Barry Island Spirits Co given two Great Taste awards

Barry Island Spirits Co won two 2-star Great Taste awards for its Welsh Dry Gin and Organic Welsh Vodka.

Out of 13,672 products in the competition, these two spirits each secured gold stars at the renowned food and drink awards.

Following the rigorous blind judging process, only 5,590 products were selected for a Great Taste award in 2024.

Increasing its tally, the gin which was previously awarded a 1-star Great Taste in 2021, now boasts a higher status in 2024.

The judges praised the gin as "very bright and well defined" with "lots of character".

The organic vodka was also a favourite, with compliments on its "Crystal clear and gleaming, with a clean and freshly inviting nose" and "Very impressive with restraint without in any way being boring".

Tim and Claire Whalley are delighted with the results (Image: Barry Island Spirits Co)

The couple behind the company, Tim and Claire Whalley, opened a shop on High Street in Barry in 2022 and own Craft Republic bar at Goodsheds.

Mr Whalley said: "We are really proud to have won two 2-star Great Taste Awards for our Welsh Dry Gin and Organic Vodka.

"We never imagined we’d have achieved all four of our spirits being accredited with Great Taste Awards, it’s a dream come true."

Mrs Whalley added: "Our recipes have been inspired by the beautiful surroundings around our home on Barry Island.

"We create drinks that we like and want to drink ourselves, so it’s wonderful to know that the Great Taste Award judges enjoy them too."

Both the Barry Island Pink Dry Gin and Botanical Spiced Rum, included in their spirits range, won 1-star Great Taste awards in 2022.

What is Great Taste?

A global recognition for food and drink, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, prioritises taste above everything in its judging criteria.

This year, judging took place over 92 days in Dorset and London, with a panel of more than 500 judges putting the products to the test.