Great Taste 3-Star 2021-22

a supplement to

G R E AT TA S T E 2 0 2 1 3-STAR GUIDE

F E AT U R I N G E V E R Y 3 - S TA R P R O D U C T F R O M T H E 2 0 2 1 A W A R D S

Freeze-dried Green Kampot Pepper

8

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Great Taste never fails to deliver on its promise. Last year, not even the pandemic could stop its revered and robust judging process (devised and organised by the Guild of Fine Food) from unearthing some of the best food & drink on the planet.

And 2021 was no different in that respect. Yes, social distancing remained a feature of the blind-tasting sessions but in just 86 days, a record number of entries – some 14,113 – was whittled down to those deemed worthy of awards.

It took a team of 355 judges – a group that includes food critics, chefs, restaurateurs, retail buyers, and journalists – to determine the results. And they are now in.

In total, 4,027 products were awarded a 1-star, and there were 1,138 2-star winners. But just 218 items were deemed to be worthy of the coveted 3-star award. That last bracket is the focus of this publication, and you can read more about each one, and what the judges thought about them, right here.

Just 218 entries – from a record 14,113 – were deemed to be at the top 3-star level by Great Taste judges

For more about the Guild, Fine Food Digest and Great Taste, just visit gff.co.uk.

EDITORIAL editorial@gff.co.uk Editor: Michael Lane Assistant editor: Tom Dale Art director: Mark Windsor Listings compiled by: Lauren Phillips Judges images: Sam Pelly, Tim Johnston Product images: Richard Faulks, Tim Johnston

Logistics & operations: Sophie Brentnall, Meredith White ADVERTISING advertise@gff.co.uk Sales director: Sally Coley Sales manager: Ruth Debnam Sales executives: Becky Haskett, Sam Coleman

GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: +44 (0)1747 825200 Fax: +44 (0)1747 824065 info@gff.co.uk www.gff.co.uk Guild of Fine Food, Guild House, 23b Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5FB UK

INSIDE

Spirits

5

Beer, Cider & Cocktails 6 Soft Drinks, Oils

13

Vinegar, Hot Sauce

17

Charcuterie, Pork

22

Seasonings & Spices 14 Savoury Preserves Beef, Lamb

21 25

Flour, Sweet Sauces 31 Jams & Sweet Spreads 32 Tea 35 Coffee

39

Seafood & Fish

49

Chocolate 41 Cheese 50 Ice Cream 53 Bread & Cake 61 Honey

62

PUBLISHED BY

The Guild of Fine Food Ltd © The Guild of Fine Food Ltd 2021.

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.

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

PRINTED BY

Blackmore, Dorset

3

INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2021 Whether you’re seeking bold flavours, quirky innovation or just a well-executed classic, this year’s line-up of Great Taste 3-star-winning food & drink has you covered.

Every single one is here and we’ve broken down the roster into categories for ease of browsing – starting with the drinks...

4

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

SPIRITS

Lumber’s Bartholomew Berkshire Dry 137 Distillery

Ginger, dark chocolate, biscuit, pepper spice and citrus come together on the palate in this warming dry gin, made with Grains of Paradise. Its complexity and long finish impressed the judges.

137gin.com

Palma Gin

Pentland Hills Navy Gin

Coastal Gin

Sussex Dry Gin

Distilled using the wildflowers and citrus fruit of Mallorca, this organic gin won over judges with its discernible notes of juniper, orange and tomato in the mouth, combining for a floral, bright, slightly earthy flavour. mallorcadistillery.com

Made using nine botanicals – including cardamom, pink pepper, orange, mint, and cocoa nib – this Navy Strength gin wowed the judges with its intensity, balance and definition of flavours on the palate. pentlandhillsgin.com

Tasters were enthralled by the originality and “complex medley of spicy, fruity, and rock pool notes” in this London Dry gin, distilled with sea buckthorn berries, blackberries and bladderwrack seaweed. coastaldistillery.co.uk

Distilled with an infusion of lemon balm, verbena, juniper, coriander, cassia, cardamom, angelica and fennel, this gin delighted judges who called it “hugely characterful and rewarding”. One added: “Every ingredient has its place in this drink.” slakespirits.com

Mallorca Distillery

Tarbraxus Distillers

Coastal Distillery

58 London Dry Gin

Scots Pine Gin

Kimchi Gin

Timur Gin

Juniper-led with floral and herbaceous notes, this gin was deemed “a great example of the classic style” by the judges who thought it was perfectly balanced – with well-integrated alcohol and a soft botanical finish.

58gin.com

Notable botanicals of juniper, Scots pine, cassia, and orange peel deliver a bold gin with pine on the nose and citrus and menthol-fresh notes in the mouth. Judges said it was well-balanced, complex and very enjoyable. tayportdistillery.com

Kimchi meets London Dry in this fun and brave gin that impressed judges with its prominent garlicky, fermented aroma, flavour and depth, as well a citrus note that lifts the whole drink. twistingspirits.co.uk

The pure oil from the Timur Pepper, a rare Sichuan pepper from Nepal, is infused in this London Dry gin to produce a bracing G&T that some judges called “terrific, firm, and fiercely refreshing”. nelsonsdistillery.co.uk

58 Distillery

Tayport Distillery

Twisting Spirits

Nelson’s Distillery & School

Damson Gin Liqueur

Rum Bothy

Bush Rum Original Spiced

Altitude Alpine Dry Gin

Admiring its inviting ruby red colour and rich aroma, the judges said this was a well-crafted damson gin liqueur with a luxurious mouthfeel, well-judged sweetness and “heaps of fruity damson character”. gundoggin.co.uk

“Christmas has exploded from the glass in a gorgeous way”, said one taster of this rich, golden, spiced sipping rum, made with Scottishgrown saffron, orange and mixed spice. ginbothy.co.uk

Deep amber in colour, this Caribbean-influenced spiced rum offers up superb flavours and aromas of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, banana and warm spices. One judge called it “a sunny Caribbean experience, neat in the glass”. bushrum.co.uk

Created with the Alpine botanicals of myrtille (wild blueberry), elderflower and pine needles, this dry gin impressed the judges with its layered flavour profile. They called it “well-considered, wellcrafted and amply rewarding”. altitudegin.com

Gun Dog Gin

The Gin Bothy

The Bush Rum Co.

Slake Spirits

Apple Crumble Edition Gin Three Wrens Gin

Judges were enthralled with this brilliantly executed gin concept.

Juniper, toasted oats, Cheshire apples, cinnamon, demerara sugar and orange peel combine to make this very sippable “custard apple crumble of a gin”. threewrensgin.com

CHX Distillers

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

5

pre-mix cocktails SPIRITS

CIDER & PERRY

Monologue Blended Scotch Whisky

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

Special Reserve Keeved Somerset Cider

With subtle, sweet sherry notes on the nose and complex spicy, sweet and fruity flavours on the palate, this 3-star success was hailed by the judges as “everything we want from a blended Scotch whisky”. chapter7whisky.com

Produced using Moscato wine as a base before blending with botanicals, this classic sweet Italian vermouth wooed tasters with its caramel appearance, woody hedgerow aroma, and herb, spice, citrus and sweet flavours. specialitybrands.com

This naturally sparkling keeved cider was praised by the judges for its notes of burnt caramel and a tannin element that gave a pleasant mouthfeel.

“Magnificently sweet as well as refreshing and complex,” said one taster. worleyscider.co.uk

Chapter 7 Whisky

Speciality Brands

Worley’s Cider

Seville Orange Fruit Liqueur

Spirit of the Downs - Pinot Grape Spirit

Yoxall Ice Dessert Perry

The judges could not fault this sweet, sharp and tangy liqueur.

Given the orange marmalade flavour on the nose and palate, they imagined it being deployed in baking, used as a glaze or poured over ice cream. hoggnorton.co.uk

Made with pressed Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, left over from sparkling wine production, this grape spirit was hailed by the judging panel as a “delightful grappa marrying smoothness with dramatic flavour and clear grape character”. spiritofthedowns.co.uk

Controlled fermentation and gentle temperature reduction render this perry, which wowed judges with its appealing amber colour, concentrated pear notes and “classic fruit undertones on the palate with hints of sticky toffee”. yoxallcider.co.uk

Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs

Premium Irsai Oliver Grape Palinka Szicsek Palinka

Fermented, double-distilled and made with Hungarian Irsai Oliver grapes, this fruit brandy was a hit among the judging panel who praised it as a “beautiful digestif that develops really well” with a lingering finish. szicsekpalinka.co.uk

6

Spirit of the Downs

The Lovely Cider Company

Classic fruit undertones on the palate with hints of sticky toffee

BEER

COCKTAILS

Schwarz & Weiss

Margarita

The judges adored this traditional Bavarian Dunkelweizen – a dark wheat beer with notes of spice, fruit, coffee and chocolate – deeming it a “well-crafted beer with smooth malty finish and heaps of fruitcake and cloves”. kraftybraumeister.co.uk

With lime on the nose, a hit of tequila in the mouth balanced with sweet agave and a clever level of salt, this pre-mixed cocktail had judges declaring that it “stands tall among mixologists’ margaritas”. barbuoy.co.uk

The Krafty Braumeister

Bar Buoy

Equilater

Damson Negroni

Aged in chestnut barrels from the Montseny area, this intense Spanish imperial stout impressed tasters with its “rich chestnut honey nose” and bold flavours of fig, date, grape and fennel spice on the palate. damm.com

A “slightly sweet, plummy version of a classic”, this damson Negroni is made from a special blend of Vermouths, gin-infused damsons and Campari. The judging panel praised its exceptional balance of sweetness and bitterness. silvercircledistillery.com

Damm S.A.

Irish Whiskey Cask Beer The Innis & Gunn Brewing Company

Thanks to its silky dark appearance plus the attractive aromas and flavours of coffee, vanilla and dark chocolate, this whiskey cask beer from Perth received top marks from the panel, who declared it “beautifully sweet yet refined”. innisandgunn.com

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Silver Circle Distillery

NIBBLES FOR YOUR FAVOURITE TIPPLE Best served in good company Scan and discover what is behind the success of these decadent cheese sablés.

34

www.peagreenboat.co.ukGREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

+44 (0)131 555 5212

118 GREAT TASTE AWARDS #WINNER

Happy Hedgehog Foods are a welsh based company specialising in small batch fruit flavoured Apple Cider and Balsamic vinegars in wonderful flavours such as, strawberry, Raspberry, Mango etc. These flavours are borne out of time and use only top grade locally sourced produce. Their Award winning fruit flavoured Balsamic is without doubt their biggest seller. Their vinegars also serve as the base for their ever popular range of chutneys, pickles and hot sauces.

Great repeat trade and good margins, your customers will come back again and again for Mr Vikki’s.

Unique secret recipes with authentic Indian techniques, made by an award-winning chef.

Please contact us today for a product list of super tasty Mild to Wild Chilli Chilli condiments. Catering sizes also available.

CONTACT ADAM TODAY. WWW.MRVIKKIS.CO.UK OR 01768 210102

happyhedgehogfoods@gmail.com or 01978 312220

PASSION, CURIOSITY, DISCOVERY. WE DON'T MAKE WHISKY. WE DISCOVER IT.

X WWW.CHAPTER7WHISKY.COM 8

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

As a restaurateur, my aim is to bring happiness through awesome food and drink.

Great Taste cares deeply about this too - so you can be sure that any product bearing those stars will be something delicious.

WOW !

Kavi Thakrar, co-founder, Dishoom

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

9

FINE MARGINS From the 14,000+ judged for Great Taste 2021, just 218 products achieved a 3-star award – so a mere 1.5% of all the entries has won the highest accolade.

It took a total of 86 socially-distanced judging days across the Guild of Fine Food’s premises in London and Dorset (plus specialist venues for tea and coffee), to determine this year’s results.

How long?!?

10

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Venison and Pork Chorizo

SMOKED MUTTON

2

DORSET COPPA

Dorset Soft Salami

GUANCIALE

CHORIZO

SMOKED PANCETTA

PANCETTA

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

PANNAGE HAM

VENISON SALAMI

Succulent and Tasty Free-Range and Slow-Grown Turkeys

AWA R D W I N N I N G

Raised the old fashioned way by family-run Temple Farm for over 50 years!

M I X E D BY T H E S E A I N D E VO N

MARGARITA

H A N D C R A F T E D B O T T L E D C O C K TA I L S

“Our exceptional quality Christmas turkeys are the result of years of experience, raising birds in a traditional respectful way. The slow-growing breeds we choose and the way they are raised to full maturity provides a natural fat layer and marbling of the meat.

This means your Temple Farm Turkey will be easy to cook, offering an enhanced flavour and succulence that surpasses supermarket birds. Our birds are dry plucked and then hung like a game bird for at least seven days to ensure a rich and natural flavour.”

PERFECT FOR

HOME

RETAIL

ONTRADE

w w w . b a r b u o y. c o . u k

12

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

www.sjfrederick.co.uk 01279 792460 enquiries@sjfrederick.co.uk

FRUIT JUICE

Organic Sparkling Sémillon Grape Juice Didier Goubet

This sparkling fruit juice, made from Sémillon grapes typical of Bordeaux’s sweet wines, left judges swooning over its complexity. They all liked the idea that as much focus was put into a grape juice as a wine. didiergoubet.com

ALCOHOL-FREE

OILS

SpritzISH

Knolive Epicure

Soligea Classic

Virgin Hazelnut Oil

This alcohol-free spritz delighted judges with its Aperol shade, blood orange aroma, and cleverly dry, fruity notes. “We’re all crying out for a grown-up soft drink, and this complex number is it,” declared one judge. ishspirits.com

From nose to palate, the judges said this Spanish extra virgin olive oil was “balanced to perfection” with fresh apple aromas, floral “summer meadow” flavours and a long-lasting peppery finish. knolive.com

Made from Manaki green olives, this extra virgin olive oil from Greece was praised for its clean, unadulterated flavour, well-rounded finish and gentle pepperiness. “A light, balanced and pleasing oil,” said one judge. markellos-olive.gr

This golden oil was a hit with the judges for its heady, toasted hazelnut aroma, equally deep nutty flavour in the mouth, and long finish. “This represents the hazelnut in its best form,” they concluded. moulindelaveyssiere.fr

ISH Spirits

Rosette Apple Juice

Knolive Oils

Fajszi Premium Sweet Paprika Seed Oil

Attyflin Estate

Okvátovity Dóra

Made from apples harvested on the Attyflin Estate in Co Limerick, this single-variety fruit juice received praise for its warm stonefruit aroma and well-balanced “sophisticated layers of fruit, acidity and tannin”. attyflinestate.com

This oil’s burnt orange colour and rich paprika flavour is owed to the dried paprika flakes that are added during cold pressing.

Judges thought it an interesting and complex oil that would complement any meal. fajszipaprika.hu

Markellos

Moulin de la Veyssière

Organic White Sesame Oil

Camelia Oil

“A light and subtle yet characterful oil which has a creamy mouthfeel and superb lingering, toasty, nutty, sesame flavour” was the verdict on this product. thewasabicompany.co.uk

The judges were in awe of this bitter tea oil with its green-gold colour, warm, nutty aroma, roasted nut flavour and slight bitterness.

It was deemed a complex oil with potential for a variety of culinary uses

The Wasabi Company

Dong Yi Zhou

Balanced to perfection

Sophisticated layers of fruit, acidity and tannin

Superb lingering, toasty, nutty, sesame flavour

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

13

SEASONINGS & SPICES

Sun-dried Tomatoes with Basil Pesto Zach’s Pesto & Chilli

This pesto from the Czech Republic was a huge hit with the judges, who praised the balance between the sweet fruitiness of the tomatoes and savoury notes from the basil, Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses. pestoandchilli.cz

Freeze-dried Green Kampot Pepper .pepper..field

The judges were wowed by this Cambodian green Kampot pepper which delivered a good level of heat and underlying saltiness to create a fragrant, lively, complex and exciting condiment that would enhance many dishes. pepperfield.com

Fish Rub

Seaweed Salt

“A colourful rub that is a taste explosion in your mouth”, said judges of this fragrant blend, which consists of nori, lemon zest and herbs. It’s a combination that delivers sweet, savoury, acidic and umami elements. milehighrub.com

Flakes of sea salt are flecked with Northern Irish seaweeds like nori, sea truffle and dulse to make this seasoning, which the judges hailed as “clean tasting with plenty of seaside vegetal notes”. crawfordsrockseaweed.co.uk

Mile High Rub

Super Negin Saffron Hur Saffron

This high-grade Persian saffron caught the attention of the panel, who all agreed it was an incredible example of the spice with “astonishing level of dryness, colour concentration and depth of flavour when infused”. hursaffron.com

Crawford’s Rock Seaweed Company

Mahbir Premium Indian Saffron Mahbir Europe

These single-origin Grade 1 saffron strands, harvested in Pampore, Kashmir, impressed judges with their vibrant colour and clean subtle, earthy flavour that lingered on the finish. “Richly flavoured and a real classic”, said one judge. mahbir.com

Richly flavoured and a real classic

Rubin Paprika Hot Smoked Hungarian Paprika Powder Best of Hungary

Judges adored the heat, sweetness and smoke in this paprika made from locally cultivated peppers that are smoked over beech wood. “It’s not often you come across a paprika with this much attitude,” they said. bestofhungary.co.uk

Kadode Kampot Pepper UK

Crunchy, fiery, aromatic but with citrus fruity depth, these peppercorns from Cambodia were billed as “an outstanding example of Kampot pepper” by the panel, who envisaged using them in all sorts of dishes. kadodepepper.co.uk

Red Salted Pepper Berries BoTree Farm

Picked at full maturity and then fermented in salt, these red Kampot pepper berries were a hit among the judges who loved their fruity aroma, “intense but balanced heat” and “delicious saltiness”. botreefarm.co.uk

It’s not often you come across a paprika with this much attitude

A taste explosion in your mouth

14

Fermented Fresh Red Kampot Peppercorns

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

NEW

APPLE BALSAMIC

FERMENTED & RESTED IN FRENCH OAK SINCE 2018 WILLYS@WILLYSACV.COM 01432 808090 WWW.WILLYSACV.COM 12

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

AWARD-WINNING HANDMADE PUDDINGS Three Peaks Espresso Capsules

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

40 Great Taste Awards across our range.

Minimum 6-week fridge life, also suitable for the freezer. info@burtreepuddings.co.uk www.burtreepuddings.co.uk

burtreepuddings burtree_puddings

Smooth...

Malaysian Coconut Curd. Find us at www.madamchangs.co.uk and follow us on Instagram @madam.changs.kaya 16

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

VINEGAR

Mazzetti Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Gold Label 4 Leaf R H Amar & Co

Aged for a minimum of three years in oak barriques, this balsamic was lauded by the judges for “delivering the perfect blend of sweet and sour notes that makes a good balsamic such a joy to taste”. rhamar.com

HOT SAUCE

White Balsamic (Blanco) Fino

This white balsamic wooed the panel with its crystal-clear appearance and mild, grape sherry-like aroma. Its good mouthfeel, and well-balanced, moreish flavours on the palate meant the judges found themselves drinking it like wine. finooliveoil.co.uk

Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar

Grand Cru Late Harvest Apple Balsamic

“A clever combination, beautifully executed”, declared judges, praising the balance of sweetness, fruit and acidity in this balsamic vinegar. They all agreed it would add great interest and complexity to salads and other dishes. happyhedgehogfoods.co.uk

The panel found the intense taste of sweet, caramelised apple combined with vinegar acidity in this treacle-like balsamic “saliva-inducing”. “This is a crafted product that will enamour many, as it did us,” they said. surettecondiments.com

Happy Hedgehog Foods

Surette Condiments

Delivering the perfect blend of sweet and sour notes

Live Apple Balsamic Vinegar Willy’s

Made using English apple juice and Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar, this balsamic has a fruity nose that continues on the palate alongside flavours of caramel and a “welljudged acidity bringing more savoury notes”. willysacv.com

Pašman Libre OPG Matulić

Made from figs and aged for at least two years in cherry wood barrels, this Croatian vinegar was praised for its “perfect balance of acidity and sweetness on the palate, with hints of fortified wine”. opgmatulic.com

Kold Sauce Original Kold Sauce

This naturally fermented hot sauce is unpasteurised, uncooked and produced with a mix of mild, medium and hot peppers, which the judges agreed gave depth of flavour and added a fresh quality to the sauce. koldsauce.com

Gochujang, Korean Chili Paste Sempio Foods Company

A great cooks’ ingredient, this Gochujang Korean chilli paste had a “mouth-filling packed-withflavour umami-rich character” which balances with the subtle chilli heat. The judges were excited by the possibilities for using this highly versatile paste. en.sempio.com

Tom’s Hot Sauce Evergreen Tom’s Hot Stuff

Made with tomatillos, chilli and the juice of lemons and limes, this green hot sauce brought a real taste of Mexico to the judging panel, who couldn’t get enough of this moreish, satisfying, characterful sauce. tomshotstuff.at

Scotch Limone

The Slim Jim Food Co.

The judges loved the innovation in this hot sauce, which is made with fermented Scotch Bonnets, cayenne pepper, preserved lemon, mango and ginger. “An amazingly balanced, well-rounded set of flavours that speaks volumes for fermentation,” they said. slimjimfoodco.com

A clever combination, beautifully executed

Mouth-filling umami-rich character

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

17

!

F F U T S P O

T

18

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Vegetarian cooking needs big bold flavours and textures. Great Taste is a great source of the ingredients which help to layer these flavours and textures – taking your cooking to the next level

Anna Jones, food writer and cook

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

19

PROBABLY THE BEST IN THE WORLD… Nelson’s Distillery & School has retained it’s 3-star Great Taste award for its world renowned Timur Gin. It’s unique flavour, inspired by Nepalese pepper, has caught the attention of some of the world’s most experienced and sophisticated palate’s. One major fan is the successful two Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jr. His love for the flavours has inspired La Gavroche, a brand new unique blend, distilled by Michel himself at Nelson’s Distillery & School.

Secure your award-winning Nelson’s Timur Gin & the special edition La Gavroche from www.nelsonsdistillery.co.uk

“

When I tasted Timur it blew me away and I realised that if I was going to put my name to a gin that these guys had to make my Le Gavroche Gin

”

DOUBLE AWARD-WINNING NELSON’S TIMUR GIN

16

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

SAVOURY PRESERVES & SAUCES

Moutarde Saveurs Provençales Agro’Novae

Made with mustard seeds, lavender honey and herbes de Provence, this French mustard was a revelation to the judging panel, thanks to its great balance of acidity, salinity, heat and flavour. comtes-de-provence.com

Specially Selected Chutney: Caramelised Red Onion Aldi

The tasting panel enjoyed the appearance, flavour, texture and finish of this well-reduced red onion chutney, commending the product’s “delicious combination of sweet onions, balsamic vinegar and slight peppery tang”. aldi.co.uk

PASTA

Chilli Jam

Mild Smoky Chilli Jam

“Glossy appearance, slight smoky aroma and sweet jam notes.” That was how the judges described this exceptional chilli jam, adding that the well-rounded taste and smooth finish kept them reaching for more. mrvikkis.co.uk

This mild, smoky tomato and chipotle chilli jam wowed tasters with its dark, glossy appearance, fruity aroma and sweet, smoky chilli heat that delivers great complexity and length of flavour. thechillijamman.com

Mr Vikki’s

Pickled Cucumber Ty’r Gobaith’s Pantry

The judges were very impressed that these sweet-pickled cucumbers had retained their crunch and integrity so well, concluding that the balance of spice, sweetness and acidity showed a great deal of consideration had gone into this pickle. tyrgobaithspantry.co.uk

The Chilli Jam Man

Port & Red Onion Marmalade Melrose & Morgan

Red onions, molasses and ruby port combine to make this preserve. Judges praised it for its characterful flavour combination of sweet, tart, spice and tangy elements. “A brilliant cheeseboard must-have”, they concluded. melroseandmorgan.com

Damson Fruit Cheese

Handmade Black Truffle & Ricotta Tortelloni

The panel was impressed with this damson fruit cheese, hailing its warm, deep plum aromas, smooth texture, and well-balanced sweet and tart flavours. They declared it a fabulous addition to any cheeseboard. rosebudpreserves.co.uk

This hand-shaped fresh egg pasta is filled with ricotta cheese and black truffle from the Umbria region of Italy. Judges enjoyed the soft-yet-firm texture and generous, rich, creamy, sweet and well-seasoned filling. latuapasta.com

Rosebud Preserves

La Tua Pasta Ltd.

Randy’s Korean Sauce

GinChup

“Wow, the amount of flavour packed into this unassuming sauce is amazing,” declared the panel. They enjoyed the sweet, spicy, salty and umami driven flavours in this Korean condiment made with chilli, ginger and garlic. randyswingbar.co.uk

This grown-up ketchup received praise for its bright red appearance, smooth consistency and tomato and botanical notes.

“We could envisage a multitude of uses for this,” said the panel. celebratewhatyoueat.com

Randy’s Wings

Celebrate What You Eat

A brilliant cheeseboard must-have We could envisage a multitude of uses for this

The amount of flavour packed into this unassuming sauce is amazing

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

21

CHARCUTERIE

PORK

Stornoway Black Pudding

Coren Selecta ChestnutFed Ham

Coren Selecta ChestnutFed Boneless Ham

The judges loved this black pudding and thought the balance of oats to blood was well-judged, while the meaty tones worked in harmony with the spice bringing out a complex and long finish. macleodandmacleod.co.uk

“Appealing, glistening pink and marbled” was how the judges described this Spanish ham. On the palate, the savoury, sweet nutty flavours of the lean meat are complemented by the rich mouthfeel of the fat. coren.es/en

A second 3-star triumph for Spanish brand, Coren, this time for its Gran Reserva boneless chestnut-fed ham which impressed with its earthy sweet pork flavour, soft “buttery” fat and rounded long finish. coren.es/en

Signature Tastes Riojan Chorizo Cular

Venison & Pork Chorizo

Dorset Soft Salami

Spanish purple garlic, ancho chilli, and smoked Pimenton de la Vera are combined with wild venison and free-range pork in this Dorset chorizo, which judges declared was moreish, well-balanced and “utter perfection”. capreolusfinefoods.co.uk

“Punchy, meaty, delicious”, this Dorset spreadable fermented salami from former GoldenFork-winner, Capreolus, was a hit among the judges for its well-rounded flavour and notes of orange zest, paprika, juniper and rosemary. capreolusfinefoods.co.uk

Macleod & Macleod

Musgrave Retail Partners NI

This chorizo ticked all the boxes for the judging panel, who commended the well-distributed fat, vibrant red colour, good smoky notes, sweet meat flavour, pleasing level of paprika and long finish.

Coren

Capreolus Fine Foods

Coren

Capreolus Fine Foods

Dark Dubhloch

Sugar Pit Bacon Rack

This dry-cured, cold-smoked, treacle and dark ale streaky bacon left the judging panel wanting more, thanks to its pancetta-like thinness, great ratio of meat to fat, and that rich, sweet and aromatic cure. piggery-smokery.co.uk

Delivering on both looks and flavour, this skilfully trimmed bacon rack from multiple Supreme Champion producer Hannan Meats wowed judges with its succulent texture, meaty pork flavour and sticky sweet glaze. hannanmeats.com

Piggery Smokery

SuperValu Signature Taste Irish Hampshire Easycarve Ham Fillet Oliver Carty

Judges enjoyed this exceptional joint, noting its “attractive band of fat”, moist-looking meat and excellent cure which has a welljudged salt level. “We could eat plenty of this either hot or cold,” they concluded. olivercarty.ie

POULTRY

Chipotle Coppa

Cecina de León IGP

The panel loved the “delicate velvety texture” of this coppa and its sweet, umami notes on the palate along with well-judged chipotle chilli heat. “The pork flavours remain and aren’t lost in the mix,” said one judge. pricesspices.com

The well-marbled appearance and savoury, smoky aroma of this cured beef was “a real treat for the eyes and nose”. It excelled on the palate too, with melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich umami beef flavour. ferju.net

Prices Spices

22

Embutidos Ferju

Hannan Meats

Lincolnshire Sausage Iain Spigs

The judging panel was really impressed with these plump and juicy sausages, which they said had a beautiful herbiness and peppery warmth to go with their “authentic porky barnyard aroma”. iainspigs.co.uk

MEAT READY-MEAL

Fowlescombe Longhorn Beef Bresaola, organic sliced Rare & Pasture

“Herbaceous, deep, voluptuous and sexy. An extraordinary piece of air-dried beef.” High praise indeed for this bresaola which is lightly cured with rosemary and air-dried for a minimum of three months. rareandpasture.com

Temple Farm Bronze Free Range Turkey S J Frederick & Sons

This turkey, hung for a minimum of seven days, excited tasters with its flavoursome meat and succulence.

“This would make quite a statement at Christmas,” said judges. sjfrederick.co.uk

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Slow Braised Short Rib James Whelan Butchers

Judges commended this readymeal for its tender “melt-inthe-mouth” braised short rib of Irish beef, sweet glazed shallots, crunchy roasted root vegetables, and rich, unctuous beef jus. jameswhelanbutchers.com

“Supremely tender and yet with proper flavour. Quite something to get this level of taste from a young lamb.

Fabulous fat. This is a lamb at its best. Well done.”

Judges quote Great Taste Awards 2021

Hand crafted just as nature intended, quality so good it passes the test of our World Champion Butcher Ian McKernaghan TEA CHEST

BACON

MATURED

MILL DAM

ECCLESGREEN

FLAX FED IRISH BEEF

16

MURLEY

MOUNTAIN LAMB

HERITAGE PORK

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

LITTLE’S

PREMIUM POULTRY

ESTATE

VENISON

COASTAL

COASTAL DISTILLERY

DISTILLERY COASTAL COASTAL DISTILLERY

®

®

®

DISTILLERY

®

Roots of taste!

Pure

2 0 21

| Organic | No Sugar

www.coastaldistillery.co.uk SILVER 2019

THE GL

L LUXURY BA M O

TERS AS

L LUXURY BA M O

TERS AS

SILVER 2019

THE GL

DKA MAS VO T

S ER

TH

www.eriza.gr E

SILVER 2019

Coastal Gin

Coastal Toffee Vodka

Velo Coffee Roasters Award-Winning Specialty Coffee ERIZA_100x141,5_4c.indd 1

27/8/21 11:41 AM

INSERT GREAT TASTE 3 STAR HERE Morning Fixie

Ethiopia Awash River & Tandem

INSERT GREAT TASTE 3 STAR HERE

www.velocoffeeroasters.com 24

+353 (0)21 432 3044

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

BEEF

Matured Rib of Beef Isle of Man Meats

Judges adored this beef rib roast which they said was “expertly butchered and prepared”. The rendered fat delivered on “buttery, beefy flavour” while the meat was tender, open textured and deeply sweet. iommeats.com

Fore Rib of Beef Perrinpit Farm

Afforded West Country PGI status, this beef rib was commended by the judges as a “perfect example of fine farming and skilled butchery” with its excellent marbling and clean, rich, savoury beef flavour. perrinpitfarm.com

LAMB

PGI 35-Day Dry-Aged Topside

PGI 35-Day Dry-Aged Rolled Sirloin Joint

Signature Tastes Hill Lamb Rump Roast

Dolwen PGI Welsh Lamb Shoulder

This PGI West Country beef is dry-aged on the bone in the producer’s Himalayan salt-lined fridge for 35 days. This process delivers moist and tender meat with well-distributed fat and deep beefy, umami flavour. martinsmeats.com

This “stunningly presented” sirloin joint wooed the judging panel with its juicy and tender meat, good caramelisation, “tasty, buttery fat”, and “honest, old fashioned beef flavours that are rare to find”. martinsmeats.com

Produced from lambs on the Irish Atlantic Hills, these individual portions are rubbed with sea salt, black pepper and herbs which the judges said elevated “those meaty flavours to even loftier heights”. musgrave.ie

Reared in the Berwyn mountains of North Wales, this PGI lamb stunned the judges with its succulent meat and deep lamb flavour that “surpasses expectation”. “This is what lamb should taste like,” they concluded. dolwenlambandbeef.co.uk

Murley Mountain Rack of Lamb

Organic Leg of Lamb on the Bone

Lisdergan Butchery’s flock of lambs grazes freely on wild herbs, heather and grasses on the Irish hills. It’s this rearing process that produces a rack which is succulent and tender with herbal and meaty flavours. lisderganbutchery.com

This handsome leg of lamb, with rich gamey flavour, could not be faulted by the judging panel. They described it as “utter perfection” adding it would be a “superb centrepiece for a special meal”. coombefarmorganic.co.uk

Martins Meats

28-Day Dry-Aged Organic Rib of Beef Eversfield Organic

The judges commended this joint for its deep, savoury flavours, tenderness and melt-in-the-mouth fat, which they said was “reflective of the way the beef has been aged and treated with the respect it deserves”. eversfieldorganic.co.uk

Rose County 35-Day DryAged Native Breed Côte de Boeuf

Miguel Vergara Aberdeen Angus Bone-In Ribeye Steak

Adjudged to be thoughtfully raised, produced and hung, this was hailed as a “fine-looking steak” with good proportions of lean meat and fat, satisfying level of chew and deep, rich umami flavour. dunbia.com

Raised between Salamanca and the mountains of Leon, and aged for 21 days, this Aberdeen Angus ribeye did the business with its good edge of fat, excellent marbling, and sweet, savoury, lingering flavour. tomhixson.co.uk

Dunbia (UK)

Tom Hixson of Smithfield

Martins Meats

Tesco Finest Certified Irish Angus Carvery Beef Rib Roast ABP Cahir

“Juicy, beautifully caramelised, tender, flavourful and bursting with honest beefiness”, this Angus bone-in rib was a hit among the judging panel, who all agreed that it delivered a real wow factor. abpfoodgroup.com

PGI 35-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak Martins Meats

Plump, juicy with a good amount of fat, this ribeye was “everything you want to see in a steak” said the judges, extolling the virtues of its succulent texture and clean beefy flavour and aroma. martinsmeats.com

Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland

Lisdergan Butchery

Dolwen Welsh Lamb and Beef

Coombe Farm Organic

Dry Aged Lamb Rump

Hogget Shoulder

Dry-aged in a Himalayan salt chamber, this lamb rump impressed with its soft texture, buttery fat and intense lamb flavour. “The hanging process has ensured great complexity and length of flavour,” concluded the judges. udale.com

This grass-fed hogget from North Pembrokeshire was hailed as satisfying, elegant and “an example of letting an animal mature slowly to give beautiful, tasty, classic meat”. pembrokeshirelamb.co.uk

Udale Speciality Foods

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Pembrokeshire Lamb

25

O P T S ON !

26

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

The rigorous Great Taste judging process puts every item through its paces with a highly discerning group of experts. When I see the famous logo, I know that the product will be of the highest quality and will deliver every promise it makes.

Mallika Basu, cook and food writer

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

27

Dark Woods Coffee is a Yorkshire based coffee roaster, providing the very best retail and wholesale coffee to the independent trade, with equipment and hands-on barista training support.

“A stunning mouthful of oyster - sweet, ozone rich, tender and clean - leaving the palate with a wonderful freshness as if swimming in the sea…”

Panama La Huella “Café de Panama" Natural

Panama La Huella “Café de Panama" Natural

Image. Crow Tree

Colombia Mikava 100% Geisha, Carbonic Natural

28

HOLME MILLS . WEST SLAITHWAITE ROAD MARSDEN . WEST YORKSHIRE . UK . HD7 6LS info@darkwoods.co.uk tel . +44 (0)1484 843141

–

DARKWOODSCOFFEE.CO.UK

00353 429373800 info@carlingfordoystercompany.ie www.carlingfordoystercompany.ie

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Our partnership with Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland continues to deliver… over 30 Great Taste awards including two Golden Forks.

Pork sourced exclusively from Luke Bogue’s farm in Co Cavan, our Irish Hampshire Easycarve Ham Fillet is expertly butchered and cured in Athlone, County Roscommon.

SuperValu Signature Taste Irish Hampshire Easycarve Ham Fillet

For your own award-winning partnership contact info@olivercarty.ie

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

29

HONEST ORGANIC FLAVOUR We farm in harmony with nature to produce meat that is carefully reared, skillfully butchered and full of flavour.

Find out more

www.coombefarmorganic.co.uk

30

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

FLOUR

Six Seed Bread Flour

Wessex Mill / Clark Wantage This flour renders a well-risen seeded loaf which had a gentle aroma and rich colour. It was lauded by the judges for its variety of seeds which were in appropriate and well-balanced amounts. wessexmill.co.uk

00 Pizza flour (Forza)

Nelstrops Family Flour Millers

The judges were in awe of this high-protein pizza flour which made a pliable dough that delivered a perfectly thin and crisp base. They all agreed that even without toppings the result was “simply delicious”. nelstrop.co.uk

SWEET SAUCES

Tomato & Garlic Bread Flour

Wessex Mill / Clark Wantage

This bread flour with sundried tomato, basil and garlic made an enjoyable and good-looking loaf with original flavour – not to mention a good mouthfeel and long-lasting finish. wessexmill.co.uk

Organic Light Brown Plain Flour

French T55 flour

Biona Organic Date Syrup

Made from French wheat milled in Cheshire, this flour is used for making baguettes, which the judges found it did perfectly. The well-risen loaf had a good crust, enticing aroma and excellent flavour. nelstrop.co.uk

“Smooth, rich and moreish,” this sweet and spicy date syrup has a multitude of culinary uses.

Judges imagined it added to tagines, drizzled on yoghurt or “lifting a sticky toffee pudding to a luxurious level”. windmillorganics.com

Nelstrops Family Flour Millers

Malted Cotswold Rye F W P Matthews

W & H Marriage & Sons

This all-purpose flour combines the nutty flavour of wholemeal with the easy handling of white flour. Judges praised its excellent mixing characteristics, clean wheaten aroma and water absorbency, concluding it was “a really clever combination”. flour.co.uk

This malted rye flour from the Cotswolds produced a well-risen loaf with an enjoyably chewy crust and crumb with excellent mouthfeel. On the palate, it was robust and nutty with a long, satisfying finish. fwpmatthews.co.uk

Windmill Organics

Gingerbread Caramel Sauce The Very Lovely Sauce Company

This dark, glossy, smooth sauce was adored by tasters, who felt the sweetness was well-balanced with the buttery notes and warming gingerbread spice. “Mouthwateringly good. We cannot fault this!” declared the panel. theverylovelysaucecompany. com

Sweet Sesame Butter Tahini Sauce Med Cuisine EU/UK

This tahini wowed the judges with its combination of aromatic, nutty, sweet vanilla and bitter sesame flavours akin to liquid halva. The judges thought the runny texture was ideal for swirling or dressing. medcuisine.co.uk

Glazing Syrup

Ballyhoura Apple Farm

Praised for its innovation, this apple-based syrup delivers a good viscosity and a complex flavour profile, with sweet apple, spice and acidity from apple cider vinegar. A versatile ingredient for cooking both sweet and savoury dishes. ballyhouraapplefarm.com

Smooth, rich and moreish Mouth-wateringly good. we cannot fault this!

A really clever combination

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

31

JAMS & SWEET SPREADS

Blaisdon Red Plum Jam The Artisan Kitchen

“As a seasonal jam, this is truly up there with the best!” declared tasters of this plum jam from serial Great Taste award-winner The Artisan Kitchen, praising its well-balanced acidity, sweetness and natural fruit flavours. theartisankitchen.co.uk

Welsh Blackcurrant Conserve

Chian Tangerine Spread

Blackcurrant Jam Stokes Sauces

Citrus Aroma Mnimis

Tangerine is at the forefront on both the nose and palate of this intense and distinctive spread.

“Sweet, sour, bitter and fragrant – everything you dream of with a Chian tangerine,” declared judges between spoonfuls. citrus-chios.gr

Apres Apricot

The Canning Underground

Not only did the judges appreciate the deep, purple colour of this blackcurrant jam, but they also praised its “soft and velvety” consistency and the perfect balance between sharpness from the berries and sweetness. stokessauces.co.uk

Turrón de Jijona Líquido Artesano Coloma García

Made using orange blossom honey and marcona almonds, this Spanish liquid nougat had judges swooning over its smooth texture and complex flavour.

They also thought its was ideal for professional kitchens or bakers and would enhance many desserts. colomagarcia.com

Simsom - Pistachio & Honey

The judges were impressed with the sweet citrus orange notes working in harmony with sharp sea buckthorn in this jam, which they all agreed was an ingenious product and cleverly made. marmellady.cz

“Surprising, sweet, with amazing mouthfeel, and delicate coconut aroma and taste”, this Malaysian pandan coconut curd delighted the judges who thought it would be exquisite poured over ice cream or even used in savoury sauces. madamchangs.co.uk

Made with Lebanese tahini, Iranian pistachios and organic honey, this sesame seed butter was highly praised by the judging panel for its balance of flavours which they said were “sophisticated, decadent and delicious”. simsom.co.uk

The Ultimate Smooth Peanut Butter

Slowtella

Coffee Cream

Organic Orange Jam

Dry-roasted hazelnuts from Georgia and Azerbaijan are blended with organic Peruvian cocoa and sweetened with Indonesian coconut blossom sugar to make this vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread, which the panel billed as “indulgent and grown-up”. slowlandia.com

Brasilia Caramelo Doce coffee beans bring a bitterness to this vegan spread that is perfectly matched by the roasted hazelnuts and sweetness from the coconut sugar. The judges deemed it clever and richly satisfying. slowlandia.com

Made from Corinthian oranges and apple juice concentrate, this Greek marmalade wowed judges with its simple ingredient list, thin-cut peel and balanced sweetness and bitterness.

Excellent on toast, as a dressing or as a marinade for duck. eriza.gr

Pip & Nut The judges agreed that this product is “everything you want in a peanut butter”, remarking on its silky texture and deep roasted flavour which strikes a balance between natural sweetness and savoury peanut notes. pipandnut.com

32

Receiving nods of approval across the board for its vibrant, ruby-red colour, this product delivers a “glorious fruity acidity”, while both raspberry and rose water flavours “hold their own yet blend harmoniously to work their magic”. facebook.com/ smithjonespreserves

Madam Chang’s KayaOriginal Pandan

Vibrant in colour with generous amounts of fruit and hints of almond on the palate, this Frenchinspired apricot jam from the States was a hit among the judges, who declared it “an elegant preserve”. thecanningunderground.com

Slowlandia

Lili Mai

Orange & Sea Buckthorn

Pantri Swswen

With its glossy appearance and strong fruity aroma, this soft-set conserve received high praise.

“The maker has allowed the tartness of the blackcurrants to sing, and that is part of the success,” concluded the panel. pantriswswen.co.uk

Raspberry & Rose Jam

MarmelLady

Slowlandia

Boom Boom Foods

Eriza

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Simsom

Seville Orange Marmalade

The Artisan Kitchen From its soft set and glossy orange colour to the perfectly cooked peel and well-balanced bitter, sour and sweet flavours, this high-achieving marmalade had judges extolling its virtues with every mouthful. theartisankitchen.co.uk

Importing & Supplying The Very Best Panettone

WHAT THE GREAT TASTE JUDGES OF 2021 HAD TO SAY…

“This is a stunner! Not only does this look gorgeous - it tastes absolutely perfect.” “…perfectly pitched lemon notes. The texture is what draws you back for more - this is so moreish” “…one of the best panettones we’ve experienced. Exquisite.”

Call today 01635 744600 or visit our website www.tenutamarmorelle.com

Suppliers of High Quality Italian Food Products 30

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

FRESH AND SUSTAINABLE WELSH LAMB, HOGGET & MUTTON

GOOD LIFE COFFEE

BLOOM

LOS POZOS & VERVE

Hogget Shoulder

WU 36 ESPRESSO

EXPERTLY CRAFTED AWARD WINNING COFFEE FOR HOME & WHOLESALE

FOR WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL BARISTA@GOODLIFECOFFEE.COM

GOODLIFECOFFEE.COM

info@pembrokeshirelamb.co.uk /pembrokeshirelamb @pembrokeshirelamb

www.pembrokeshirelamb.co.uk

2021

CACIO DI CATERINA A stellar pecorino!

It is always an honor to receive an award, but it is even more so if the winner is our pecorino CACIO DI CATERINA. An excellent cheese with a strong, intense and prolonged flavor, produced with highly selected Maremma milk and aged for about 10 months in our natural caves. A tribute to all women and to Caterina Pandolfi, mother of Duilio Fiorini, the founder of the IL FIORINO dairy.

With her our dairy art was born and this cheese is the emblem of our history. We are proud to tell you that between 14,113 products, only 218 have achieved the 3 STARS and our CACIO DI CATERINA is one of these products been awarded.

Come to our site and you will discover all of our quality cheeses on caseificioilfiorino.it

34

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

SWEET SPREADS

Seville Orange Cacao Marmalade

The Artisan Kitchen This exceptional Seville orange marmalade is enhanced with 70% dark chocolate, which the judges said adds a further bitter-sweet level to the flavour profile and produces a heady aroma similar to chocolate orange confectionery. theartisankitchen.co.uk

Tropical Marmalade The Artisan Kitchen

TEA

Oriental Beauty Tea 2

Oriental Beauty Tea 1

Halmari Tea Estate

Judges enjoyed the “pretty, perfumed, sweet and fruity liquor” of this dry leaf tea, grown in Taiwan. Well-balanced, gentle and aromatic on the palate, the tea has aromas of honey, Champagne and flowers. facebook.com/master.tea. house.formocha

A beautiful, twisted black leaf grown and harvested in Taiwan, the judges praised this tea for its “wonderfully perfumed, rosescented aroma and palate”, which stayed on the palate long after the final sip. facebook.com/master.tea. house.formocha

Judges commended this as an excellent example of single estate Assam black tea and described the infusions as “coppery, bright, gently malty and markedly astringent”. The addition of milk produces a smooth, rounded liquor with good structure. teafields.co.uk

Formocha Tea Co.

Formocha Tea Co.

Mt.Fuji Tea Oriental Blend

Okumidori Kamairicha

Drunk black, this tea is full and robust with clear floral notes, but when milk is added the flavours meld well. During the tasting process, it was hailed as “a really good quality cup of tea”. araien.co.jp

This Japanese green tea is made by pan-frying single-estate shaded leaves – instead of steaming – to produce a “nicely rounded liquor with a hint of sesame” which the judges praised for its sweet and vibrant flavours. wakohen.co.jp

Arai’s Tea

Kagoshima Horiguchi Seicha / Wakohen

Seville Marmalade

Cherry Blossom Tea

Jasmine Pearls

With its clear, shiny appearance, evenly cut peel, fresh citrus aroma, and lovely balance of sweet and bitter flavours, this product was declared “a fine example of all that makes Seville orange marmalade great”. wexfordpreserves.ie

Featuring fermented cherry blossom leaf, this natural Japanese tea blend was praised by the judges for its “perfectly balanced meld of cherry blossom aroma and rounded black tea notes, with refreshing astringency yet gentle sweetness”. shizuoka-tea.jp

Hand-made by rolling spring-fresh green tea, the judges loved these “very pretty and enticing little pearls which have a beautiful fresh fragrance of jasmine”. The brewed tea is floral yet clean and balanced in flavour. floratea.com

“A whole kaleidoscope of flavours with the volume turned up to maximum!” was how one judge described this fruity marmalade, which combines thin to mediumcut rinds of orange, pink grapefruit, lemon, lime, pineapple and passionfruit. theartisankitchen.co.uk

Wexford Home Preserves

Shizuoka Tea Co.

Flora Tea Group

Teafields

Furusatonohana Saemidori

Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha

The blue-green hued leaf in this Japanese green tea produced a sweet, delicate liquor for the judges, who remarked on its mineral character and clean finish.

“Impactful in its gentleness,” said one. sueyoshiseichakobo.co.jp

Lemon Verbena Reserve Lot Herbal Tea Cantinho das Aromáticas

“From leaf to cup this really is perfection,” said one taster of this lemon verbena infusion. The flavour of the liquor is intense with hits of lemon, long citrus notes and astringency but no bitterness. cantinhodasaromaticas.pt

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Ultimate Japanese Black Tea Teaholics

The judging panel enjoyed this blended black tea from Japan, praising its well-balanced infusion, good body and perfumed flavour with “Lily of the Valley character and delightful persistence”. teaholics.co.jp

BotanyTea

Mitsui-Norin Co.

The judging panel loved the good balance of bergamot peel and black tea in this blend from Japan, calling it “clean, delightful and refreshing, with great length of persistence despite its intrinsic subtlety”. mitsui-norin.co.jp

Peppermint Tea People

This fresh and characterful peppermint infusion impressed the panel with its “outstanding cleanliness on the nose and palate” and great length of flavour. “Powerful, clean and fullon menthol,” said one judge. teapeople.co.uk

35

Small, artisan producers and their excellent ideas are the lifeblood of independent retailers.

Every year, Great Taste brings new ones into view and helps us to revitalise our shelves around the country.

John Shepherd, managing director, Partridges

36

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

U M Y MY !

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

37

Côte de Boeuf 35 Day Dry Aged, Native Breed.

The very Best of British Beef.

ADD GT 2021

Juicy, well marbled and extra matured for a fuller flavour, this bone in steak is perfect for sharing. A real show stopper worthy of taking centre stage at the table.

42

www.dunbia.comGREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

COFFEE

Panama La Huella “Café de Panama” Natural

Colombia Mikava 100% Gesha, Carbonic Natural

Brazil Fazenda Miaki

Faros

Morning Fixie

A hand-selected, high-altitude micro-lot of beans sourced by mutiple Golden-Fork-winner Dark Woods, this speciality coffee both delighted and fascinated the judging panel with its very complex and esoteric flavours. darkwoodscoffee.co.uk

This high-altitude speciality coffee wowed with its instant intensity of tropical fruit flavours and subtle sour stone fruit tones. Judges called it “a complex and refined filter coffee that delivers on every level”. darkwoodscoffee.co.uk

Grown in the Paraña region of Brazil, these pulped natural Red Catuai coffee beans offer smooth and sweet notes of chocolate and vanilla which are taken to another level when paired with steamed milk. adamsandrussell.co.uk

The judges loved the great balance of acidity and sweetness in this espresso coffee, extolling the “flavours of tart fruit and a high-quality dark chocolate finish on the roof of the mouth”. adamsandrussell.co.uk

Distinct grapefruit flavours reveal themselves in this classic espresso blend followed by nutty, dark chocolate and marzipan flavours.

The judges thought milk took it to greater heights, leaving the drinker with a pleasing finish. velocoffee.ie

Dark Woods Coffee

Sumatra Mandheling Swiss Water Decaf Monsoon Estates Coffee Co

Judges loved the balance of this medium-roast decaf, hailing its full body, caramel sweetness, lowlevel acidity and dark chocolate flavour. With milk added, the caramel flavour becomes rounder and richer with a longer finish. monsoonestatescoffee.co.uk

Rocko Mountain

WU 36 – Espresso

Ahoj Ethiopia

Classic Blend

“Sweet and savoury with a long fruity finish – like three different coffees all in the same cup”, said the tasting panel of these espresso beans. With milk, one judge said there was a strawberries-and-cream-like finish. monsoonestatescoffee.co.uk

The judges were amazed by these Colombian coffee beans which were extraordinarily winey on the nose and palate. “Intriguing and teasingly pleasurable”, this coffee is full of bright notes and earthy, fruity flavours. goodlifecoffee.com

Judges loved the originality of these beans from the Aricha region of Ethiopia. The coffee is fruity with citric peel astringency and gentle peppery heat. Adding milk made for a “truly delicious” coffee. ahojcaffe.sk

A blend of three speciality coffees from Brazil, El Salvador and Sumatra, this medium-roast espresso wowed judges with its medley of chocolate, fruity spiciness, balanced acidity, and little sweetness on the finish. beansmitten.co.uk

Monsoon Estates Coffee Co

Good Life Coffee

Valentia

Torero

Spezial

This blend from Brazil impressed the judges with its great-looking medium roast. On the palate, it is well-balanced with “chocolatey, syrupy, kiwi and blackberry notes all singing together in harmony”. pureroastcoffee.co.uk

A blend of four different origins from Mexico, Ethiopia, Brazil and Honduras, this espresso was praised by the judges for how well the different profiles worked together to produce a delicious coffee with fruity notes. greenbeanroasters.com

The judges praised these naturally processed Colombian Castillo coffee beans for delivering bags of flavour and “bringing all the promised notes of plum, raisin, blueberry and blackberry”, with one judge finding intense notes of sherry. javathehut.ie

Pure Roast Coffee (Pure Gusto)

Greenbean Coffee Roasters

Java The Hut Coffee

Adams & Russell Coffee Roasters

Velo Coffee Roasters

Dark Woods Coffee

Adams & Russell Coffee Roasters

Intervia

Bean Smitten

Three Peaks Espresso Capsules Coffee Care

Whether it was the rich crema, enticing nutty and fruity aroma, or the notes of rich dark chocolate, creamed tree nuts and smooth tobacco on the palate, the coffee made by these capsules hit all the right notes in the judging room. coffeecare.co.uk

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

39

WE LOVE TAHINI AND WE BET YOU DO, TOO !

Med Cuisine is a leading supplier of the most delicious, highest quality Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food products.

We have curated a fantastic range of products, TAHINI, SPICES, GRAINS & PULSES for professional kitchens and home cooks alike to enjoy and further their culinary offerings & dining experiences.

OUR VALUES QUALITY

ENTHUSIASM

PERSONAL SERVICE

SUSTAINABILITY

Discover new heights of taste!

34

www.medcuisine.co.uk

info@medcuisine.co.uk

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

+44(0)2080592521

COFFEE

CHOCOLATE & CONFECTIONERY

GRANOLA

Big Red Compostable Coffee Pods

Paquibato 60% Dark Milk Chocolate Bar

Single Origin Madagascar Sambirano 70%

Guatemala 73% Dark Chocolate

Jemima’s Perfect Granola

Comprised of two stand-alone coffees from Brazil and Ethiopia, this clever blend wowed judges with its bright acidity and chocolatey character. “That all this has been encapsulated in a pod is remarkable,” they concluded. thecoffeefactory.co.uk

This 60% dark milk chocolate bar wowed with its superb presentation, good snap and complex flavour profile, with judges noting hints of whisky, fruit, honey and coffee bean on the palate. hasnaa-chocolats.fr

Made using only cane sugar and cacao grown in the Sambirano Valley in Madagascar, this beanto-bar chocolate was praised for its inviting aroma and a flavour profile which took the palate on a real journey. standoutchocolate.com

“Glossy, very well tempered with an excellent snap,” said judges of this 73% dark chocolate bar, which “melts in the mouth” and gives intense notes of citrus, red fruits and bitter cacao with a longlasting finish. beanuchocolate.com

Chock full of nuts and coconut flakes, this low-carb, glutenfree granola was a hit among the tasting panel who loved its “strong maple syrup flavour” and good balance of salt and sweetness. jemimasdeli.com

Coffee Factory

Hasnaa Chocolats Grand Crus

Standout Chocolate

Beanu Cacao

Jemima’s Deli

SNACKS

Bold Morning Shot Coffee Pods Volcano Coffee Works

This single-origin blend – packaged in 100% compostable coffee pods – delighted judges with its powerful nose, rich chocolate notes and sweet, smoky fruitiness. “We found ourselves savouring every sip of this,” said the panel. volcanocoffeeworks.com

Nicaragua O’Payo 69%

Honey Fudge

Made in Somerset, this dark chocolate bar contains only lightly roasted cacao beans, cacao butter and unrefined sugar. Judges praised it as “a truly delicious chocolate. Rich, velvety and with clear fruit notes”. crafthousechocolate.com

Made by hand using sugar, butter, evaporated milk and Wiltshire honey, this fudge was adored by the tasting panel for its crumbly tablet texture and buttery flavour, with hints of chocolate balanced by a honeycomb note. megscottagefudge.co.uk

Craft House Chocolate

Megs Cottage

We found ourselves savouring every sip of this

Pea Green Boat Cheese Sablés with Fennel & Chilli Shortbread House of Edinburgh

“Spectacular and dangerously moreish”, these cheese sablés wowed the panel with their “crispy yet melt-in-the-mouth” quality and strong cheese flavour, which is complemented by the fennel seeds and hint of chilli. shortbreadhouse.com

Glossy, very well tempered with an excellent snap

Spectacular and dangerously moreish

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

41

CHANGING LIVES ONE CUP AT A TIME

A proud Social Enterprise that supplies award-winning, enviromentally-friendly tea. www.teapeople.co.uk

ANCHOA AHUMADA CATALINA ALWAYS QUALITY

Anchoa Ahumada

www.conservascatalina.com

PEPPERMINT

+34 9426 62215/+34 629171151

Award Winning Speciality Coffee Beans & Espresso Blends CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN SUPPLY YOUR BUSINESS WITH GREAT TASTING COFFEES

0151 647 4210

www.adamsandrussell.co.uk

42

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

2

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Caws

BIG RED

THECOFFEEFACTORY.CO.UK

www.teificheese.co.uk

Exceptional artisan produce made in the United Kingdom

44

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Great Taste always uncovers unique and unknown foods but it’s also brilliant at finding those producers who have spent years refining classic items and elevating them to new hEighTs.

OM G !

Felicity Cloake, food writer, The GuardiaN

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

45

SO, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Every award-winning product will now be able to display the black and gold logo – a stamp of excellence recognised by retailers and consumers alike.

How did this all start?

Created by the Guild of Fine Food to help producers improve their food & drink, The very first Great Taste awards took place in 1994.

That year, Fewer than 100 entries were blind-tasted by just 12 experts.

46

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

KOREA

SWEET AND

STICKY WITH A MILD

KICK OF

HEAT

RANDY’S KOREAN SAUCE IS PACKED FULL OF AUTHENTIC ORIENTAL FLAVOUR.

FUSING CHILLI, GINGER AND GARLIC WITH SESAME, SOY AND VINEGAR THIS SWEET AND SUCCULENT SAUCE CAN ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO ANY MEAL.

BUY NOW WWW.RANDYSWINGBAR.CO.UK OR EMAIL ORDERS@RANDYSWINGBAR.CO.UK 44

E X P L O R E M O R E O F O U R F L AV O U R S E N S A T I O N S A T RGREAT A N DTASTE Y S W2021 ING B A R GUIDE . C O. U K | 3-STAR

“A beautiful leaf, orange-tipped. The infusion is coppery, bright, gently malty, markedly astringent, but takes milk well to produce a smooth, rounded liquor with good structure. An excellent example.”

The best gin in Berkshire just got better

Great Taste 2021 judges.

LUMBERS BARTHOLOMEW BERKSHIRE DRY

sales@teafields.co.uk | www.teafields.co.uk /Teafields | @teafields

48

Trade enquiries contact pete@137gin.com

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

www.137gin.com

SEAFOOD & SMOKED FISH

DAIRY

Harris and Lewis Smoked Scottish Salmon

Hot Oak Smoked Organic Orkney Salmon

This “beautifully prepared” salmon is cured with sea salt and demerara sugar then gently smoked over Scotch whisky cask chippings. And it went down well with tasters who deemed it welljudged and “totally delicious”. scottishsalmon.com

Richly coloured, meaty and flaky, this salmon really delivered the wow factor for the judges. On the palate it is sweet yet smoky with a mild, subtle cure that complements the fish perfectly. humesorkney.co.uk

The Scottish Salmon Company

Carlingford Oysters

Carlingford Oyster Company

Sweet, plump, meaty and with a seaside freshness, these oysters grown on the Co Louth side of Carlingford Lough were declared “perfection in a shell” by the judging panel. carlingfordoystercompany.ie

Millbay Oysters Rooney Fish

Taking three years to grow and develop, these large, enticing oysters were very well received by the judges, who praised their initial “rock pool brininess” on the palate followed by rich sweetness and minerality. rooneyfish.com

Humes | Quality Artisan Foods Orkney

Hot Smoked Salmon

Jaffy’s Mallaig Kippers

The dramatic, glossy orange-gold colour of this hot smoked salmon caught the attention of the judges, who remarked on its “incredibly moist flakes” and depth of smoky flavour that complemented the fresh bright salmon flavour. serendipitysmokehouse.com

These serial 3-star-winning kippers captivated the judges again this year with their light, golden colour, silky meaty texture and perfect balance of salt, smoke and fish. “Everything here is spot on,” declared one judge. jaffys.co.uk

Serendipity Smokehouse

J. Lawrie & Sons

Louet Feisser Select Carlingford Oysters

Morecambe Bay Oysters

James Peet Southport Potted Shrimps

A second 3-star success from Carlingford Oyster Company.

Sampling these oysters was like “diving into the ocean” said judges, who enjoyed their salty freshness and notes of minerals, seaweed and even citrus on the palate. carlingfordoystercompany.ie

The sea aroma from these rock oysters continues on the palate in the brine and flesh followed by a creaminess, minerality and hint of lemon. “Small in size but big on flavour”, declared one judge. lochfyne.com

“This is a real old-fashioned taste of the English seaside”, said the judges about these exceptional potted brown shrimps, cooked in butter and spices that work to enhance the clean, fresh, and sweet shrimp flavour. pottedshrimp.co.uk

Carlingford Oyster Company

Anchoa Del Cantabrico Ahumada Conservas Catalina

These innovative Cantabrian smoked anchovies delighted the panel with their rich, umami, smoky aroma and flavour. The texture is equally as good, making for a perfect tinned fish experience, said the judges. conservascatalina.com

Loch Fyne Oysters

Filetes de Anchoa del Mar Cantabrico en Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra

Conservas M.A Revilla The judges all agreed that these Cantabrian anchovy fillets, matured for 18 months and preserved in EVOO, delivered a “taste explosion rich with savoury, meaty umami flavours, alongside well-judged salt and stunning oil”. anchoasrevilla.com

Southport Potted Shrimps

Filetes de Anchoa del Mar Cantabrico en Mantequilla Ecologica Conservas M.A Revilla Another 3-star triumph for Cantabria, these anchovy fillets, preserved in organic butter, were praised by the judges for their velvety texture and rich, salty, umami flavour. “These overdeliver on every element”, they concluded. anchoasrevilla.com

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Rora Dairy Traditional Greek-Style Yogurt Middleton of Rora Dairy Produce

Judges adored this rich, glossy yoghurt which had a good creamy viscosity without being cloying.

Clean tasting with a perfect tang, it would lend itself well to everything from desserts to dips. roradairy.co.uk

Organic Salted Butter

Hollis Mead Organic Dairy Churned, hand-rolled and made with milk from grass-fed cows on a farm in West Dorset, this organic butter wowed judges with its attractive yellow colour, light, almost mousse-like texture and well-judged salt level. hollismeadorganicdairy.co.uk

Ridiculous No55 Lobster & Crab Butter Sublime Butter Flavoured with British Isles lobster, Devon crab, lemon and fennel, this decadent butter enthralled the judges who praised its rich seafood flavour profile and subtle seasoning. “A great concept brilliantly executed”, said a judge. sublimebutter.com

49

CHEESE

Teifi Halloumi

Cornish Crumbly

Gorwydd Caerphilly

The judges garnered “fresh, buttery and creamy notes with a milky softness and hints of sweet meadow” on sampling this cheese from former Golden Fork from Wales winner, Caws Teifi Cheese. teificheese.com

“For a young cheese, this has absolutely bags of flavour,” exclaimed one taster of this Lancashire-style mould-ripened cheese. Although sharp and lactic on the nose, the paste has rich buttery notes akin to a developed cheese. whalesboroughcheese.co.uk

Matured for up to three months, this exceptional raw milk Caerphilly has herbal, vegetal notes on the nose while the paste is clean and full of lactic sharpness, with a light crumbly texture towards the centre. trethowanbrothers.com

Caws Teifi Cheese

Bufar Valdres Ost 12mnd+ Valdresmeieriet AS

This firm cows’ milk cheese from Norway was praised by the judges for its rich, creamy texture, savoury, sweet, nutty flavour and “characterful complexity, melting smoothly on the tongue and delivering length on the palate”. valdresmeieriet.no

Whalesborough Farm Foods

Leeds Blue

Yorkshire Pecorino Cheese

Fresh, nutty, acidic and slightly piquant flavours balance excellently with the creamy sweetness of the ewes’ milk in this high-achieving blue cheese from West Yorkshire. Judges deemed it well-made with a pleasingly long finish. olianas.co.uk

Trethowan’s Dairy

Cornish Yarg

Cornish Kern

The attractive nettle-wrapped cows’ milk cheese from Cornwall impressed again this year with its creamy yet crumbly texture and fresh, lemony and lactic notes. Judges called it a “deeply satisfying cheese with character”. lynherdairies.co.uk

A former Supreme Champion at the World Cheese Awards, this handsome, hard, Alpine-style cheese with black rind is moreish, rich with sweet and savoury notes and a pleasing creamy finish. lynherdairies.co.uk

Lynher Dairies Cheese Company

Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado

Saleta Añejo

This Portuguese raw sheep’s milk cheese has a great oozy, “spoonable” texture and powerful, meaty aroma. On the palate, the flavour is mellow but with distinct earthy notes of farmyard and hay. queijoslactiser.pt

The judges were enthralled by this robust and powerful well-aged Spanish sheep’s milk cheese. The texture is fudge-like with slight friability while strong umami, nutty and fruity flavours linger on the palate. saletaquesosdelamancha.com

Queijos Lactiser

Mariana Menchero Castro (Queso Saleta)

Lynher Dairies Cheese Company

Cacio Di Caterina Caseificio Il Fiorino

“A dance on the palate” said one taster sampling the creamy, dairy notes, intense umami flavour and deep, sweet fruitiness in this mature Italian sheep’s milk cheese. caseificioilfiorino.it

As close to perfection as we could imagine Driftwood

Goat Nora Old 50+

Beneath the ash of this delicate, creamy goats’ milk cheese is a bloomy, sweet, floral rind and light, fresh lemony paste. “As close to perfection in a goats’ cheese as we could imagine”, said judges. whitelake.co.uk

With a “pink hue, deep golden rind and pale ivory curd”, this goats’ cheese from the Netherlands is dense in texture with a creamy mouthfeel and sweet, savoury flavours that showed well-judged ripening. kaashandelremijn.nl

White Lake Cheese

50

Kaashandel Remijn

St Tola in Ash

Inagh Farmhouse Cheese (St Tola)

Farmyard and lactic aromas carry through to the flavour of this Irish goats’ milk cheese with notes of meadow, sweet herb and citrus on the finish. The charcoal-dusted rind was declared a “thing of beauty”. st-tola.ie

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

A dance on the palate

PALMA GIN

Organic Award-Winning Spirits Made From The Island

Bringing the Mediterranean to you

www.mallorcadistillery.co.uk 48

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

mallorcadistillery

www.szicsekpalinka.co.uk info@szicsekpalinka.co.uk +447449870164

Mild Smoky Chilli Jam

Make Boring Food Brilliant!

Amazing Chilli Jams unlike any others. Handmade using the purest, simplest ingredients. Free from preservatives, colourings or gelling agents. Gorgeous with hot or cold meats, fantastic with fish, to die for with cheese, delicious with pate.

www.TheChilliJamMan.com

Premium

Irsai Oliver Grape palinka

A traditional, double-distilled fruit brandy from Central Europe, made from Hungarian Irsai Oliver grapes. With Muscat-like floral aromas, it packs a real punch on the palate. You can create your own pisco cocktail.

Korea’s secret ingredient Add a savoury-sweet flavour to your dishes with this staple of Korean cuisine.

Made from carefully selected sun-dried chillies, our organic gochujang adds a spicy, rich flavour to stir-fries, stews, marinades and soups. You can even mix it with mayo to make a tasty dipping sauce.

Authentic Korean cuisine starts here.

Get inspired at globalsempio.com

52

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

샘 표 우 리 맛 연 구 중 심

ICE CREAM & SORBET

Sweet Fennel Ice Cream

Purbeck Ice Cream

The judging panel loved the originality of this rich and creamy dairy ice cream infused with sweet fennel for a warm, fragrant, aniseed flavour. “It is a stroke of genius,” said one judge. purbeckicecream.co.uk

Sicilian Pistachio Dairy Ice Cream

Caramelised Hazelnut Ice Cream

Sicilian pistachios combine with dairy ice cream to make a product that the panel declared an “excellent translation of the Sicilian pistachio character,” with its sweet, umami and nutty flavours. mariosicecream.com

Piedmont hazelnuts are churned and frozen with Irish double cream before caramelised hazelnut nibs and salted caramel are swirled through to make this indulgent, satisfying and sophisticated ice cream. morellisices.com

Mario’s Luxury Dairy Ice Cream

Cafe Au Lait

Very Cherry

“Grown-up, sophisticated and smooth”, this ice cream expertly balances strong, bitter coffee notes with rich gelato creaminess.

“Very moreish and surprisingly light,” said judges. “We are taken to Italy in moments.” oakchurch.net

Wild Amarena cherries are the key ingredient in the third 3-star product from Oakchurch Farm Shop. Cherry pieces and rich sauce run through this soft, creamy gelato to deliver a welcome tartness. oakchurch.net

Oakchurch Farm Shop

Oakchurch Farm Shop

Morelli Ice Cream

100% Pure Bronte Pistachio Gelato Di Meo’s Ice Cream

Creamy, sweet, salty and nutty flavours balance perfectly in this grown-up and indulgent gelato, made from Bronte pistachios sourced from the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna. “What a flavour, just wow!” said one judge. dimeos.co.uk

Sachertorte Gelato

Cherry Amaretto

Inspired by the famed Viennese dessert, this frozen treat consists of a chocolate gelato base with chocolate fondant layers and apricot preserve. Rich, indulgent and extremely well-executed, it’s no wonder it received top marks. houseofgelato.co.uk

Finished with real amaretto liqueur, wild Amarena cherry compote and amaretto crumb, this gelato was a hit during this year’s Great Taste judging for its balance of sweet, tart and crunchy elements. oakchurch.net

House of Gelato

Oakchurch Farm Shop

Fresh Mango Sorbet

Swoon Rocher Cake

Real Alphonso mangos are used in this sorbet, which impressed judges with its deep orange colour and refreshing, fruity taste.

“The experience is akin to eating a perfectly ripe Alphonso mango”, said one taster. fwipclub.com

Vanilla sponge, layers of hazelnut gelato and Bacio gelato, and a chocolate and hazelnut coating come together to make Swoon’s eye-catching gelato cake which the panel said was elegant, beautifully made and incredibly moreish. swoononaspoon.co.uk

fwip

Swoon Gelato

What a flavour, just wow!

Grown-up, sophisticated and smooth

It is a stroke of genius

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

53

Martins Meats are immensely proud to have been awarded three 3-star Great Taste awards again this year!

This year’s awards are for our Longhorn Rolled Topside Joint, Rolled Sirlion Steak and Ribeye Steak!

Specialising in 30-day + aged Longhorn beef and Gloucester Old Spot pork, reared in the Cotswolds, Martin and his team take pride and care in the vital processes required to produce the UK’s finest quality meats.

Family Values

Proud of our provenance

Care & attention

Order Online today or give us a call www.martinsmeats.com 54

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

01242 621493

“SEA’S THE DAY” Small Batch, Hand Gathered, Artisan Seaweed Company.

Traditionally, our ancestors foraged the shore for seaweed, they used this as an olde cure or remedy full of vitamins and minerals they hand gathered the seaweed from the pristine shores at Crawford’s Rock in Derryogue, off the Co. Down Coast and used it in cooking. Today we have brought this tradition back to life in a very modern company specialising in Seaweed Seasonings, Seaweed Salts and a Seaweed Capsule we like to call “VITAMINSEA” info@crawfordsrockseaweed.co.uk michellewilson2006@hotmail.co.uk 07999 953 926 www.crawfordsrockseaweed.co.uk

The Rainforest Alliance seal stands for a better future for people and nature. www.rainforest-alliance.org

KAKUHORI

KAMAIRICHA “OKUMIDORI”

­

­

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

55

The Evidence is in Every Mouthful What the judges of 2021 said:

Now THIS is how lamb “should taste! Fresh,

clean, full of the joys of spring! Succulent, moist and tender with a deep lamb flavour that surpasses expectation.

You can tell this lamb enjoyed its environment - the evidence is in every mouthful DOLWEN PGI WELSH LAMB SHOULDER

”

07984 795062 | info@dolwenlambandbeef.co.uk

www.dolwenlambandbeef.co.uk

Shaped by nature’s forces over vast golden sands, a special place where “The Lakes” meet the sea.

Morecambe Bay Oysters are located on the south west coast of Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District with miles and miles of sandy beaches and huge tides. The exposed site offers ideal growing conditions that help to give the oysters their distinctive shape.

The Morecambe Bay Oyster is a superior oyster, renowned for its firm plum meat, refreshing taste and quality.

Available all year round, each oyster is regularly graded, resulting in a beautiful shape and then purified in natural seawater for a minimum of forty two hours in a modern depuration facility for maximum consumer confidence.

email: sales@lochfyne.com tel: 01499 600264 www.lochfyne.com 56

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

WHAT DO THE STARS MEAN? Each jar, packet or bottle displaying a Great Taste logo is guaranteed to have been through a rigorous and independent judging process. The logo will display the year a product was judged, along with a star rating.

IT’S NOT ABOUT SMART PACKAGING OR CLEVER MARKETING – IT’S ALL ABOUT GREAT TASTE.

3-STAR: EXQUISITE

Extraordinarily tasty foods – around 2% of products are awarded 3-stars each year. Don’t leave the shop without buying it!

2-STAR: OUTSTANDING

Above and beyond delicious – less than 10% of entries will achieve this rating.

1-STAR: SIMPLY DELICIOUS A food that delivers fantastic flavour – approximately 25% of entries will achieve this rating each year.

To search for all Great Taste winners past & present go to: greattasteawards.co.uk

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

57

Rocher Gelato Cake. Available in Bristol Bath Oxford & Selfridges @swoon_gelato www.swoononaspoon.co.uk

2021

1992 Raspberry Liqueur - Golden Folk Award Winner for Scotland at the Great Taste Awards.

Malted Barley Vodka voted Top 10 in The World, as featured in Forbes.

Wild Rose Gin voted Best Gin In Scotland 2020 by the IWSC.

T A Y P O R T D I S T I L L E R Y . C O M

58

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Oh wow, that’s a lot of people.

Some 355 esteemed palates were recruited for the rigorous blindtasting judging process.

ThaT includes food critics, chefs, restaurateurs, retail buyers, cooks and producers, plus a host of food writers, journalists and social media influencers.

TRULY GLOBAL! In total, 14,113 food & drink products were entered into Great Taste 2021, with submissions from 108 different countries.

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

59

A family smokehouse in the Scottish highlands for over 70 years

Luxury Scottish produce Hampers

Mail order service to any UK address

100% Traditional cures

German design | Brewed in Suffolk Schwarz & Weiss 3-star Great Taste Award 2021

Mallaig Kippers

www.jaffys.co.uk

www.kraftybraumeister.co.uk

01687 46 22 22

k

f b

i

k

Pure quality from pasture to plate

“What an absolute stunner of a joint. Expertly butchered and prepared. The rendered fat delivers so much buttery, beefy flavour. The meat is tender and delicious. We were fighting over the caramelised ends.

What else is there to say. Fabulous.”

Judges comments

Leg of Lamb & Pork Belly

EXQUISITE BEE PRODUCTS

Half Shoulder of Lamb

EXQUISITE BEE PRODUCTS

Rib of Beef

Learn more at www.iomeats.com

60

info@creterium.gr | www.creterium.gr Follow us: Creterium

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

BREAD & CAKES

Fruity Rye Karaway

This attractive rye loaf, packed with prunes, apricots and raisins, offers the right balance of earthy, savoury dark rye and sweet fruit flavours. Perfect with salted butter or a good sharp cheese. karawaybakery.com

DESSERTS

Homemade Chocolate Tahini Pies Theorima Samos Sweets

Thanks to their “shatteringly crisp filo” and rich, creamy tahini, hazelnut and chocolate filling, these pies wowed the judges with their innovation. “One of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in a long time,” said one.

Croissant

Limoncello Panettone

With its crisp golden exterior, perfect lamination, and plenty of sweet, creamy and buttery notes on the palate, this generously sized croissant was deemed “utter perfection” by those that tasted it. rye-bakery.com

Everything about this panettone charmed the tasting panel – from the “sunny yellow crumb” and light-yet-chewy texture to the flavour combination of rich buttery cake and the tangy limoncello cream running through it. tenutamarmorelle.com

Rye Bakery

Classic Colomba

Honey & Walnut Cake

Ras Malai Cake

This light and cloud-like Italian leavened Easter cake is full of buttery, citrus and vanilla flavours and studded with almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts. Judges declared they would happily have it at their own springtime celebrations. olivieri1882.com

Several thin layers of rich honey sponge are alternated with light crème fraiche and walnuts to make this aesthetically beautiful and technically flawless cake, which the judges said demonstrated great skill from the maker. karawaybakery.com

“Stunning”, “exquisite”, and “scrumptious” were just some of the words judges used to describe this showstopper – soft sponge flavoured with saffron and cardamom and decorated with cardamom-infused cream, pistachios and edible rose petals. caake.co.uk

1882 SRL

Karaway

One of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in a long time

Tenuta Marmorelle

Ca.ake by Aisha Amjad

Sticky Toffee Pudding & Sticky Toffee Sauce Burtree Puddings

This dark treacle-coloured pudding has a light, airy, yet fullflavoured sponge which is covered in a rich, sweet, buttery sauce that the judges said, “almost defies description”. “Perfection on a plate,” they concluded. burtreepuddings.co.uk

Salted Caramel with Sticky Apple Cheesecake Posh Puddin’

Although this pudding is vegan and gluten-free, the judges agreed there was no compromise.

It successfully balances the flavours and textures of crunchy biscuit, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet-salted caramel, and sharp apple. poshpuddins.com

This almost defies description!

Stunning.

Exquisite.

Scrumptious.

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

61

HONEY

Scottish Heather Honeycomb Section

Stalagma Organic Honey Pine and Herbs

Harvested on the heather moors of Argyll, this honeycomb was deemed “simply outstanding” by judges for its crunchy, crystalline texture and the soft, chewy nodules of comb that encase “the richest, most flavoursome heather honey imaginable”. travellingbee.co.uk

Travelling Bee Company

Μέλι ανθέων ευκαλύπτου (Eucalyptus Flower Honey) Chatzisoultanoglou Vasileios

“A honey with real purity and integrity”, said the judges of this product, praising its vibrant amber colour and distinctive flavours of citrus, lime and eucalyptus that linger on the finish.

Evritania Mountains Fir Tree Honey

Nomad Premium Greek Honey Delivering bitter maple-like flavours immediately on the palate followed by fir-tree resin notes and a light creamy sweetness on the finish, this golden-amber honey took tasters on a gentle alpine journey. nomad-honey.gr

62

Arbutus Honey

Oak Honey

Chestnut honey

“Bursting with the flavours of the forest,” this Greek honey was a hit among tasters for its rich caramel tones, nice acidic finish and aromatic pine notes. Its “chewy” texture only prolonged the flavour experience.

Unanimous in their praise for this Greek honey, the judges said it represents the epitome of Great Taste. “An exemplary arbutus honey: deep, bitter, complex, creamy, a little bit grainy, and a real wow.” vasilikomeli.gr

“The finish is pure butterscotch on steroids!” said one taster of this rich and mahoganycoloured honey that has a deep, characterful flavour profile, combining treacle and molasses with subtle alpine notes.

Aromas of wood, wet wool and floral notes appear on the nose of this raw chestnut honey, followed by flavours of muscovado sugar, wood, leather and tobacco. “A welldeveloped, exceptional honey,” said the panel. mielcaminodesantiago.com

Chestnut Honey

Forest honey

Vanilla Fir Greek Honey

Black Itama

Impressing the judges with its sheen and rich red colour, this honey has “incredible personality” with woody chestnut flavours and buttery, smooth, earthy notes. “A lovely example of a distinctive honey,” said one judge. melistalahto-pelion.gr

This dark amber-coloured honey took judges’ palates on a complex flavour journey with its intricate notes of treacle, aniseed, resin, caramel, citrus, herbs and minerals, all of which continued evolving long after tasting.

12stremmata.gr

This PDO honey is produced every two-to-three years in the black fir forest of Mainalon Mountain, Arcadia. The judges adored its golden appearance, velvety texture, and intense sweetness with caramel and orange notes. oliveology.co.uk

This unusual honey is produced by stingless honeybees indigenous to tropical rainforests. Balsamic in aroma and easily mistaken for Japanese sweet black vinegar, its flavour is a fusion of sweet honey and vinegary acidity. meliponini.sg

Stalagma Organic Beekeeping

Melistalakto

Vasiliko Meli

12Stremmata

Thyme Honey

Hilltop Heather Honey

Clear and pale amber in colour, this thyme honey captivated the judges with its heady herbal notes on the nose and “powerful thyme flower flavour that delivers a really intense herbal kick” on the palate. beestories.gr

“Deep heather base notes, treaclelike sweetness, leathery earthiness and liquorice piquancy” meld perfectly in this honey, which is made from nectar and pollen collected from purple heather flowers close to the Aegean sea. mountainhoneys.com

Beestories

Mountain Honeys

Georgios Vacharakis

Oliveology

Creterium Thyme Honey Creterium, Grigorios P. Marousis family

The judges loved this honey with its velvety mouthfeel and intense sweetness which is matched by an equally intense herbal thyme flavour. “The journey is delicious and rounded from start to finish,” said one judge. creterium.gr

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Miel Camino de Santiago

Meliponini

ICE DESSERT PERRY

Ridiculous Butters Collection LIMITED EDITION

No 55

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

63

Fleur de Ville Natale Kaguwash

Furusatonohana Okumidori

Furusatonohana Saemidori

From our tea plantation to your cup

The Art of Smoked Salmon

We will promise to provide a “Living with Green tea” More casually, More friendly, More moving, and More lingering.

Furusatonohana Saemidori

The Harris & Lewis Smokehouse is located on the beautiful and remote Scottish Western Isles.

Our artisan smokers hand-cure only fresh Scottish salmon with sea salt and demerara sugar. Each salmon is then gently smoked, using Scotch whisky cask chippings to infuse them with a rich flavour that’s evocative of these windswept isles.

Hand-cured, gently smoked and packaged in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis to maintain unrivalled freshness.

T +44 (0) 1851 827 090 | E sales@harrisandlewis.co.uk shop.scottishsalmon.com | harrisandlewis.co.uk @HandLSmokehouse

@harris.and.lewis.smokehouse

www.sueyoshiseichakobo.co.jp | sueyoshiseicha@gmail.com

Hand Crafted Gin Liquers made in Herefordshire

ESTABLISHED IN 1982, IRELAND’S FIRST ARTISAN GOATS CHEESE

For a unique taste of the West of Ireland

Gun Dog Gin Damson Liqueur

Using locally sourced fruit steeped in British Gin. For a true taste of Herefordshire,try our deliciously smooth and aromatic gin liqueurs.Our full range of flavours include Raspberry, Rhubarb, Damson, Blackcurrant & Quince. www.gundoggin.co.uk

64

St Tola in Ash

www.st-tola.ie | info@st-tola.ie /sainttola @sttolacheese st.tolaqueen

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

THEJUDGING PROCESS 20-24

START

FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCTS PER TABLE PER SESSION

Each product starts by being assessed by a team of two experts.

A judge coordinator enters constructive feedback from the team, then…

NO STAR

3 STAR

2 STAR

1 STAR

PRODUCT SENT TO A SECOND TABLE

DISAGREE: THIS IS ACTUALLY

1 STAR

AGREE

1 STAR

AGREE

DISAGREE DISAGREE

NO STAR

2/3 STAR

NO STAR DISAGREE DISAGREE THIS IS

NO STAR

END CONFIRMED NO STAR

AGREE

1 STAR

END

AGREE AGREE

2 STAR

AGREE DISAGREE

NO STAR

END

3 STAR

END

1 STAR

RESULTS ARE CONFIRMED GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

65

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.

delicious handcrafted fruit jams & marmalades awarded over 100 great taste awards

Introducing this year’s 3-star award-winner Slow Braised Shortrib

#treatyourtoast

www.theartisankitchen.co.uk - 07779998129 hello@theartisankitchen.co.uk

www.jameswhelanbutchers.com | Info@jwb.ie

Sumatra Mandheling Swiss Water Decaf & Rocko Mountain

R O A S T E R S

|

B L E N D E R S

|

G R I N D E R S

www.monsoonestates.co.uk Stratford upon Avon

Great coffee made simple

66

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

Our Small Family Business is Determined to Make the Best Preserves in the World We’re Getting There!

PENTLAND HILLS GIN. It's sustainable It's refillable IT’S THE DOG’S. Pentland Hills Gin

For information on our product ranges and ordering email info@wexfordpreserves.ie or call 00 353 51 426646

www.wexfordpreserves.ie www.pentlandhillsgin.com PH Gin A5 Leaflet 4pp.indd 1

19/02/2019 21:00

Discover our 3 star award-winning bar: Philippines Paquibato Dark Milk 60%

Export Manager contact: +33 7 66 80 19 85 maria@hasnaa-chocolats.fr

www.hasnaa-chocolats.fr GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

67

Bufar Valdres Ost 12 months ORGANIC SOMERSET CHEESEMAKERS

Hand-crafted cheese made of cows’ milk from mountain summer pastures.

Aged for at least 12 months.

GORWYDD CAERPHILLY GREAT TASTE AWARDS 2021

Made with organic, raw milk, our Gorwydd Caerphilly is allowed to mature for longer, resulting in the full flavour, delicate texture and delicious mushroomy rind that continues to win awards and acclaim.

WWW.TRETHOWANBROTHERS.COM

68

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

www.valdresmeieriet.no

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

gff.co.uk | greattasteawards.co.uk greattasteawards @guildoffinefood #greattasteawards #ispygreattaste

WINNER OF OVER 60 GREAT TASTE AWARDS

Serendipity Hot Smoked Salmon wins 3-stars Serendipity Smokehouse is a family-run business based in Cork.

We produce award-winning Hot Smoked Salmon.

Tim Cronin 00353 876480462 | www.serendipitysmokehouse.com

HAND FOLDED & FRESHLY MADE EVERY NIGHT

LATUAPASTA.COM

70

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

AWARD HERE

SOUTHPORT POTTED SHRIMPS

by JAMES PEET

GREAT MOOS! if you want to try some of our delicious award wining yogurt, please feel free to email me at hello@roradairy.co.uk roradairy.co.uk

Brown shelled shrimps preserved in a unique blend of herbs, spices, butter and a hint of salt and pepper.

Contact James Peet: 01704 229266 | enquiries@pottedshrimp.co.uk www.pottedshrimp.co.uk 66 Station Road - Banks Village - Southport - Lancashire PR9 8BB

Luxury . Unique . Indulgent Born in

SUSSEX

BY THE SEA

Award Winning Ras Malai Cake - a pistachio sponge with exotic notes of cardamom and saffron finished with cardamom infused cream and decorated with crushed pistachios and rose petals. Truly exquisite!

SPIRITS

Born in Sussex-by-the-Sea, we use locally grown & foraged ingredient to produce our beautiful small batch spirits.

Whole Cakes & Cupcakes for all occasions made fresh to order

www.caake.co.uk

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

@Ca.ake

/CaakebyAishaAmjad

71

GREAT TASTE 2021 | 3-STAR GUIDE

71