ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR 2024 GIN AWARDS!
About
THE GIN TO MY TONIC AWARDS
ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL MONDAY 29TH APRIL 2024
The Gin To My Tonic is one of the largest gin communities in the UK and Ireland, with the aim of raising awareness and celebrating the endeavours of craft distillers. We love nothing more than recommending craft gins (and spirits), 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. As a result of this activity, we saw over 10,000 gin drinkers vote in 2023!
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.
2024 JUDGING PANEL COMING SOON. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR 2023 PANEL 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 an Awards initiative, with the opportunity for the public to vote then and there onsite.
- All shortlisted entries will be invited to take part in one of our monthly Virtual Gin Tastings, 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.
- Potential inclusion within special releases, such as our Gin & Rum Advent Calendars
- And as part of our Newcomer Bursary Award, the possibility to win a a bursary prize which can be used on marketing and event activity with The Gin To My Tonic.
All of this activity and more will be put in place to encourage our passionate and engaged community of gin (and spirit) lovers to vote, and ultimately support the favourites they discover whilst on an exciting journey of gin and spirit 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
- 02Feb
Friday 2nd February 2024
Award Entries Open
Entries will open
- 15Apr
Monday 15th April
Awards Entries Close
Entries will close at Midnight on 15th April
- 03Jun
Monday 3rd June 2024
Shortlisted Entries Announced
Our panel of expert judges will whittle down the entries to a shortlist with the results being announced to the public.
Public Voting Opens
Then it’s over to the gin and spirit loving public! This is their unique opportunity to have their say over the next 5 months. Our Voting Page will officially open, Award Bars will be introduced at our Festivals, involvement in our monthly Virtual Gin Tastings will be arranged, and array of print and digital marketing content will be produced in support. All will have a call to action to encourage gin and spirit lovers to vote.
- 18Nov
Monday 18th November 2024
Voting Closes
Public voting will close on Monday 18th November 2024 at Midnight at which point, the public vote will be combined with the judges overall scores (where appropriate) to reveal a Gold Award Winner, Silver Award Winner, Bronze Award Winner & Judges Choice Award Winner. A Judges Choice Award will only be granted where the result differs from the public.
- 29Nov
Friday 29th November 2024
Winners Announced
The winners will be announced on Friday 29th November 2024 across all Gin To My Tonic channels, right within peak Christmas shopping season, to help propel your Christmas sales further.
Discover
THE CATEGORIES
Scroll through the slider below to find the category that best suits you
Best Best Classic Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Modern Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Savoury & Coastal Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Spiced Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Floral Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Citrus Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Navy / High Strength Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Gin Liqueur
Read DetailsBest Best Flavoured & Sweetened Gin
Read DetailsBest Best Gin RTD
Read DetailsBest Best Bottle Design
Read DetailsBest Best Rum
Read DetailsBest Best Vodka
Read DetailsBest Best Distillery Tour
Read DetailsBest Best Gin School Experience
Read DetailsBest Hero Award
Read DetailsBest Newcomer Bursary Award
Read DetailsBest Distillery Of The Year
Read DetailsBest Classic Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Classic Gin’, the gin must taste predominantly of juniper and only use an array of classic gin botanicals.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- A predominate taste of juniper
- A balance of classic of botanicals
- Clarity of flavour which comes solely from distillation
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Modern Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Modern Gin, the gin must taste predominately of juniper, but also showcase the use of modern / contemporary botanicals that push the boundaries of what we have come to expect within gin.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- A predominate taste of juniper
- A balance of modern and innovative botanicals
- Clarity of flavour which comes solely from distillation.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Savoury & Coastal Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Savoury or Coastal Gin’, the gin must display strong use of either classic herbs such as but not limited to rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, or costal inspired botanicals such as but not limited to rock samphire, sea salt, seaweed, sea buckthorn.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- A prevalent use of savoury or coastal inspired botanicals over all others
- A well-balanced yet distinct flavour journey
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Spiced Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Spiced Gin’, the gin must display strong use of spiced botanicals, such as but not limited to clove, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, star anise & ginger.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- A prevalent use of spiced botanicals over all others
- A well-balanced yet distinct flavour journey
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Floral Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Floral Gin’, the gin must display a strong use of floral botanicals, such as but not limited to lavender, rose, hibiscus & elderflower.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV-
- A prevalent use of floral botanicals over all others
- A well-balanced yet distinct flavour journey
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Citrus Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Citrus Gin’, the gin must display a strong use of citrus botanicals, such as but not limited to grapefruit, pomelo, yuzu, lemon, lime and orange.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV-
- A prevalent use of citrus botanicals over all others
- A well-balanced yet distinct flavour journey
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Navy / High Strength Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify for this category the gin must be at least 52% ABV and above.
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
Best Gin Liqueur
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
To qualify as a ‘Gin Liqueur’, the liqueur must use a gin base.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- An ABV typically in the range of 20% - 25%
- Vibrant flavour journey
- Innovative and unique flavour combinations
- Expressions that enrich the category and offer great versatility
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Flavoured & Sweetened Gin
TASTE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
We are welcoming gins that are flavoured or sweetened post-distillation, including all fruit, old tom and hedgerow. Due to expected popularity within this category, entrants will be split into sub-categories under this award banner to ensure the blind-tasting and indeed the results remain fair.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- Clarity of flavour
- Balance of botanicals
- Finish on the gin
With an abundance of choice when it comes to flavoured and sweetened expressions, expect some unique and inspiring entries in this category.
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Gin RTD
DISTILLER DIVERSITY AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
Convenience is key when it comes to drinks, and consumers have shown a strong penchant for ready-to-drink options. This award seeks to celebrate Gin & Tonics and Gin Cocktails, in ready to drink-format.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- How well the spirit is paired with the chosen mixer or cocktail recipe in the RTD
- Shelf appeal
- The flavour journey and overall enjoyment
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Bottle Design
BUSINESS AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital 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 the bottle design
- A sense of style and character
- 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
Best Rum
DISTILLER DIVERSITY AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
Within this award, we are looking to celebrate gin distillers that have turned their talents to other spirits, in particular rum, to great effect.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- A sense of style and character
- The taste journey
- A continuation of the distilleries story and inspirations within their new spirit
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Vodka
DISTILLER DIVERSITY AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences.
Within this award, we are looking to celebrate gin distillers that have turned their talents to other spirits, in particular vodka, to great effect.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- A minimum of 37.5% ABV
- A sense of style and character
- The taste journey
- A continuation of the distilleries story and inspirations within their new spirit
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Distillery Tour
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences. Please note that the judges scores will make up 50% of the overall result, and a visit will be made by a member of The Gin To My Tonic Team.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- The welcome by the hosts
- The knowledge of distillation shared with those that attend
- A unique sense of purpose, imparting all that makes the distillery truly unique
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Best Gin School Experience
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences. Please note that the judges scores will make up 50% of the overall result, and a visit will be made by a member of The Gin To My Tonic Team.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- The welcome by the hosts
- The knowledge of distillation shared with those that attend
- A unique sense of purpose, imparting all that makes the distillery truly unique
- The distillation / blending experience
- The final take home product and the ability to re-order
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Hero Award
BUSINESS AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences. Please note that the judges scores will make up 50% of the overall result.
This award seeks to celebrate distillers looking to make a difference in the world. From sustainability, humanitarian causes, animal conservation and remembrance, we are looking to shine a spotlight on distillers championing worthwhile causes, and ultimately succeeding in make a difference.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- The cause itself and how this has been incorporated into your business model
- Rationale for undertaking the cause
- Quantifiable data or case studies to show how you have made a difference
Enter for this award by completing the form at the bottom of this page
Newcomer Bursary Award
BUSINESS AWARD
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 £5,000 worth of marketing and event support in 2024 to be spent with The Gin To My Tonic, along with a guaranteed commitment to stock you for life.
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences. Please note that the judges scores will make up 50% of the overall result.
To qualify for the bursary award, the distillery must be no more than two & half years old.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- The Story So Far
- Product Range & Innovation
- Engagement With Community
- Original Marketing
- Future Plans For Continued Growth
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
Distillery Of The Year
BUSINESS AWARD
This coveted award will be shortlisted by our panel of expert judges. The winner will be decided by the public over a 5-month voting period commencing early June with votes driven through a variety of digital content, events, tastings and experiences. Please note that the judges scores will make up 50% of the overall result.
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
- The Story So Far
- Product Range & Innovation
- Engagement With Community
- Accolades & Awards
- Original Marketing
- Future Plans For Continued Growth
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
£75.00 per category for ‘Gin To My Tonic’ Exhibitors. Use code TGTMTEXHIBITOR24 at checkout.
or
£100.00 per category for Non-Exhibitors.
Enter
THE COMPETITION
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