Dunnet Bay Distillers win two new international awards

Dunnet Bay Distillers are delighted to have won international awards for two of its spirits – Holy Grass Vodka and Navy Strength Gin.

“We are absolutely thrilled to win these prestigious awards," said Martin Murray, co-founder and director of the business. "It is great news for Holy Grass Vodka as it really is an undiscovered treasure as yet, which deserves to be more widely known.

"Our Navy Strength Gin is one of a portfolio of super-premium, multi-award-winning Rock Rose Gins made using botanicals gathered locally on the north coast of Scotland. We are proud to have these additional accolades.”

Holy Grass Vodka has been named the Country Winner for the UK in the flavoured category of the 2021 World Vodka Awards. The judges describe the local entry as: "Fresh on the nose with fruity body. Notes of pear and orange with touch of grassy character. Well-balanced body and nicely rounded finish."

The winning vodka is a 41.5 per cent alcohol by volume spirit distilled in the county at the company's base in Dunnet and is made with locally sourced ingredients, giving it a delicate and fresh quality, with an intensely smooth and creamy finish.

The name derives from Holy Grass, a botanical discovered growing on the banks of the River Thurso, which adds a sweet, aromatic note to the vodka.

Meanwhile Rock Rose Gin Navy Strength has won the Country Winner for Scotland title in this year's World Gin Awards.

Praising the exceptional entry, the judges said: "Good peppery complexity here, with orris and angelica root coming through on the palate. It’s hot and spicy but with a nice smooth alcohol element. There are some sweet notes, and some juniper and spice that opens up with some water."

Dunnet Bay Distillers was started by Mr Murray and his wife Claire in 2014.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.