Sunderland bar scoops Oscars of the gin world

Though they’re relative newcomers to the gin field, Poetic License Independent Small Batch Distillery has picked up three accolades at the prestigious International Gin Masters awards.

The distillery, based at Poetic License bar in the Roker Hotel, has been awarded Gin Masters for both its Northern Dry Gin and Old Tom Gin at the International Gin Masters.

Its new limited edition Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin also won a Gold Award in the category.

The prestigious awards are held annually by The Spirits Business Magazine and is one of the greatest achievements in the gin world.

Gins from across the globe are judged by a panel of experts in a blind tasting – the top accolade being Gin Master, followed by Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

Only ten Gin Masters titles were handed out at this year’s awards, with two going to Poetic License.

Luke Smith, head distiller at Poetic License, said: “To be awarded Gin Masters for both of our core products less than a year after launching is pretty astounding.

“People work for years to be awarded these sorts of things, so to have achieved it within just 10 months of operating, we’re over the moon to say the least.”

The recent addition of the brand’s first limited edition Picnic Gin, which is infused and distilled with Strawberries and Cream, has seen sales rocket for the already popular range.

He added: “The Picnic Gin has been flying off the shelves. We started devising the recipe in February so it’s great to finally see it out there and people enjoying it. We named it Picnic Gin, as it’s best enjoyed outside in the sunshine and it’s the epitome of British summertime – strawberries, cream and gin - all in one glass.

“To have the Picnic Gin acknowledged at the Gin Masters, as well as the other two is just the icing on the cake.”

Poetic License spirits are available at its bar of the same name, in Roker, where punters can view spirits being made in front of them, in the 500litre copper-pot still.

All four products, including the limited edition Picnic Gin, are also beginning to be stocked up and down the country in bars including the Botanist and aqua Shard in London and retailers such as Fenwick and Lewis and Cooper.

The full range is also available to the trade through wholesalers including Matthew Clark, LWC and Speciality Drinks.