Great taste

THREE artisan drink and food businesses have put Shetland on the gourmet’s map after winning gold stars at the Great Taste Awards.

Lerwick Brewery, Shetlandeli and The Shetland Distillery Company are among hundreds of UK businesses to have landed what are known as the Oscars of the food and drink world run by the Guild of Fine Food.

More than 400 judges spent hours tasting 10,000 different foods and drinks before handing out the accolades.

For Lerwick Brewery the award for their new Tushkar oatmeal stout is their second gold star, after their craft lager 60° North won last year.

Brewery manager Rhanna Turberville said: “It’s fantastic endorsement that we’re making great-tasting beers which are appreciated right across the UK.”

Shetlandeli were picked out for their Valhalla Ale Chutney made with Sjolmet Stout from the Unst-based Valhalla Brewery mixed with spices, apples, root vegetables, dates and dark sugar.

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Company founder Jill Franklin said they were thrilled to receive such recognition in their first year in business.

“Our customers’ taste buds have already voted Valhalla our most popular chutney, so it’s wonderful to get such a high-profile endorsement,” she said.

Meanwhile The Shetland Distillery Company is enjoying its second award for its traditional-style Shetland Reel Gin, made with Unst-grown apple mint, after winning a silver medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Company director Debbie Strang said they had wonderful feedback since they launched the product 12 months ago.

“Winning a Great Taste Award is particularly important for growth in the UK high end food market, and we are proud to be one of the select group of winners this year,” she said.

The three Shetland products were among 2,382 who received a gold star in the 2015 awards, while 597 earned two stars and a select 130 were given three stars.

The panel of judges included Masterchef judge and restaurant critic Charles Campion, TV presenter and cook Aggie Mackenzie; The Pig hotel group chef director James Golding, Great British Bake Off winner Frances Quinn; Masterchef the Professionals finalist Adam Handling and food buyers from Harrods, Selfridges, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.