Grasmere Distillery is delighted to announce that its Single Malt New Make Spirit has been awarded a Gold Medal by the prestigious Global World Whisky Masters, part of the Global Spirits Challenge.

The Global World Whisky Masters is designed to identify the most notable whiskies currently available on the global market. Judged through blind tastings by a panel of leading spirits specialists, awards are presented across Silver, Gold and Master categories, recognising outstanding quality across a wide range of styles.

This year, six judging panels convened at Stereo in London’s Covent Garden to assess the entrants. Judges included respected industry figures such as Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor of The Spirits Business; James Bunting, founder of New Make Communications; Billy Abbott, whisky ambassador at The Whisky Exchange; and David T Smith, drinks writer and co-founder of the Craft Distilling Expo, among others.

Grasmere Distillery’s Gold Medal was awarded for its Single Malt New Make Spirit, with one judge commenting: “Really lovely, fruity at first, then softening into grains and cereal. Creamy and belying its strength.”

Founded by co-founders Paul and Beth Abbott, Grasmere Distillery has, over the past three years, transformed two modest barns on the shores of Grasmere into one of the UK’s smallest and most characterful distilleries. Following an intensive development phase beginning in 2021, the team launched Grasmere Gin and Grasmere Vodka in 2022, reinvesting revenues to expand production and begin distilling their first single malt whisky.

From the outset, their ambition has been clear: to craft whisky defined by flavour rather than scale. Distilling from full-flavoured beer rather than neutral spirit allows the team to experiment with a wide range of grains, yeast strains and fermentation styles, an approach rarely taken by larger producers.

Paul Abbott founder Grasmere Distillery Photo:Sheenah Alcock

Paul Abbott, co-founder and head distiller, commented:
“Grasmere Distillery is a tiny startup distillery without big resources, so recognition like this is hugely important. Awards such as this Gold Medal help put our New Make Single Malt on the map and demonstrate to both the industry and whisky lovers that we are creating something genuinely special. Every drop we produce reflects our commitment to flavour, craftsmanship and curiosity.”

For those wishing to support the earliest stages of Grasmere Distillery’s whisky journey and secure access to limited future releases, opportunities are available through the Pioneers Club.

For more information, visit: www.grasmeredistillery.com