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World Gin Awards 2024 winners announced

The biggest and most prestigious names in the gin industry have been recognised at the World Gin Awards 2024.
 
The World Gin Awards aims to spotlight the very best people, places, and products in the world of gin. 
 
From brand ambassadors and communicators to distillers and visitor attractions, the Icons of Gin awards honour those who have worked tirelessly for the growth of the industry. Among the 2024 winners were Laura Pearce of North Point Distillery, who was named Brand Ambassador of the Year, and Jon Hillgren of Hernö Gin, who took home Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year.
 
Meanwhile, the World Gin Awards commend the best gins in the world, tasted and voted on by a panel of expert judges to decide the World’s Best. This year’s winners include Gale Force Gin for World’s Best London Dry Gin, Ohoro Gin for World’s Best Classic Gin, and Maral for World’s Best Sloe Gin.
 
Induction into the Gin Hall of Fame is reserved for those who have dedicated their professional lives to the gin industry. This year, three new inductees have been welcomed: Emma Stokes, Xavier Baker, and Cameron Mackenzie.
 
Anita Ujszaszi, awards director, said: “The competitiveness in the gin category continues to grow every year and we are delighted as always to have recognised the World’s Best. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our dedicated judges in Canada, the USA, Germany and our global judging panel in the UK. It was a fantastic experience to host more than 100 entrants and judges for our final World’s Best Tasting and Country Winner Announcement in London. Thank you to all of those who attended.”
 
David T Smith, chair of judges for the World Gin Awards and Icons of Gin, added: “This year’s judging took place in person at locations in the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK, bringing together both the camaraderie and expertise of judges from around the world. This makes the World Gin Awards a truly global competition and helps to encourage and strengthen the international gin community in the process.
 
One geographical area that stood out is the USA, which, with its long tradition of distilling, has outperformed in this year's competition. Despite that, gin still sits far behind vodka, whiskey, and tequila in terms of popularity in the US, so there’s still plenty of room for growth.
 
Australia and Japan continued to do well, too, alongside another highlight: Wales. Wales has been producing high-quality gin for a number of years, but, this year, the proficiency of production has been particularly prominent.
 
This year's judging reflects the increasing quality of gin made around the world: as some markets mature, others are really starting to heat up. There is still plenty to be excited about with gin!
 
A special thanks to the competition team, the judges, and, of course, our entrants.”
 
The aim of the Icons of Gin Awards is to celebrate the achievements of outstanding people and places in the global gin industry, including distilleries and their staff, and industry communicators. 
 
The full list of winners can be found here.

23 February 2024 - Alec McDonnell