West Winds wins Ultimate Spirits Challenge Trophy

West Winds gin, The Cutlass, has been named has taken out the Chairman’s Trophy for best gin at the New York Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

With a score of 97 out of 100 The Cutlass beat other more established and well-known gin houses including Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s and Beefeater to take home the Champion’s Trophy.

In their tasting notes for the gin the judges said: “Sea breeze and airy mountain herbs dominate the nose with an underlying note of bergamot and pine. Robust, earthy and herb-forward on the palate with a deep minerality and a hunt of luscious lemon. Finishes bold and dry.”

The Ultimate Spirits Challenge isn’t just a standard one-off event, it incorporates a designated year-round facility and a tasting team of industry experts including Don Lee, Jeff Bell, Joaquin Simo and Dave Wondrich.