Welcome To
THE GIN TO MY TONIC PEOPLE'S CHOICE GIN AWARDS
About
THE AWARDS
AWARD ENTRIES NOW CLOSED – SHORTLIST TO BE ANNOUNCED 31ST MAY 2023
The Gin To My Tonic is one of the largest gin communities in the UK, with the aim of raising awareness and celebrating the endeavours of craft distillers from across the UK and beyond. We love nothing more than recommending gins, and what better way to recommend than with our very own annual awards.
With so many different award bodies on the market, we wanted to do something a little different, something that connects the everyday gin drinker with the results of such awards, whilst offering a return on investment to the distillers that enter (and that are subsequently shortlisted) through an array of engaging initiatives including content, events, tasting and experiences, all of which involve stock support from The Gin To My Tonic.
The shortlisted finalists will be decided by a judging panel that includes the Co-Founders of The Gin To My Tonic, Craft Distiller Partners, Key Influencers, Bartenders, Mixologists, Mixer Brands and Associated Drinks Bodies/Clubs, with the winners being decided by public vote over a 5 month voting period.
JUDGING PANEL CAN BE FOUND HERE
Enter The CompetitionWHY ENTER?
We understand that entering any awards is quite simply an investment, and so here at The Gin To My Tonic we want to give back to those that deserve the recognition. We have designed a package of incentives that includes but is not limited to:
- All distillers that enter will have their products added to The Gin To My Tonic Online Store.
- All shortlisted entries will be stocked on our touring Festival Bars as part of a special ‘Award’ Bars initiative, with the opportunity for the public to vote then and there.
- At Home Tasting Kits will be sold on The Gin To My Tonic Online Store for each Award Category, offering the public the opportunity to become judges from the comfort of their own home.
- Special features on our social media channels.
- Special features to our opted-in nationwide e-mail database.
- Inclusion within Virtual Gin Tasting Experiences, VIP Gin Club, Advent Calendars & More.
- And as part of our Newcomer Bursary Award, the possibility to win a year’s worth of marketing and event support in 2024 with The Gin To My Tonic (all costs covered).
All of this activity and more will be put in place to encourage our passionate and engaged community of gin lovers to vote, and ultimately support the favourites they discover whilst on an exciting journey of gin discovery with us. The Gin To My Tonic will purchase stock to deliver these items.
So if you are an independent, innovative and passionate distillery, we want to hear from you!
For further information please contact us on [email protected]
Enter The CompetitionIMPORTANT DATES
- 31Jan
Tuesday 31st January 2023
Award Entries Open
Entries will open
- 14Apr
Friday 14th April
Awards Entries Close
Entries will close at Midnight on 14th April
- 08Jun
Thursday 8th June 2023
Shortlisted Entries Announced
Our panel of expert judges will whittle down the entries to a shortlist of between 8 – 12 per award, with the results being announced to the public.
Public Voting Opens
Then it’s over to the gin loving public! This is their unique opportunity to have their say over the next 5 months. Award Bars will be introduced at our Gin Festivals, Tasting Kits will go LIVE on The Gin To My Tonic Store and Virtual Tasting Events scheduled, all with a call to action to encourage gin lovers to vote.
- 05Nov
Sunday 5th November 2023
Voting Closes
Public voting will close on Sunday 5th November at Midnight at which point, the public vote will be combined with the judges overall scores (where appropriate) to reveal a Winner and two Runners Up.
- 16Nov
Thursday 16th November 2023
Winners Announced
Either virtually or as part of an awards ceremony taking place around/during The Gin To My Tonic Show Manchester 17th-18th November 2023
Discover
THE CATEGORIES
Scroll through the slider below to find the category that best suits you
London Dry Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify for this category, the gin must not have any flavour, maceration or botanicals added post distillation.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Balance of botanicals
- True 'London Dry' production method and a minimum of 37.5% ABV
- Clarity of flavour which comes solely from distillation
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Distilled Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
*Disclaimer* We class a 'Distilled Gin' as a gin that has had flavours/botanicals added or has been macerated post initial distillation.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Clarity of flavour
- The post distillation process
- The balance of botanicals
- The finish of the gin itself
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Old Tom
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
Old Tom is a slightly sweetened style of gin made famous in the 18th Century, usually sweetened with either Sugar or Honey. To qualify your product must be marketed / branded as an Old Tom Gin and cannot simply contain Sugar or Honey.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A depth of flavour
- The balance of sweetness
- Innovative profile
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Flavoured Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
Flavoured Gin's have never been so widely available in the UK which means that to succeed, they have to be of a high quality. Gins flavoured with predominantly Sloe, Damson or Blackberry are excluded from this category. Please instead see Best Hedgerow Gin.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Innovative flavours
- Clarity of the flavour
- Balance of botanicals
- The finish of the gin
With an abundance of choice when it comes to flavourings, expect some unique and inspiring entries in this category.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
High Strength / Navy Strength Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify for this category the gin must be at least 54% ABV.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Clarity of flavour against the alcohol
- Balance of botanicals
- The smoothness/mouthfeel of the gin
- Overall quality of the gin
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Hedgerow Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
Whilst most awards of this nature focus solely on Sloe Gin, we've expanded the criteria of this award to include Sloe, Damson or Blackberry Gins in order to celebrate the Hedgerow. Once a mainstay of Gin enthusiasts producing at home, this uniquely British style has had a rebirth in recent years.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Overall flavour profile
- Production proccess
- Provenance of ingredients
- Balance of flavour against the alcohol content
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Cask Aged Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
Producing a good cask-aged Gin is no mean feat, with so much risk and uncertainty, the distiller has to be at the top of their game, but the results are often most rewarding.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Overall flavour profile
- Aging effects of the casking
- Balance of botanicals
- Clarity of the finish
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Sustainable Distillery
Have you implemented a new process or system to reduce waste? Have you embraced new and unconventional materials that are more environmentally friendly? Are you working on exciting new ways to limit your carbon footprint? If so we want to hear from you...
This coveted award will be shortlisted to eight finalists. The winner will be jointly decided using the judges scores, a public vote and consumer feedback. Entrants in this category will be required to provide evidence and case studies to support their entry.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Reduction of waste
- Energy efficiency
- Innovation in sustainable methods and practices
- Promotion of eco friendly messaging
- Engagement in sustainable / environmentally friendly projects
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Bottle Design
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
The visual impact of a stunning bottle should never be underestimated and helps leave a lasting first impression, whilst adding that little extra value to the enjoyment of a gin.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Innovation in bottle design
- A sense of style and character within the brand and print
- Shelf appeal
Innovative bottle designs and labelling give the distillers a leading edge so you can expect some incredible examples to make the shortlist in this category.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Gin & Tonic
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
Gins will be judged with a pre-determined tonic expertly chosen by The Gin To My Tonic.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- The perfect clarity of flavours
- Flexibility with tonic
- The balance of botanicals
- The finish of the drink
Shortlisted entries will be available to sample at our festivals.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Negroni
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
The key to a great Negroni lies in the spirits in the mix and Gin is no exception to this rule. A potent combination of Gin, Vermouth and Campari combine for an intoxicating liquor heavy cocktail.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Flexibility of the spirit
- How the Gin combines with the ingredients to produce a standout Negroni
- Clarity of flavour
Any gin considered for a cocktail always has to have a sense of character in order to both stand out and compliment the finished drink. The shortlisted examples are sure to be some incredible examples.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Martini
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted to between eight - twelve finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
This category is sure to be hotly contested and any gin used in a Martini needs to have a real sense of character.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Character of the spirit
- Clarity of flavour/li>
- The perfect balance of botanicals
The classic Martini is a favourite of any gin enthusiast. Any gins shortlisted will be incredible and delicious in equal measure.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Distillery Of The Year
This coveted award will be shortlisted to eight finalists by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5 month voting period commencing 31st May, with votes driven through a variety of different content, events, tastings and experiences.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Product Innovation
- Brand Story
- Engagement with Community
- Original Marketing
- Quality of Product and Range
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Newcomer Bursary Award
The UK gin market has exploded in recent years with hundreds of distilleries opening in the past two years across the country. As part of our continued endeavours we are keen to nurture growth, promote talent, encourage innovation and raise awareness of fantastic small batch craft distillers, and as such we will be rewarding one distillery with a year's worth of marketing and event support in 2024 (all costs covered).
This will include stock support via The Gin To My Tonic Festival Bars, the opportunity to exhibit free of charge nationwide, inclusion in a virtual gin tasting event and future advent calendar, feature within VIP Gin Club, social media and e-mail features and more. The winner will be promoted from January 2024 - December 2024 at no cost to the distiller.
To qualify for the bursary award, the distillery must be no more than two years old.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- Product Innovation
- Brand story
- Engagement with community
- Original Marketing
- Quality of product and range
Any young distillery will know that competition means that you have to be innovative, considered and motivated to succeed as a business. This must be reflected in everything you do. So we are expecting this category to be hotly contested and some incredible young distilleries to make it through to the peoples choice finals.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
How
TO ENTER
To enter The Gin To My Tonic Awards, follow the steps below. Each category has different entry criteria, so please check the category information before entering to ensure your product or distillery is suitable to be considered. Please feel free to upload supporting documentation, or e-mail this to [email protected] with your order number.
Step 1 – Initial Sign Up
Sign up for each award using the “Sign Up” form on The Gin To My Tonic Awards page. Please note each category entered requires a separate entry
Step 2 – Payment
Once you have filled in your details for the specific award category you will be taken to the payment section. Entries can only be considered once payment has been received.
Step 3 – Samples
Once your entry has been accepted and verified we will send you further instructions on where to send your 70cl (or 50cl) sample bottle along with the deadline.
Rates
£75 per category for ‘Gin To My Tonic’ Exhibitors. Use code TGTMTEXHIBITOR at checkout.
or
£100 per category for Non-Exhibitors.