The 90-Award Milestone: How a Boutique British Distillery is Quietly Outclassing the Giants of the Spirits World.

BICESTER, OXFORDSHIRE – The global spirits market is famously dominated by giant brands with bottomless marketing budgets. Yet, behind closed doors and in strictly blind tastings, an independent distillery in Oxfordshire continues to quietly sweep the board.

Following the latest round of the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards, The Sky Wave Distillery in Bicester, has secured three new accolades, bringing their total historic haul to a staggering 90 awards. It comes just two weeks after winning the top award in the Global Gin Masters.

The globally respected Great Taste judging panel consists of more than 500 chefs, restaurateurs, buyers, critics and food writers who blind taste their way through tens of thousands of entries, judging purely on flavour, texture and aroma –they can’t see the branding or packaging – they have to just judge on taste. They awarded 2-Stars to both Sky Wave’s Signature London Dry Gin, and their impeccably smooth Triple Distilled Vodka; alongside a 1-Star rating for their Liberation London Dry Gin. In an era of flavoured fads and sweet cocktails, Sky Wave’s triumph is a testament to the enduring appeal of classical, elegant distilling.

“We have always believed that the liquid should do the talking,” says Rachel Hicks, co-founder of Sky Wave, “To reach 90 awards is a surreal milestone. It all began when we were named The World’s Best Gin at the World Gin Awards in 2020. We don’t have the luxury of relying on centuries of history or a massive marketing budget; our spirits simply have to be better than the competition when poured into a glass. The challenge is getting in front of people to do that, without being a big brand name. These latest Great Taste stars are a wonderful nod to that strategy. We thank those customers who trusted us and recognise a great spirit when they taste it!”

Andrew Parsons, Sky Wave Master Distiller and co-founder said, “We know that people are choosing to drink less but better, which is why we launched our “Drink Better®” campaign. These Great Taste awards, taking our awards total to 90 in 7 years, upholds our philosophy that to Drink Better® you should demand the best. Sky Wave is the absolute pinnacle of premium craft gin distilling and you can taste that with every sip.”

As Sky Wave edges closer to its 100th award, it stands as a brilliant example of modern British craftsmanship: unpretentious, impeccably executed, and armed with just the right amount of quiet confidence.

Discover the 90-award portfolio at www.skywavegin.com. Sky Wave, The Spirit of Oxfordshire®.