A distillery business based in Northumberland is celebrating after taking one of the top honors at a global spirits convention.

Moorland Spirit, which is based near Morpeth in Northumberland, has received a Double Gold Award honor at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Hepple Gin.

The award is given to entries that receive a gold rating from all members of the judging panel, marking Hepple Gin out as one of the best gins in the world.

The Northumberland distillery is a partnership between the landowner and managing director Walter Riddell, master distiller Chris Garden, cook, and broadcaster Valentine Warner and cocktail expert Nick Strangeway.

Using juniper harvested from the Hepple estate, the company uses a pioneering “triple technique” that produces a better-flavored product than traditional distillery methods.

Moorland Spirit won a gold award last year but has been upgraded in this year’s competition.

As well as developing its product, which is sold around the country, Moorland Spirit has worked with Northumberland National Park and Newcastle University to develop a juniper propagation program on the moors around the distillery.

Mr. Garden said: “We are delighted to win the double gold from one of the world’s most important spirits competition. The award is a testament to our unique triple technique, which brings a new level of juniper to our gin.

“To celebrate I’ll be back outdoors picking more green juniper, fingers crossed for the sunshine.”

Read more at source: Chronicle live