The Great Taste Awards, the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet, have been announced. Out of 5,383 products worldwide to receive a Great Taste 1-, 2- or 3-star accolade on Tuesday 21 September, Lakeland Artisan received 10 awards, the highest of all producers in Cumbria.

Geoff Monkman, Managing Director said “We are thrilled to have received 10 awards this year, and highly delighted that our latest product Yan Gin by Herdwick Distillery, has been recognised. Herdwick Distillery is off to a flying start and with its first product Yan Gin having been created, designed, distilled and bottled in our distillery in Kendal It’s wonderful to be recognised by these awards. ”

The 2-star awards, “Above and beyond delicious” which less than 10% of entries achieved, were for:-

Spiced Fruit Rum Liqueur – “Buttery, spicy, molasses and a hint of pineapple come through on the nose. Mince pie flavours burst into the mouth with a delicious, comforting, and familiar combination of spices and alcohol.”

Rhubarb & Ginger Gin Liqueur – “This is a work of genius! The ginger is brilliantly judged and sits in the background whilst the rhubarb sings its song. This is the English summertime in a drink; from the scent on the nose to the lasting flavour journey. We absolutely loved this.”

Damson Extra Jam – “This is a rich, deeply coloured and deeply flavourful damson jam. It is tart and has that hint of almond. The jam has great viscosity, and the colour is jewel-like. The element of sweetness balances perfectly with the sharpness that is typical of damsons.”

Sweet Garlic Pickle – “Rich, warm, fruity, sharp and sweet bringing a really bold flavour impact to any dish that it graced. A clever and balanced chutney that has been carefully made.”

The 1-star awards “A food that delivers fantastic flavour.” were for:-

Yan Gin by Herdwick Distillery – “A light nose is followed by a rich mouthfeel and distinct sweetness with a savoury, umami element, appealingly smooth overall palate. It does indeed make a tasty G&T.

Honey Vodka Liqueur – “it’s sweet and simple – sweet enough to cheer up a coffee for sure – and the grappa-like nose adds to the interest, one we couldn’t help enjoying, simply sipping it neat.”

Strawberry & Sarsaparilla Gin Liqueur – “clever concept that is unlike anything we have tasted before. This has subtlety and nuances that gives it a pleasing journey with layers of fruity strawberry balancing perfectly with the aniseed. Intriguing… and we wanted more”

Sloe Gin Liqueur – “A beautifully, well rounded balance of the sweet and the bitter with the right degree of viscosity and mouthfeel. The fruit has clearly been well integrated to the spirit to produce a delicious but easy drinking and rich liqueur.”

Damson & Gin Jam – “A pleasantly sweet jam with some lovely acidic notes coming from the well-cooked skin. They draw you back from the sugar – well balanced. Delicious.”