GINSTR

More than 600 different gin distillers from 90 countries competed in London at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) to decide which gin would turn out to be the best this year. The victor in the Gin & Tonic Trophy this year may well come as something of a surprise: the highly regarded prize went for the first time to Germany - to a small Stuttgart distillery. GINSTR - Stuttgart Dry emerged victorious over all the well-known international brands and is now the world's best gin for a gin and tonic.

What is noteworthy is that the Stuttgart gin has been on the market for only around 18 months. The brand started in life as a hobby pursued by distillers Alexander Franke, 34, and Markus Escher, 27. It is still being made in small quantities in their own distillery using juniper berries they have grown themselves, along with ingredients from the Stuttgart region. GINSTR received the gold medal at the World Spirits Award earlier this year, and has now been acknowledged as the best in the world for gin and tonic.

The IWSC's international jury comprises 400 jurors who spend several months of the year tasting and assessing wines and spirits from all over the world. Set up in 1969, the competition is regarded as the most important prize in the sector. In addition, there was a separate special commendation for the young distillers in the form of the IWSC's Outstanding Gold for the unusually clear outcome of the test in this category. In 2011 Monkey 47 won at the IWSC as the first gin from Germany, since then becoming a brand with an international reputation.

Further information on GINSTR - Stuttgart Dry Gin may be found at en.stuttgartgin.com