Cuckoo Gin wins taste award

A new spirit by Cuckoo Gin has been selected as the best in class against competition from around the world.

Cuckoo Sunshine - named after the traditional Lancashire greeting, "hello, sunshine" - came out on top in the ‘Best Flavoured Gin’ category at the 2018 Gin Guide Awards.

The spirit is produced by Brindle Distillery in Chorley, a family-run business which only branched out into the spirits industry last year.

It's a collaboration with the Bee Centre in Samlesbury, and is made with natural honey produced on their farm by Lancashire Honeybees.

Honey, as a substitute to sugar, combines with infused raspberries to create a smooth and sweet gin and with a fruity flavour.

The distillery's Signature Gin was shortlisted in the Best Traditional Gin category, and its Spiced Gin made the final shortlist of the Best London Dry Gin. Earlier this year, Burnley-based micro-distillery Batch earned a rare 'double gold' at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirit Competition.