The Alnwick Garden’s Intoxicating Victory

The Alnwick Garden’s Poison Gin has won Silver at the prestigious London Spirits Competition, securing its place among the industry’s finest in a blind taste test.

Having launched the gin in 2024, this award underscores the gin’s exceptional quality and distinctive character. Judged by a panel of industry leaders who assess spirits on taste, value, and packaging, the competition ensures that winners stand out as a complete consumer experience, not just for their flavour, but for their craftsmanship.

Scoring an impressive 93 out of 100, Ian McAllister, Head of Marketing at The Alnwick Garden, said: “We are over the moon. This accolade highlights the craftsmanship, botanical brilliance, and ability to stand out in a highly competitive market.

“Our Poison Gin embodies the essence of The Alnwick Garden, where nature and creativity come together. This recognition from industry experts confirms its place among the world’s finest spirits.”

Produced by the award-winning Durham Distillers, the Poison Gin is infused with fruit from The Poison Garden’s medieval Medlar tree. While the name ‘Poison Gin’ reflects The Garden’s deadly legacy, the gin itself is crafted with meticulous care.

The apple-like Medlar fruit is traditionally only edible when ‘bletted’, a process of overripening that transforms its flavour.

Judges praised the gin’s taste profile, noting, “Citrus and lime bring clarity on the nose, while the palate balances juniper, coriander, and soft spice, finishing with freshness and a long, clean lift.”

This recognition at the London Spirits Competition reinforces The Alnwick Garden’s commitment to plant history and its mission to inspire and educate on the power of plants, to afflict, heal, and nurture.

Nestled within The Alnwick Garden’s 12 acres, The Poison Garden is home to around 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the natural world’s most potent properties.