The new year is a time for reflection, and while we are not ones to rest on our laurels, it’s nice to look back at a year of award wins and industry recognition for both our products and our people.

We began the year with our wine team and stores achieving their highest ever placing in Harpers Wine and Spirit Magazine’s annual review of independent wine merchants – The Top 50 Indies. Whether traditional or modern, solely bricks-and-mortar retail or hybrid operations, small or multiple-sited, all businesses are considered equally by the judges on their individual merit, making a placement in the ‘50 best’ is something to be coveted and celebrated. We are eagerly awaiting the 2026 rankings, which are due any day, so watch this space.

We also celebrated our head brewer, Dan, being named Brewer of the Year at The Brewer’s Choice Awards. Dan was among the figures from the beer, brewing and hospitality sectors recognised at the awards organised by The Brewer’s Journal. On the evening, Tim Sheahan, group editor at The Brewers Journal, said: "As head brewer at one of the UK's most revered breweries he has shown immense skill in recipe development, equipment commissioning and leading a team. He is an inspiration for brewers far and wide."

Dan and his team scooped many awards for their beers in 2025, with Ghost Ship Alcohol Free putting in a particularly strong competition performance. Highlights included Gold for both the keg and can versions at The SIBA East Indie Beer Awards, organised by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates. These awards are judged by expert beer judges, beer sommeliers, master brewers, and beer industry professionals and both beers move on to the finals at their annual conference in March.

Adnams cask beers also did well, with Ghost Ship Pale Ale winning Gold at CAMRA’s East Anglia/East Central awards. It now goes forward to the national judging for Champion Beer of Britain 2026, in August of this year!

Tally-Ho is a finalist in the Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition, the results of which are announced on 19^th February 2026, having won Gold in the regional Barley Wines and Strong Ales category. We’ve got everything crossed!

Our distillers were rewarded with an equally impressive medal haul in 2025, adding to the accolades held by some of our most-loved spirits. Longshore Vodka was lauded again when the winners of the World Drinks Awards 2025 were unveiled, gaining another gold medal and adding ‘England’s Best Pure Neutral Vodka’ to its long list of titles. It also won Gold Outstanding in the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), where it has a stellar reputation, having previously been a Trophy winner on two occasions.

Similarly, Adnams Rye Malt Whisky received a Gold Medal at the World Whiskies Awards, in the 12 Years & Under category. Consistently hitting the mark with the judges, this is the fourth time it’s received gold and the fifth year in a row it’s been given a medal. It continues to build on its great reputation and is proof that in distilling, you get out what you put in.

Congratulations also went to the Adnams Wine Team at the IWSC Awards, when four Adnams wines won silver medals. Wines from 34 countries were assessed under rigorous conditions by a panel of global experts. They awarded Adnams White Burgundy, Provence Rosé, Crémant De Limoux and Petit Chablis 90 points and a corresponding silver medal - an accolade given to only a small percentage of entries.