Batch brings home double gold from San Francisco

Burnley based micro-distillery Batch has triumphed at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirit Competition with a rare 'double gold'.

The designation is awarded to the very few entries that receive gold medal ratings by all members of the judging panel, placing Batch among the best spirits in the world.

Batch's Industrial Strength Gin, described as a playful twist on a Navy gin with a nod to the industrial heritage of its hometown, earned the distinction.

Batch Organic Vodka also received a Silver SFWSC award, and another of the gins from the Innovations range, Buddha’s Hand Gin, walked away with a bronze at this year’s competition.

The awards follow the success of Batch Signature Gin, crowned the UK’s favourite gin by Craft Gin Club members earlier this year.

The firm originally produced around 200 bottles of Industrial Strength Gin as a limited edition run for their subscription members, plus select local bars and restaurants.

With the news of double gold, Industrial Strength Gin is set to make a comeback and will join the core range, which includes Signature and Whinberry gins.

Oliver Sanderson, head distiller, said: “I originally produced Industrial Strength for Batch Innovations members; our monthly spirits subscription club. After surveying our members, we knew Industrial Strength was very good but to achieve double gold at San Francisco is an incredible achievement." Director Phil Whitwell added: “Going from distilling in the basement of a house in 2015, to being crowned the UK’s favourite gin and now achieving the success of a SFWSC Double Gold, I am thrilled that people are enjoying our gin as much as we love producing and innovating."