Two of Scotland’s most high-profile broadcasters have been announced as hosts of Scotland’s biggest celebration of Scottish gin.
The second annual Scottish Gin Awards will be hosted by broadcaster and radio presenter Kaye Adams alongside comedian and broadcaster Des Clarke.
Over 600 people working in the Scottish gin distilling industry have booked to attend the event which takes place in Glasgow next week. The awards celebrate Scotland’s unique position as a centre of excellence in the production of gin with Scotland producing around 70% of the UK’s gin consumption.
Kaye Adams, best known for her roles as a BBC Radio Scotland host and as presenter of ITV’s Loose Women, commented;
"How could I resist a job presenting awards for gin in Scotland? I am very much looking forward to working with Des and maybe even sampling some of the award winners. Purely in the interests of essential research, of course.”
Des Clarke, who returns to host the event for a second time, commented:
“Working with Kaye is going to be a blast. She is one very funny lady, quick witted with an encyclopaedic knowledge of gin. I’m going to have my best game face on to keep up. It’s going to be a great night and I’m really looking forward to it.
The Scottish Gin Awards competition welcomed 116 gins which were blind tasted under strict conditions by a panel of experts. The news about the winners will be announced at the event with gold, silver and bronze medals presented to a range of gins appearing in six different taste categories. A further 11 awards will be presented to teams delivering business excellence including the ultimate award of the day, The Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, sponsored by the Scottish Gin Society.
Kaye and Des will be joined by the famous cabaret band, Four Poofs and a Piano, best known as the house band for the Jonathan Ross Show. They will entertain the guests with their own gin-inspired satirical range of songs.
Guests at Glasgow’s Doubletree by Hilton Hotel will be served a lavish three course menu with each course delicately infused with Scottish gin. Hot Smoked Salmon is served with Arbikie AK’s Gin, followed by Chicken with a Verdant Gin and thyme jus and a chocolate dessert served with an orange sorbet misted with Shetland Reel Simmer Gin.
The Scottish Gin Awards has been sponsored by ALDI, Vetroelite, Scotland Food and Drink and the Scottish Gin Society.