Grantown produced whisky is a Great Taste winner
Grantown-based Highfern Ltd has been awarded a two-star Great Taste award for its Angels’ Nectar Islay Edition.
Launched last year, the Islay Single Malt is bottled at 47 per cent and at natural colour.
Robert Ransom, Angels’ Nectar founder, said: "Our intention with Angels’ Nectar is to showcase different styles of Scotch whisky with a series small batch releases. It’s wonderful that our Islay Edition has received this recognition, based on taste alone, from the most important awards scheme for the speciality food and drink sector."
The Great Taste judges commented: "We love the very pale, lemon-gold colour. Fantastic smokey-bacon, dry woodsmoke, subtle caramel aroma, with pine and leather notes.
"The palate is bright and energetic, the nose follows well - that woodsmoke lingers long.
"Subtly medicinal finish, all brilliantly in balance with a malty, cereal note. Citrus peel on the finish. There is a level of complexity and balance here that deserves an award.’
Judged by 144 of the most discerning palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as food writers and journalists, Great Taste is the most coveted of awards for the speciality food and drink sector.
There were 12,777 entries into Great Taste this year and of those products, 205 have been awarded a three-star, 1,294 received a two-star and 3,818 were awarded a one-star accolade
Despite the additional logistical challenges imposed this year due to lockdown, Great Taste adapted their processes to remote and socially distanced judging sessions, whilst ensuring that their robust judging standards were maintained.
The panel of judges this year included cook, writer and champion of sustainable food; Melissa Hemsley; voice of modern vegetarian cooking Anna Jones; celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro, baker and author, Martha Collison, as well as food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Waitrose.
Angels’ Nectar Islay Edition retails for £49.50 and amongst others is available from Deli Mair, Balliefurth Farm Shop, The Speyside Centre and online at www.highfern.com. Export markets include France, Germany and Japan.
For the full Great Taste results see www.greattasteawards.co.uk
