Overview: Salisbury-based producers have secured multiple honors within the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2026, with Downton Distillery standing out for its botanical spirit. The distillery’s Great Bustard Autumnal Gin has been recognized by judges for its quality, securing a two-star rating alongside other local food and drink makers.
The Full Story
The Guild of Fine Food blind-tastes more than 15,000 entries each year, judging every submission on flavour rather than packaging or marketing. Salisbury-area producers have taken home one, two, and three-star Great Taste awards, with several products among the world’s top two per cent of entries. Downton Distillery’s Great Bustard Autumnal Gin, from Salisbury, won two stars in this rigorous selection process.
What This Means
One star is for food and drink that is simply delicious, while two stars denote products deemed outstanding. Three stars are reserved for exquisite standouts. The recognition places the gin among a select group of entries that impressed judges alongside local cheese, nut butter, and trout.
Consumer Takeaway
This bottle offers a verified standard of excellence from a Salisbury-area producer. The award confirms the spirit meets the high thresholds required to join the world’s top two per cent of entries selected by the Guild of Fine Food.
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