G&J Distillers Named Gin Producer of the Year 2026 at the International Spirits Challenge for the Sixth Time!
Warrington Distillery G&J, Part of Our Client Quintessential Brands, Earned 30 Medals
Published on:
October 22, 2026
Published By:
MHW Mark
MHW is pleased to congratulate G&J Distillers, part of our client the Quintessential Brands group, on its latest recognition from the International Spirits Challenge.
G&J Distillers was named Gin Producer of the Year 2026 for the sixth time, following a year in which the Warrington distillery earned 30 medals across the competition. Opihr Aromatic Bitters London Dry Gin also received an ISC Trophy, the highest level of tasting recognition awarded within an ISC category.
Read the full press release below!
Press Release: G&J Distillers Named Gin Producer of the Year for the Sixth Time at
the International Spirits Challenge 2026, as Opihr Wins a Trophy
Warrington, UK, October 2026 – G&J Distillers, part of Quintessential Brands, has been named Gin Producer of the Year 2026 at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge (ISC), marking the sixth time the distillery has received the coveted industry accolade. The achievement follows another outstanding year of results, with the company securing 30 medals across the competition.
Adding to the success, Opihr Aromatic Bitters London Dry Gin was awarded an ISC Trophy. Trophy recognition represents one of the highest levels of achievement at the ISC and follows its rigorous judging process. The award provides a powerful independent endorsement of Ophir’s quality and distinctive liquid, while highlighting the depth of distilling and liquid- development expertise within G&J Distillers.
Recognised as one of the world’s leading spirits competitions, the ISC brings together leading industry experts to assess entries through a rigorous blind-tasting process. Winning Gin Producer of the Year is regarded as one of the competition’s highest honours, reflecting exceptional quality, consistency and distilling expertise.
Founded in 1761, G&J Distillers is one of the world’s oldest and most respected gin distillers. Today, its expertise sits behind a portfolio of internationally recognised brands, including Greenall’s, Opihr, Bloom and Thomas Dakin, alongside the spirits it creates for customers and partners across the global drinks industry.
The latest awards recognise not only the quality of the liquids produced by G&J Distillers but also the expertise, craftsmanship and commitment of the teams behind them. The Opihr Trophy provides an additional proof point for customers and partners, demonstrating that the distillery can combine long-standing expertise with distinctive, award- winning liquids across its portfolio.
Simon Williams, Group Operations Director, said:
“Winning Gin Producer of the Year for the sixth time is a tremendous achievement and one that everyone across G&J Distillers should be incredibly proud of. It reflects the skill, passion and dedication of our teams and their unwavering commitment to quality. Whether we’re creating spirits for our own brands or for customers and partners around the world, excellence is at the heart of everything we do.”
The success was driven by contributions from teams across the business, including distilling, liquid development, production, quality, innovation, operations, commercial and brand functions.
Joanne Moore, Master Distller, said:
“To be recognised once again by one of the industry’s most respected competitions is a fantastic achievement. This award reflects the strength of our people, our heritage and our collective commitment to creating exceptional spirits. It is a testament to the collaboration and expertise that exists across both G&J Distillers and Quintessential Brands.”
The awards reinforce G&J Distillers’ position as a trusted, award-winning distilling partner and highlight the ongoing strength of the Quintessential Brands gin portfolio. They also underline the company’s long-standing reputation for combining centuries of distilling heritage with modern innovation, quality and consistency.
As G&J Distillers celebrates its sixth Gin Producer of the Year title and Opihr Aromatic Bitters London Dry Gin’s Trophy, the business remains focused on delivering exceptional spirits for consumers, customers and partners around the world.
About G&J Distillers
Founded in 1761, G&J Distillers is one of the world’s oldest gin distilleries, England’s Oldest London Dry Gin Distillers, and a leading producer of premium spirits. Part of Quintessential Brands, the distillery combines more than 260 years of distilling heritage with modern innovation and technical expertise. G&J Distillers produces a portfolio of internationally recognised brands, including Greenall’s, Opihr, Bloom and Thomas Dakin, as well as creating award-winning spirits for customers around the world.
About the International Spirits Challenge
https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com
The International Spirits Challenge is one of the world’s most respected and influential spirits competitions. Judged
through a rigorous blind-tasting process by industry experts, the awards recognise excellence across the global spirits
industry and are regarded as a trusted mark of quality. Trophy recognition represents one of the competition’s highest
levels of achievement.
G&J Distillers Ltd, a Quintessential Brands Group company
Registered in England. No. 7604280
Registered Office: Distribution Point, Melbury Park, Clayton Road,
Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6PH, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1925 286400
Website: quintessentialbrands.com