Local distiller Becky Wright won two gold, one silver and one bronze award for Dryad Gins.
Her new Sea Centaur Coastal Gin, inspired by a night-time otter visiting her distillery, has been awarded Gold in both the Traditional Gin (Over 42% ABV) category and Coastal Gin category and Bronze in the cocktail Martini category at The Gin Guide Awards 2026, one of the world’s most respected and influential gin competitions. The Yule Spice Gin won silver in the Spiced Gin category.
The announcement comes as part of this year’s global results, which have once again drawn significant attention from both the spirits trade and gin enthusiasts worldwide. With entries from 36 countries, the 2026 Awards showcased exceptional quality and an increasingly diverse international landscape, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship across both established and emerging gin regions.
Becky Wright said, “This is the third gin we have made at our micro distillery. I wanted it to reflect our coast, especially Porlock, where samphire grows. I used fresh Samphire and fresh lemon peel in my recipe and built it to drink as a Martini as it’s 45% ABV.”
The Gin Guide Awards are renowned for their rigorous and independent judging process. All entries are assessed through blind tasting by an expert panel of distillers, spirits buyers, authors and mixologists. Each gin is evaluated purely on its intrinsic qualities including aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and finish ensuring that awards reflect genuine excellence in the spirit itself.
To be recognised with a Gold Award places Sea Centaur among the highest-scoring gins globally in its category.
Sea Centaur Coastal Gin stands out as a bold and refined expression within the traditional gin category, delivering depth, structure and clarity at a higher ABV. Its profile captures the essence of the coast with fresh samphire and lemon peel balancing classic juniper-led character with layered botanical complexity and a long, clean finish.
Now in its 10th year, The Gin Guide Awards continues to set a benchmark for excellence within the industry. Alongside strong representation from the UK, this year’s winners included standout gins from countries such as Estonia, Italy, Slovenia, Norway, Kenya, Zambia, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
Head Judge Paul Jackson commented: “The quality and diversity of gins entered in The Gin Guide Awards 2026 has been remarkable… The award winners demonstrate the depth of skill in distillation and product development that continues to flourish across both established and emerging gin markets.” He added: “Huge congratulations and significant credibility go to all of the Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners… recognition here has become one of the most revered achievements in the industry.”
With only a limited number of awards granted in each category, a Gold Award from The Gin Guide is widely recognised as a mark of distinction influencing trade buying decisions and strengthening brand credibility in both domestic and international markets.
For Sea Centaur, this award represents not only recognition of quality, but a moment of momentum as the brand continues to grow its presence and share its story.
Find out more through the Dryad Gin website and follow on Instagram.
