Judging Process & Judges
The Judging Process
The judging for each category of The Gin Guide Awards is carried out in independent blind tastings by expert Judges with experience across gin distillation, marketing, events, mixology, distribution, importing and retail - this achieves a comprehensive and widely relevant view of each entry. Each gin is scored against The Gin Guide's 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 gin 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 to best understand the quality and flavour profile and to provide further feedback for you. Sponsors of The Gin Guide Awards are excluded from the Judging Panel.
- Appearance, aroma, taste, balance, mouthfeel, finish, with Tonic Water (in selected categories), and overall appeal.
Each gin 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 to best understand the quality and flavour profile and to provide further feedback for you. Sponsors of The Gin Guide Awards are excluded from the Judging Panel.
The Judges
Get to know the judging team from The Gin Guide Awards 2024. Find out more about each Judge, visit their websites, and follow them on social media. The full judging team for The Gin Guide Awards 2025 will be confirmed shortly.
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HEAD JUDGE: Paul Jackson - Founder & Editor, The Gin Guide
Founder of The Gin Guide and a WSET Qualified professional, Paul brings 10 years of in-depth knowledge of the gin industry, gin production and product development, as well as working as a Consultant for gin brands, distilleries, events and bars across the world. Also a Chartered Marketer, Paul has 15 of experience in F&B branding, marketing strategy, events and retail. Connect with Paul on Instagram and LinkedIn. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Victor de Benito - Head Distiller, East Side Distillery (India)
Victor has 8 years of experience in development, distilling, blending and bottling of spirits and wines. He spent 7 years working for London's largest distillery, including overseeing 120 lines of spirits from raw materials to the finished product, and now works as Head Distiller for Doja Gin, the world's first Indo-Japanese gin. Instagram: @distilling_life |
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Ivan Dixon - UK Brand Manager of Procera Gin & Freelance 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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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Nicola Glassford - Founder, Gin & Beer
Nic is a gin enthusiast and blogger with her finger on the pulse of the gin world, well known in the industry for doing things a little differently and making gin fun. Nic writes honest reviews, aids the discovery of gin distilleries and brands, and always raises a smile in the process. Nic says, "Gin is easy to love and fun to play with but difficult to truly master... I'm putting in lots of practice though"! Visit Nic's website ginandbeer.blog and Instagram: @nics_gin_and_beer. |
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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 |
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Andrew Gordon - Founder, The Gin Den & The Spirits Explorer
Andrew founded The Gin Den blog in 2018, rebranding as The Spirits Reviewer in 2024 to recognise his passion for the wider industry. He is an experienced spirits Judge and blogger, is hugely passionate about the spirits industry and supporting distillers with product and brand development, and has visited in over 180 UK distilleries. Andrew is a board member of the Actually Made In Campaign, which aims to champion craft distilling and rectifying, and is WSET Level 2 qualified with over 30 years experience within the retail and hospitality sectors. Follow @the_spirits_reviewer on Instagram. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Kim Hutchinson - Brand Consultant & Brand Ambassador
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 and is a freelance Brand consultant and Brand Ambassador. Follow Kim on Instagram. |
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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. |
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Sandra Lim - Co-Founder, Barspoon & Martini Club
Sandra, popularly known as Juniperchick, has been championing gin and cocktails even before gin became fashionable. A passionate supporter of hospitality, she can often be found propping up some of the best bars around the world with her other half, Julian. Sandra is one of the founders of Martini Club and co-owner of Barspoon with Julian, working on the development of their RTD cocktails together. Follow Sandra on Instagram: @juniper.chick |
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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. |
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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 |
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Katie Overton-Hart - Founder, G&H Spirits & Spirits Consultant
Katie, founder of G&H Spirits, has won multiple Awards in The Guide Guide Awards and knows one or two things about what it takes to create a great gin. She is passionate about craft distilled spirits and has recently launched a consultancy business, working with small brands, helping them to reach their potential within the independent spirits sector. Follow G&H on Instagram. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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/. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Julian Vallis - Co-Founder, Barspoon & Martini Club
Julian is a spirits, bar and cocktail retailer and consultant, sharing his passion with partner @Juniper.chick (Sandra Lim), honed over more than a decade. He operates Barspoon, a spirits and cocktail online bar, Martini Club UK - a social club all about savouring Martinis - and World Martini Day to celebrate this unique drink around the world, and had WSET Level 3 in Spirits. You can find Julian's cocktails and insights on Instagram and Twitter at @julianvallis |
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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 |
