Bicester gin label wins top prize at global competition

‘Golden Hour’ London Dry Gin, developed in collaboration between Bicester-based Sky Wave and the Berkley Care Group, earned a Master medal at the Global Gin Masters.

It was one of just five winners in the Contemporary category.

Andrew Parsons, master distiller at Sky Wave, said: “We are thrilled with the success of Golden Hour in the Gin Masters.

“It was an absolute pleasure to work with the residents of Berkley Care Group.

“Their enthusiasm and insights were invaluable in creating ‘Golden Hour.’

“We’re very proud to have crafted a gin that truly resonates with their palates, brings them such enjoyment and which has now been recognised on the global stage.”

The gin was created after Berkley Care Group residents, who voted gin and tonic as their favourite drink, visited the Bicester distillery to help guide its development.

One resident called the resulting gin ‘exceptional’.

Golden Hour is described as a London Dry with a ‘floral, aromatic, and characterful expression, perfect for enjoying in a Gin and Tonic’.

The name comes from a weekly tradition at Fernhill House, one of the care group’s homes.

Residents gather every Thursday evening to share a drink during ‘Golden Hour,’ a ritual now embraced group-wide.