A budget-friendly Aldi gin has been crowned the best London Dry gin in England at a prestigious awards ceremony. Haysmith's London Dry Gin, which costs £16.49 for a 70cl bottle and is sold exclusively at the discount supermarket, received high praise at the World Drinks Awards.
The judges described the Aldi spirit as having notes of "menthol, juniper and eucalyptus on the nose, super fresh and cool but creamy too." They added: "Very clean and fresh on the palate, some aromatic cardamom too, giving a lemon-y character. As it develops, there's a sweetness akin to liquorice, anise and cassia."
Haysmith's beat branded rival Beefeater London Dry Gin, which was awarded bronze in the same category and costs around £20 a bottle, depending on the retailer. However, cheaper branded gins are available; for instance, Tesco is offering a Clubcard promotion of £16 for a 70cl bottle of Gordon's, while without a Clubcard it costs £19.50.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: "We are thrilled that our Specially Selected Haysmith's London Dry Gin has been recognised as the best in the country. To be the only supermarket awarded such a high honour for our gin is a real testament to the work of our supplier partners in creating a product that’s of phenomenal quality and amazing value for our customers. This award is not just a win for Aldi, but for every gin-lover who wants to enjoy an outstanding G&T without breaking the bank."
Alain Roux Waterside Inn London Dry Gin, priced at £44.50, was also recognised as a gold winner in the London Dry category. There were six silver winners, including Mombasa Club Colonel's Reserve, Hawkstone Gin, Hawkridge Victorian Botanical London Dry Gin, St Ermin's London Dry Gin, Country House Weddings London Dry Gin, and Heckfield Place London Dry Gin. Bronze awards were given to eight different gins, including Beefeater London Dry Gin, Beefeater 24, Beefeater Crown Jewel, Bronze King & Country London Dry Gin, Tack Room Distillery Ltd London Dry Gin, Gibson's London Dry Gin, British Original London Dry Gin, and Gin In A Tin.
Two other gins from the Haysmith's range also scooped silver medals in the Flavoured Gin category. Judges highlighted the Haysmith's Seville Orange & Persian Lime Gin and Haysmith's Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, both priced at £14.99.
