West Winds gin, The Cutlass, has been named has taken out the Chairman’s Trophy for best gin at the New York Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
With a score of 97 out of 100 The Cutlass beat other more established and well-known gin houses including Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s and Beefeater to take home the Champion’s Trophy.
In their tasting notes for the gin the judges said: “Sea breeze and airy mountain herbs dominate the nose with an underlying note of bergamot and pine. Robust, earthy and herb-forward on the palate with a deep minerality and a hunt of luscious lemon. Finishes bold and dry.”
The Ultimate Spirits Challenge isn’t just a standard one-off event, it incorporates a designated year-round facility and a tasting team of industry experts including Don Lee, Jeff Bell, Joaquin Simo and Dave Wondrich.