord
Rory (aka The Gin Lord) is a self-confessed 'long time booze enthusiast' and runs spirits tasting events across East Anglia. Rory is a self-taught distiller, the founder of Faiers Distillery, host of the 'Thirst of All' podcast, and an occasional writer who has been specialising in gin since 2014 but enjoying it for many years before! Instagram: @theginlord |
|
Emma Godivala - Co-Founder, York Gin
Emma is one of the co-founders of York Gin and even drew the iconic cat and castle logo that appears on every bottle of York Gin. She is the key driver of York Gin’s sustainability efforts, including the refill bottle scheme at its shop. Emma holds the WSET Level 3 in Spirits and is a judge at the World Gin Awards and the World Whisky Awards. Instagram: @york_gin |
|
Andrew Gordon - Founder, The Gin Den & The Spirits Explorer
With a significant passion for the spirits industry and supporting distillers, Andrew founded his blog in early 2018 and has spent the last eight years writing about and photographing brands, bottlings and their backstories, and visiting distillers across the UK. In additional Andrew hosts live and virtual tasting events. In that time, he has grown his personal collection of spirits to over 750 bottles from around the world, which includes a Gins, Whisky, Rum and Vodka. Andrew is WSET Spirits Qualified, has over 30 years' experience within the retail, hospitality, leisure and event sectors and can be found on Social Media: @the_spirits_reviewer. |
|
Tobias Gorn - Co-Founder, International Drinks Specialists
Tobias Gorn is one of the busiest drinks specialist judges, consultants and critics globally. He is co-founder and senior specialist of International Drinks Specialists - an award winning worldwide consultancy company helping international clients with R&D, competition and marketing strategy and product design. Follow Toby on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn. |
|
James Hall - WSET Qualified Cocktail & Aperitivo Specialist
On the Negroni category panel, James is a WSET Level 2 qualified spirits enthusiast with a particular interest in Mediterranean aperitivo and gin-based libations. After spending time with friends from Sicily, James’ love for all things Italian grew into a passion for creating and tasting some of the finest Negroni and aperitivo drinks from around the world. Known as 'The Negroni King' on Instagram, see some of James' creations and favourite tipples here: @thenegroniking. |
|
Katie Hughes - Founder, What's Katie Doing?
Katie is a greatly experienced gin awards judge and one of the best known and respected gin bloggers in the industry, with a focus on gin experiences, events and distillery visits. Read Katie's latest articles and posts on her website What's Katie Doing? and on Instagram: @whatskatiedoing. |
|
Kim Hutchinson - Master Distillery & Owner of Haven Distillery
Following her first sip of Hendrick's Gin back in 2012, Kim has been a huge gin fan. After boring her friends by talking about gin on her personal social media profile, she started @houseofhutchginson on Instagram in 2020, reviewing global gins and other spirits. The obsession turned into a passion for the spirits world and Kim obtained her WSET Level 3 in 2023. Kim took over Haven Distillery in 2025 and produces Sly Gin in her distillery in the heart of Herefordshire. Follow Sly Gin on Instagram. |
|
Paul Jackson - Founder & Editor, The Gin Guide
Founder of The Gin Guide and a WSET Qualified professional, Paul brings over a decade of in-depth knowledge of the gin industry, gin production, and product development, as well as working as a Consultant for spirits brands, distilleries, events, and bars across the world. Also a Chartered Marketer, Paul has 15 years of experience in F&B branding, marketing strategy, events, and retail. Connect with Paul on Instagram and LinkedIn. |
|
Cynthia King & John Cherry - Founders & Distillers, Locksley Distilling Co.
With more than half a century of combined experience in the booze industry, Cynthia & John were amongst the first handful of distillers to enter the craft gin scene in January 2013. They pride themselves on finding quirky flavour combinations in collaboration with people in and out of the industry to produce their award-winning Co-Lab range, and have received 3 Industry Choice Awards from The Gin Guide Awards. Follow Locksley Distilling on Instagram. |
|
Richard Legg - Spirits Consultant & WSET Educator
Richard is a spirits consultant, judge, educator, and founder of Distilled Knowledge. He teaches WSET Spirits 1-3 and also holds WSET Level 4 (Diploma) Wine. Richard is an expert on spirit categorisation, compliance and labelling. You can read our interview with Richard about Gin Industry Compliance and visit the Distilled Knowledge website. |
|
Sandra Lim - Brand Ambassador & Consultant, Co-Founder, Barspoon & Martini Club
After many years championing gin and as a barfly, Sandra - popularly known as Juniperchick - is well respected for her knowledge and relationships and a leading personality in the industry. She continues to work on promoting Martinis through World Martini Day. You can find her on Instagram: juniper.chick |
|
Donna Marie - Gin Expert & Founder, Gin Galore
Donna launched @gin.galore on Instagram in July 2020 to share her passion and enthusiasm for gin. She is now a WSET Spirits qualification holder, a freelance brand ambassador, the host of #tryaminituesday on Instagram, and has developed a collection of over 300 gins. To further her knowledge and experience in the industry, Donna frequently attends gin festivals and visits distilleries, with the dream to one day to distill a gin of her own. Follow Donna on Instagram. |
|
Kate Marston - Designer & Co-Founder, Puddingstone Distillery
A Judge of the Design & Branding category of the Awards, Kate has been designing for 30 years, specialising in branding, corporate identity and applied colour psychology. Between 2014 and 2026, Kate and her husband Ben built Puddingstone Distillery – the home of Campfire Gin – from the ground up. With the distillery now moving into its next chapter, Kate is returning to designing under a new studio name - Huckvale Studio, based in Tring, Hertfordshire. |
|
Sarah Miller - Spirits Writer & Judge
Sarah is the founder of ginadingding.com which launched in 2016. Twice shortlisted for the IWSC's Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication Award in 2022 and 2023, Sarah is an experienced drinks judge, freelance writer and consultant, and has recently been appointed as the spirits columnist for New Zealand's Drinksbiz magazine. Follow Sarah on Instagram: @gin_a_ding_ding |
|
Phil Page - WSET 3 Qualified Spirits Expert & Advocate
What started as a simple alternative to beer has evolved over many years into a passion that extends beyond Gin to other spirits, the occasional blog post, flowcharts, and even a bit of Gin-based DIY! Phil is a keen Gin advocate who never ceases to appreciate the great work of all who contribute to making excellent Gin. His passion extended to gaining the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits, for an even better appreciation of the art of distilling. Follow Phil on Instagram. |
|
Natalie Reid - Co-Founder, The Gin Cooperative
Natalie, together with her husband Martin, established The Gin Cooperative in 2017 as a business and platform that helps inspire, educate and encourage consumers and the trade to discover Scottish Gin. They have gone on to successfully launch and host International Scottish Gin Day, as well as The Gin Cooperative Awards and an online Scottish Gin shop - www.scottishgin.com. Instagram: @the_gin_cooperative |
|
Lucie Rhoades - WSET Level 3 Qualified Food & Drink Writer
Lucie is a freelance Food & Drink copywriter, with WSET Level 3 in Spirits and over 10 years of experience working in communications for food and beverage brands. Follow Lucie on Instagram: @scenicsipping |
|
Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis - Brand Manager & Spirits Specialist
Bryan is an experienced wine and spirits industry judge who has previously worked as a Wine & Spirits Buyer for a major luxury retailer. His career started 15 years ago while working in the kitchens of some of London's best restaurants. This is where he started to develop his palate and appreciation of wine and spirits, eventually moving into the trade. Bryan holds the WSET Diploma as well as Sake Level 3.. Follow Bryan on Instagram. |
|
Simon Sharp - Gin Expert & Event Host
Simon hosts public and corporate gin tastings all over the UK. As well as having founded a gin subscription service, hosted talks on the history of gin, and written for a range of publications, Simon also curates and hosts the London Craft Gin Cruise. Follow Simon on Instagram: @nautilusginexperiences or visit https://nautilusbar.uk/. |
|
Richard Spence - WSET Qualified Gin Expert & Photographer
Richard is a London-based WSET Qualified gin expert, photographer, and a former speaker at Imbibe. he is the founder of @ginsmagic on Instagram and is a member of @thelondon100. Follow Richard on Instagram. |
|
Sally Utting - WSET Educator & Gin Masterclass Host
Sally is a WSET Educator, holds the WSET Level 3 in Spirits, judges gin, and has nearly a decade of knowledge in the spirit/beer industry. Between teaching spirit courses and running bespoke gin-making masterclasses for a Suffolk-based distillery, Sally gets the opportunity to regularly share her enthusiasm for gin with the public. Follow Sally on Instagram. |
|
Julian Vallis - Spirits & Bar Consultant
Julian is a spirits and bar consultant, sharing his passion with partner Sandra (@Juniper.chick), honed over more than a decade. He operates Barspoon and World Martini Day to celebrate this unique drink around the world, and has WSET Level 3 in Spirits. You can find Julian's cocktails and insights on Instagram and Twitter at @julianvallis. |
|
Joe Webb - Founder, Joe's G&T
Joe discovered a passion for gin in 2020 and launched his Instagram account 'Joe's G&T' soon after. Joe set about tasting and assessing the world's finest gins, including past Winners in The Gin Guide Awards, and has become known and respected for his accessible, honest and helpful gin reviews on Instagram. Follow Joe on Instagram: @joesgandt |
