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A SPECIAL REPORT FROM
GREAT TASTE 2016
Award winning Dry Aged Beef matured to perfection in our Himalayan Salt Chambers
www.hannanmeats.com
• 3 Top 50 Foods 2016 • 4 Three Star Awards 2016 • 15 Two Star Awards and 17 One Star Awards 2016 • Golden Fork For Northern Ireland 2012, 2013 & 2014 • Supreme Champion 2012
in the end it all comes down to taste! 2 www.gff.co.uk/gta
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GREAT TASTE 2016
Half-ton at the top
Here are the 50 best products in this year’s Great Taste. It’s a list that covers pretty much every category from fresh meat, seafood and dairy through to chocolate, cheese and a few spoonfuls of honey.
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the most coveted three-star awards. This elite group was then re-submitted for a second round of judging and scoring at the hands of experts, including TV chefs Valentine Warner and Clodagh McKenna, critic Charles Campion, Selfridges buyer Scott Winston and food writers Xanthe Clay (The Telegraph), Felicity Cloake (The Guardian) and Lucas Hollweg. Only then was the Great Taste Top 50 decided. Over the next six pages, you will find all 50 of these top-scoring products and Fine Food Digest has the lowdown, including what struck the judges about each one.
eturning to the beginning of the process really highlights how much of an achievement making Great Taste’s Top 50 really is. Some 10,000 products are submitted for Great Taste judging. Over the course of more than 50 days, in excess of 400 judges – including chefs, food writers, top retail buyers and professional critics – took part in evaluating the huge number of entries. Every product was blindtasted by teams of judges to determine what level of accolade it deserved – if any. The end result was 2,520 awarded one-stars, 878 two-stars and just 141 of
EDITORIAL editorial@gff.co.uk Editor & editorial director: Mick Whitworth Deputy editor: Michael Lane Art director: Mark Windsor Photography: Richard Faulks
ADVERTISING advertise@gff.co.uk Sales director: Sally Coley Sales manager: Ruth Debnam Sales executive: Becky Stacey Published by the Guild of Fine Food Ltd GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01747 825200 Fax: 01747 824065 info@gff.co.uk www.gff.co.uk Guild of Fine Food, Guild House, 23b Kingsmead Business Park, Shaftesbury Rd, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5FB UK Fine Food Digest is published 11 times a year and is available on subscription for £45pa inclusive of post and packing. Printed by: Blackmore, Dorset, UK © Great Taste Publications Ltd and The Guild of Fine Food Ltd 2015. Reproduction of whole or part of this magazine without the publisher’s prior permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations.
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GREAT TASTE 2016
tel/fax: +44 020 8803 5344 mobile: +44 079 732 948 56 email: info@ilgelatodiariela.com
www.ilgelatodiariela.com www.gff.co.uk/gta
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GREAT TASTE 2016 J Lawrie & Sons JAFFY’S KIPPERS SCOTLAND
The woody, nutty and smoky notes imparted by oak fires are balanced by a lovely sweetness in these moist, plump herrings. The fish are cured traditionally before the smoking process turns them into kippers that have become serial three-star winners. Judges were impressed all over again by the perfect levels of smoke, oil and salt in each bite. www.jaffys.co.uk
Artzai Gazta Elkartea MAUSITXA ARTZAI GAZTA IDIAZABAL AHUMADO BASQUE COUNTRY
Dark Woods Coffee UNDER MILK WOOD ESPRESSO NORTH OF ENGLAND
“We want more,” cried the judges after a shot of Under Milk Wood, a single-estate espresso sourced from smallholder producers. The coffee is hand-roasted and post-blended in West Yorkshire by Dark Woods, rendering a drink with sharp fruit and dark chocolate notes on the palate and no bitterness in the aftertaste.
This smoked Idiazabal cheese is made with raw sheep’s milk from Basque Country breeds and it really delivered on every level for the judges. Although smoky on the nose and in the mouth, the flavour of the cheese is never overpowered and those who try it will be rewarded with a fresh, crumbly and slightly sweet finish. www.artzai-gazta.net
www.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk
Black Saffron BLACK SAFFRON IRAN Gentle on the nose and “intense, but not sledgehammer-like” on the palate, this “magical” black saffron really grabbed the attention. The judges praised the quality and depth of colour in each strand, all of them grown in north west Iran.
Jess’s Ladies Organic Farm Milk ORGANIC DOUBLE CREAM SOUTH WEST ENGLAND The judges couldn’t get enough of this un-homogenised organic double cream, which they described as “lush”, “summery” and “utterly delicious”. Silky smooth and with a texture like clotted cream, it also offers a complex, long-lasting flavour that transported the panel to fresh pastures.
Huitres Amelie HUITRES AMELIE FRANCE
Finished in the famous claires (clay ponds) of the Marennes Oléron basin on France’s Atlantic coast, these oysters were praised for a “meaty texture with a clean mineral twang and sweet finish that lingered on the palate”. One judge felt as though they were “immersed in the sea”, while another was “reminded of holidays rock pooling, with all the fresh salty flavours of the sea”. www.huitresamelie.com
www.theladiesorganicmilk.co.uk
Anassa Organics ORGANIC MOUNTAIN TEA GREECE
“A yoga class in a glass,” was how one judge described Anassa Organics’ earthy Greek-origin Sideritis tea. A pale lemon-colour tea made from handpicked, loose whole blossoms, this product has a “beautiful camomile and deep herby aroma”, which carries through on the palate. www.anassaorganics.com
Thursday Cottage NATIONAL TRUST PASSIONFRUIT CURD EAST ANGLIA
This curd is cooked in small batches using free-range eggs, and the end result is “beautiful colour, luxurious texture and rich flavour”. Describing the flavour as “intense but not overpowering”, the judges couldn’t get enough of this buttery and moreish preserve.
Vasiliki Kritsidima & Co MELITHEON MASTIC HONEY GREECE
Melitheon Mastic Honey is an “unusual and unique” combination of Greek raw forest honey, Chios island Mastic oil and water. The bright and fresh flavour appealed to the judges, who also enjoyed the “subtle marzipan and caramelised apricot notes” at the end.
www.thursday-cottage.com
www.vasilikicompany.com
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GREAT TASTE 2016
Servicing the art of Gastronomy info@cibosano.co.uk ~ 020 8207 5820 ~ cibosano.co.uk
Charcuterie ~ Cheeses ~ Fresh Pasta ~ Antipasti ~ Seafood ~ Cakes ~ Oils ~ Vinegars
Thanks Thank you to the Cantabrian sea, to the town of SantoĂąa, to our family, to the anchovy sector and to our suppliers. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our customers. And thank you to the Great Taste organisers and judges for placing such value on our Cantabrian anchovies.
www.conservascatalina.com
CANTABRIA ¡ SPAIN
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GREAT TASTE 2016 Åkesson’s Organic MADAGASCAN 75% CRIOLLO COCOA CHOCOLATE LONDON
Martin’s Meats GLOUCESTER OLD SPOT GAMMON STEAK SOUTH WEST
Judges fell in love with this “racy and deliciously decadent” chocolate with its notes of wild red berries and dark cocoa. One judge wished “a room could smell like this when I walk in”.
The judges loved the “savoury piggy flavour” of this cured gammon steak. That deep porkiness and the salt in the meat is balanced by a layer of sweet fat. www.martinsmeats.com
www.akessons-organic.com
Fine Italian Foods ROBIOLA CREAM CHEESE ITALY
Robiola is a classic fresh soft cheese from Piedmont, Italy, made from only local milk. The Great Taste panel were so impressed with this “creamy, herbaceous” cheese that they would like to see more used in the UK. A good “blobbing” cheese, ideal for sweet or savoury dishes.
Bramley & Gage 6 O’CLOCK GIN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Distilled in small batches in a unique ‘double bubble’ copper pot still, this London Dry-style gin offers floral and juniper notes on the nose, which carry through to the palate, along with fresh citrus and subtle spice. Judges said the spirit’s “wonderful heat”, without any burn, means it could be enjoyed neat or with a mixer.
www.fineitalianfoods.co.uk
Apple County Cider Co DABINETT MEDIUM CIDER WALES
“Fresh, crisp and clean” was how judges described this single variety cider made from Dabinett bittersweet apples. Even those judges who don’t usually go for cider enjoyed the full-bodied flavour – neither too heavy nor too sweet – anchored by the tannins rather than acidity. www.applecountycider.co.uk
www.bramleyandgage.com
A fabulous range of Spanish virgin nut oils, lightly roasted and cold-pressed. The judges said the Top 50 Food awarded Pistachio oil was ‘pure Pistachio heaven’!
AMBER RICH
DELICIOSO
DARK ROBUST
www.puremaple.co.uk Email: maple@puremaple.co.uk Tel: 0800 779 7714
TRADITIONAL: ARTISAN: GOURMET telephone 01865 340055 | info@delicioso.co.uk | www.delicioso.co.uk
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GOLDEN DELICATE
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GREAT TASTE 2016 Bermondsey Street Bees BERMONDSEY STREET HONEY LONDON
Bermondsey Street’s raw urban rooftop honey wowed the judges with its viscosity and the myriad flavours on show. The panel detected a “surprisingly refreshing taste of limes, mint, fennel and liquorice”. www.bermondseystreetbees.co.uk
Anassa Organics ORGANIC LEMON VERBENA TEA GREECE
Made from hand-picked Greek origin whole Verbena leaves, this caffeine-free tea is a “full-bodied and marvellous” drink. The freshness appealed to the judges, with some likening the aroma from the cup to rubbing your fingers on the leaves of the bush. www.anassaorganics.com
Rooney Fish PACIFIC OYSTERS NORTHERN IRELAND
Great White North PURE MAPLE 100% CANADA GRADE A GOLDEN DELICATE TASTE MAPLE SYRUP CANADA
Grown in the pristine and nutrientrich waters of Carlingford Lough, these “plump and meaty” Pacific Oysters swept the panel away with their “clean and fresh flavours of the sea, followed by a flood of intense sweetness”.
One judge declared: “I want to be a pancake smothered in this”. But this pure maple syrup could also be poured over desserts, added to cocktails or even drizzled over a pork chop. “Not too sweet, it’s creamy but light with hints of caramel, vanilla and nuts,” said the panel.
www.rooneyfish.com
www.puremaple.co.uk
About us: La Credenza is an importer and distributor of Italian artisan food products since 2001, based in London with an Italian sourcing office. Product range includes cheese, charcuterie, fruit & veg and delicacies.
Colatura di Alici is an Italian fish sauce made from anchovies, from the small fishing village of Cetara, Campania. The fish used in the sauce are harvested from the Amalfi Coast between March 25 (Annunciation) and July 22 (Feast of Mary Magdalene). The origins of Colatura di Alici date back to ancient Rome, where a similar sauce known as garum was widely used as a condiment.
For the River Cafe, the unique ingredients and wonderful prosciuttos and cheeses of regional Italy, arrive in our kitchen via La Credenza. A shared passion for excellence has resulted in a close and exciting relationship .
Ruth Roger - Owner of The River Cafe' Hammersmith – London Andrew Parkinson, Exec Chef
Follow us on
I've developed years of menus around La Credenza's impeccable artisan products whilst at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen London. La Credenza educates you with their knowledgeable research for produces of highest quality products.. My favourite has to be the burrata.
Contact us TEL. 020 70705070 - FAX 020 70705071 EMAIL: info@lacredenza.co.uk - www.lacredenza.co.uk
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GREAT TASTE 2016 Dawn Meats RIDINGS RESERVE MARBLED STANDING RIB WALES
“A thing of beauty” was the panel’s take on Dawn Meats’ handtrimmed and matured rib joint. Its layer of fat, “rammed with a long lasting beefy flavour and almost creamy texture”, was particularly well-liked. www.dawnmeats.com
The Tracklement Co TEWKESBURY HOT MUSTARD SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
This “piquant, tangy” mustard was hailed by judges as the perfect accompaniment to meat, “complementing it rather, than overpowering it”. They also like the colour and aroma of the product, which was inspired by the centuries-old regional technique of mixing mustard flour with horseradish. www.tracklements.co.uk
Hannan Meats GLENARM SHORTHORN WING RIB SIRLOIN NORTHERN IRELAND
Monsoon Estates Coffee Company MONSOON ESPRESSO WEST MIDLANDS
“Delivering on all levels”, this Glenarm Shorthorn wing rib sirloin, which is dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days, proved a real hit with the panel. They were in awe of the “unctuous” texture and “buttery, umami and beefy” flavour, which carried through the tender flesh and the fat.
“Smooth and complex with an incredibly deep and intense flavour”, said the judges of this coffee, which was good enough to transport them to the espresso bars of Italy. The panel loved the fruitiness while drinking and the smoky, dark chocolate notes in the long finish.
www.hannanmeats.com
www.monsoonestates.co.uk
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GREAT TASTE 2016 Bramley & Gage SWEET VERMOUTH SOUTH WEST ENGLAND “Drinking this is like hugging an excitable old friend”, said one judge of this sweet English vermouth. Dark amber in colour with a bright acidic aroma, this “classy” drink is smoky, spicy and malty on the palate, with a clean finish.
Il Gelato di Ariela HAZELNUT GELATO LONDON Il Gelato di Ariela makes its hazelnut gelato with pure ground hazelnuts, and the judges were enamoured with its “wonderfully smooth and creamy texture”, complemented by the prominent flavour of toasted hazelnuts.
www.bramleyandgage.com
www.ilgelatodiariela.com
Coconut Merchant COCONUT JAM SOUTH EAST This “moreish” jam is made from coconuts and nothing else, so it’s an ideal natural alternative for spreading on bread, or adding to cereals and desserts. It got a big thumbs up from the judges, who enjoyed its deep treacly and date-like qualities, not to mention a “screamingly fresh coconut hit”. www.coconut-merchant.com
The Cornish Duck Company FREE RANGE WHOLE CORNISH DUCK SOUTH WEST ENGLAND This free range duck, which is bred from four traditional breeds and reared for longer than the average commercially produced bird, impressed the panel with its moist skin, firm meat and “sweet, nutty and buttery flavour”. www.cornishduck.com
Joy on a plate. For generations now, our family has been making a real commitment to taste and excellence, hoping to help you add a bit of magic to every mealtime.
Anassa Organics offers high quality whole leaf tea and tisanes. Enjoy Greek Organic herbs, full of beneficial properties and seductive tastes. Their innovative way of preparation is quite an experience. www.anassaorganics.com
www.jameswhelanbutchers.com | info@jameswhelanbutchers.com
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GREAT TASTE 2016 Martin’s Meats LONGHORN WING RIB / SIRLOIN ON THE BONE SOUTH WEST ENGLAND This joint, another Martin’s Meats cut that is dry-aged for 30 days in a salt chamber, was said to have a “fantastic texture and pleasing meaty taste”. Judges declared this product to be “moist and tender with a brilliant balanced flavour that develops on the palate”. www.martinsmeats.com
The Bread Factory SEEDED CRACKER LONDON Crowned the “cracker of choice this year”, this is made with buttermilk and topped with mixed seeds. The judges said each seed adds a new dimension and they also loved the brittle snap of the crackers, which would be just as good accompanying a cheeseboard as they are eaten on their own.
Delicioso UK AZADA PISTACHIO NUT OIL SPAIN This versatile virgin oil, which is made from lightly roasted then coldpressed pistachio nuts, really excited the judging panel. They said the “delicate, fresh toasted pistachio and sweet flavour” of the oil would work in Middle Eastern cooking, drizzled over cheese or poured on yoghurt and fresh apricots.
Tresors de Grece MÉLI - HEATHER HONEY FROM IOS ISLAND GREECE “Fudgy and floral, with high notes of toffee and heather on the nose”, this honey from the Greek island of Ios reminded judges more of caramel sauce. The judges likened the subtle sweetness to icing sugar and also enjoyed the honey’s soothing floral notes.
www.breadltd.co.uk
www.delicioso.co.uk
www.tresorsdegrece.gr
A family smokehouse in the Scottish highlands for over 70 years
Mail order service to any UK address ddress
Luxury Luxury Scottish Scottish produce Smoked Seafood Hampers
100% Traditional cures cures
‘PERFECT BALANCE WITH FULLNESS OF FRUIT AND APPEALING HONEYED CARAMEL/TOFFEE NOTES MATCHED BY A CLEAN UNCLOYING FINISH OF GREAT LENGTH.’ 2016 JUDGES COMMENT
WWW.APPLECOUNTYCIDER.CO.UK
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www.jaffys.co.uk www.jaffys.co.uk
01687 46 22 22 2
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GREAT TASTE 2016
Amélie Selection fine de claire
“La perfection”
www.huitresamelie.com
Indication géographique protégée. Marennes Oléron. FRANCE
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GREAT TASTE 2016 James Whelan Butchers HERITAGE CURE HAM IRELAND Cured for 14 days before being smoked, this succulent low-salt ham offers a balance of sweet and savoury notes throughout its flesh and fat. The judges commended the producer for achieving a “moist texture without being too wet” and they also enjoyed the delicate salting of the ham. www.jameswhelanbutchers.com
Vasiliki Kritsidima & Co MELITHEON VANILIA SPECIAL RESERVE FIR TREE HONEY PDO GREECE This is the only Greek honey with Protected Designation of Origin status. The judges hailed this raw, unprocessed product as “exciting and multi-dimensional”. It is golden in colour, has a luscious chewy texture and offers rich treacle flavours with a hint of pine, thanks to rare native fir trees. www.vasilikicompany.com
Åkesson’s Organic BALI 45% MILK CHOCOLATE WITH FLEUR DE SEL & COCONUT BLOSSOM SUGAR LONDON There was high praise in the room for this “lively” Balinese 45% milk chocolate, which balances sweet and savoury components perfectly. Judges particularly enjoyed the contrast of salt and milk chocolate and even picked up notes of “butterscotch”.
Aroma Farms LEMON VERBENA GREECE With an “amazing colour and fragrance of fresh lemons”, this aromatic organic whole leaf Lemon Verbena from Greece, is bursting with flavour on the nose and palate. “Sweetly dry, it has a warming finish” and judges could envisage drinking it with “a little agave”. www.aromafarms.gr
www.akessons-organic.com
CASK AGED DEVON CIDER “Exceptional, high quality cider, naturally crafted from the finest Devon apples” DISCOVER US ...
sandfordorchards.co.uk Our range is available nationwide. Contact cider@sandfordorchards.co.uk or call us on 01363 777 822 for more information.
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GREAT TASTE 2016 V
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Adventurous Coffee • Roasted by Hand Coffee Equipment • Barista Training • Retail
Holme Mills, Marsden, Yorkshire www.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk e: damian@darkwoodscoffee.co.uk • t: 01484 843141
Fine Italian Foods
Ultra premium Organic Thyme Honey produced with care in East Crete, in a NATURA2000 protected area. Thyme Pollen more than 50%! Awarded with 3-Stars in 2014 and 2016! Learn more for our multiawarded Stories of Greek Origins premium collection. Discover the Story... Enjoy the taste experience!
F L A V O U R S O F I T A L Y
T +44 (0)20 8671 6622 E enquiries@fineitalianfoods.co.uk W www.fineitalianfoods.co.uk
BRAND OF ARTION GREEK FOODS www.storiesofgreekorigins.com ATHENS– GREECE T:+302108141667 E: info@artiongreekfoods.com
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GREAT TASTE 2016
Goodwood Estate Co ORGANIC PORK BELLY SOUTH EAST ENGLAND Goodwood’s organically reared Old Spot-Saddleback cross breed produces a pork belly that is “rich and unctuous with lovely umami”. Raving about the sweet, savoury fat and excellent crackling, the judges could find no fault in the product. www.goodwood.com
Hannan Meats GLENARM SHORTHORN 4 RIB ROAST NORTHERN IRELAND “Exceptional, extraordinary and top class!” The judges heaped praise on this rib roast, which is dry-aged in a Himalayan salt chamber for a minimum of 28 days. The entire panel really were wowed and couldn’t believe that “beef could taste so good”, with one suggesting that they would like to be covered in the fat.
Conservas Catalina ANCHOVIES SPAIN These “gloriously rich, leathery and unctuous” Cantabrian anchovies in olive oil impressed visually and the taste and texture was “top drawer”, too. The initial meatiness and intense saltiness is complemented by a delicate, lingering finish. www.conservascatalina.com
Sandford Orchards THE GENERAL CIDER SOUTH WEST ENGLAND Sandford Orchards’ 8.4% cask-aged vintage sparkling cider was a real hit with the judges, who liked its clear golden colour, fruity nose and the “delicate but rounded taste”. Some suggested it would be great for drinking on a late summer’s afternoon. www.sandfordorchards.co.uk
www.hannanmeats.com
Honey in the raw: Specialists in exceptional, small batch, English artisan honeys
annmarie@thetipperarykitchen.ie 00 353 504 43257
bermondseystreetbees.co.uk dale@bermondseystreetbees.co.uk
www.thetipperarykitchen.ie
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Mill Bay Oysters Because You Deserve the Best
Quotes from the judges Lovely creamy colour, enticing and bright. Clean aroma. Wonderful texture smooth and melting with a brilliant flavour of fish and sea. We loved these oysters and were honoured to be tasting them.
Impressive, plump oysters, with a great colour and definition to the meat. The texture was meaty and firm, but with the anticipated creaminess. The flavour was clean and fresh, with a lovely lasting sweetness. Absolutely delicious Oysters, and some of the best that these judges have tasted.
Tel: 0044 (0)28 4176 3071 | Fax: 0044 (0)28 4176 2188 andrew.rooneyfish @rooneyfish RooneyFish 16 andrew@rooneyfish.com
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GREAT TASTE 2016 La Credenza DELFINO COLATURA DI ALICI ITALY
“Beautifully oceanic with a punchy and salty hit”, this fish sauce from Cetara, which is more commonly known as Garum, received a great deal of admiration for its “pure, intense marine tang” and excellent anchovy flavour.
Abernethy Butter SMOKED ABERNETHY BUTTER NORTHERN IRELAND
Churned, washed and patted by hand, this butter is then smoked over beech and applewood, creating a richness and colour that captivated the judges. They also liked the “good balance of smoke, underpinned by salt” of this truly artisan product. www.abernethybuttercompany.com
www.lacredenza.co.uk
Basco Fine Foods PRESA IBERICA SPAIN
Presa Iberica is a cut from between the shoulder blades and the loin of free-range Iberico pigs, raised in the Dehesa de Extremadura on a diet of acorns. Dubbed a “triumph” by the judges, this cut got rave reviews from the panel, thanks to its succulent texture and an intensely rich flavour, boasting both sweet and savoury notes. www.bascofinefoods.com
The Traditional Free Range Egg Co WADDLING FREE – FREE-RANGE DUCK EGGS SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
“A perfect egg that is hard to fault”. So said the judges about these Somerset free-range eggs, which boast marigold yolks, firm pure whites and a rich flavour. The verdict was that duck eggs cannot get any better. www.thetraditionalfreerangeeggcompany.co.uk
The Flour Station ENGLISH MUFFIN LONDON
Standing tall, with a dense crumb and a fluffy texture, The Flour Station’s traditional muffins are enriched with whole milk – which really comes through on the palate – and baked on a skillet. Judges agreed that they are “the perfect vehicle for all sorts of toppings or smothered in butter”.
Artion Greek Foods ‘STORIES OF GREEK ORIGINS’ ORGANIC THYME HONEY, CRETE GREECE
An “awesome” organic thyme honey from Crete with a “beautiful colour and almost boozy quality”. The judges felt that there were many layers of flavour to this honey – sweet floral and savoury herbal notes combine for a toffee-like taste.
www.theflourstation.com
www.storiesofgreekorigins.com
These rare peppercorns, harvested in Madagascar’s tropical forests, come in a variety of sizes and have a “hell of a lot going on for such a tiny thing”. One judge described the pepper as has having a “three dimensional flavour” while another picked up on the “long woody notes and heat”.
The Tipperary Kitchen HOLYCROSS ORIGINAL BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE IRELAND
Using local Tipperary butter and Thurles fresh cream, this butterscotch sauce was likened to “heaven in a bowl”. Judges thought it was perfectly made, tasted natural, and would be exactly the right way to end any meal.
www.akessons-organic.com
www.thetipperarykitchen.ie
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Åkesson’s Organic VOATSIPERIFERY ‘WILD’ PEPPER MADAGASCAR
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GREAT TASTE 2016 Cibosano PIAVE VECCHIO SELEZIONE ORO D.O.P. ITALY
Hannan Meats SUGAR PIT BEEF BRISKET NORTHERN IRELAND
Billed by one judge as the “lovechild of Gruyère, Parmesan and cheddar”, this cheese is mad with milk sourced within its home province of Belluno in the northernmost part of Veneto and aged for 12 months. It took the panel on a taste journey through a layer of sweetness, followed by a whoosh of heat, lactic crystals and “a tongue tickle on the finish”.
As far as the judges were concerned, Hannan Meats has “smashed it out of the park” with this brisket, which is dry-cured, then sweetened in a sugar pit for 10 days. Describing the meat as “silky, sweet and melt in the mouth”, the panel couldn’t get enough. www.hannanmeats.com
www.cibosano.co.uk
Martin’s Meats LONGHORN TOPSIDE SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
This “sensational” Longhorn topside is dry-aged in a salt chamber for 30 days and the end result is “melt in the mouth texture”, tenderness and “astounding flavour” in both the meat and the fat. Unable to find fault, the judges agreed that this joint would make any meal a special occasion. www.martinsmeats.com
Dunnes Stores SIMPLY BETTER IRISH HANDMADE ALL BUTTER STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING IRELAND
This classic pudding, made with Irish ingredients, was a real show stopper. “Unctuous and moreish, squidgy and moist”, it showcases the texture and flavour of the dates while remaining in balance with the other ingredients. www.dunnesstores.com
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GREAT TASTE 2016
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
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DAWN RIDINGS RESERVE GREAT TASTE AD_3492 _Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:07 Page 1
Superior Quality, Unrivalled Taste
Sourced directly from our family of farms across the English countryside our award winning beef is hand selected and crafted with expertise by our butchers. We never compromise our quality. Every cut meets the same high standards, delivering tenderness, succulence and an unrivalled taste each and every time. RIDINGSRESERVE@DAWNMEATS.COM
WWW.DAWNMEATS.COM