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Aldi own-label gin beats more expensive rivals in blind taste test Aldi own-label gin beats more expensive rivals in blind taste test
(5 months later)
An own-label supermarket gin costing less than £10 has won a top award and seen off competition from well-known brands and niche rivals costing more than five times its price.An own-label supermarket gin costing less than £10 has won a top award and seen off competition from well-known brands and niche rivals costing more than five times its price.
Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin, which costs £9.65 for a 70cl bottle, impressed judges in blind taste tests at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2013. It picked up a silver medal alongside more expensive rivals including The London No 1 Gin, which sells for £35 at Harrods, and the Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin, which costs £55.95.Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin, which costs £9.65 for a 70cl bottle, impressed judges in blind taste tests at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2013. It picked up a silver medal alongside more expensive rivals including The London No 1 Gin, which sells for £35 at Harrods, and the Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin, which costs £55.95.
The so-called Bathtub Gin from the Professor Cornelius Ampleforth range of spirits and liqueurs was awarded a gold medal in the premium and super premium categories. Costing £32.95 for a 70cl bottle, it is made in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.The so-called Bathtub Gin from the Professor Cornelius Ampleforth range of spirits and liqueurs was awarded a gold medal in the premium and super premium categories. Costing £32.95 for a 70cl bottle, it is made in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Famous mainstream brands such as Bombay Sapphire (£21.70) and artisan favourite Hendricks (£26.39) fell short in the eyes of the experts. Both were awarded bronze medals despite being more than twice as expensive as their value Aldi rival.Famous mainstream brands such as Bombay Sapphire (£21.70) and artisan favourite Hendricks (£26.39) fell short in the eyes of the experts. Both were awarded bronze medals despite being more than twice as expensive as their value Aldi rival.
Described as having a "ripe, citrus aroma with rounded spice and a touch of juniper", Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin is distilled "for a clear, crisp, complex flavour".Described as having a "ripe, citrus aroma with rounded spice and a touch of juniper", Aldi's Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin is distilled "for a clear, crisp, complex flavour".
Several other products in Aldi's spirits range were also highly decorated, with two of its vodkas picking up silver awards and its amaretto, white rum and peach schnapps taking bronze awards in the liqueurs category.Several other products in Aldi's spirits range were also highly decorated, with two of its vodkas picking up silver awards and its amaretto, white rum and peach schnapps taking bronze awards in the liqueurs category.
Tony Baines, managing director of buying at Aldi, said: "Our expert buyer works closely with some of the world's leading distilleries to enable us to deliver high-quality own-label spirits to our customers, so it is fantastic that our commitment to quality has been recognised by as prestigious a group as the ISC tasting panel.Tony Baines, managing director of buying at Aldi, said: "Our expert buyer works closely with some of the world's leading distilleries to enable us to deliver high-quality own-label spirits to our customers, so it is fantastic that our commitment to quality has been recognised by as prestigious a group as the ISC tasting panel.
"It's safe to say we're all in high spirits today – and we hope our customers will enjoy raising a glass of gin and tonic to our success.""It's safe to say we're all in high spirits today – and we hope our customers will enjoy raising a glass of gin and tonic to our success."
Supermarkets have reported a steady rise in gin sales amid new interest from consumers in mixing their own cocktails after a flurry of new product launches. Waitrose's Heston from Waitrose gin – made with British potatoes and infused with the chef's signature Earl Grey tea and lemon – hit the shelves last autumn and retails at £22 for a 70cl bottle.Supermarkets have reported a steady rise in gin sales amid new interest from consumers in mixing their own cocktails after a flurry of new product launches. Waitrose's Heston from Waitrose gin – made with British potatoes and infused with the chef's signature Earl Grey tea and lemon – hit the shelves last autumn and retails at £22 for a 70cl bottle.
The Waitrose spirits buyer Hercehelle Perez Terrado said: "Gin is the trendiest tipple around, with sales up 13% year on year at Waitrose. Underground gin bars are popping up all over London and pubs are starting to sell lesser known craft brands. The scope for creativity in the blend of botanicals is what makes gin so special."The Waitrose spirits buyer Hercehelle Perez Terrado said: "Gin is the trendiest tipple around, with sales up 13% year on year at Waitrose. Underground gin bars are popping up all over London and pubs are starting to sell lesser known craft brands. The scope for creativity in the blend of botanicals is what makes gin so special."
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