The Top 50 winners of Great Taste 2014
This is the list of Great Taste Top 50 Foods. You can watch the Top 50 video reviews on each of the foods, presented by important food faces. Keep following @guildoffinefood on Twitter to keep up to date with all things Great Taste #greattasteawards.
Moyallon 3 Sweet Bacon Ribs – HANNAN MEATS
Added August 30th, 2014
Peter Hannan has worked his meaty magic on these bacon ribs, which are cured to a traditional recipe and then sweetened in a sugar pit for 10 days. Our Great Taste experts loved the contrast in textures between the crisp edge, soft fat and succulent meat, finding the strong sweet and salty flavours to be […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video review75% Forastero Cocoa – Brazil – AKESSON’S ORGANIC
Added August 30th, 2014
“Great looking bar that melts wonderfully in the mouth. Delivers very dark and interesting flavours that linger,” said judges of this bar, which is produced with cocoa from Akesson’s own estate. The cocoa is roasted to enhance natural coffee notes which judges, found come through clearly and last into the finish. www.akessons-organic.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewJaffys Mallaig Kippers – J LAWRIE & SONS
Added August 30th, 2014
These plump smoked herrings come from the last remaining kipper yard in Mallaig. Pickled in a secret brine before being slowly smoked over oak shavings from sherry casks, these kippers bowled over our judges who loved the buttery, moist texture of the fish and praised the gentle, but lingering smoke flavours. www.jaffys.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBlaisdon Red Plum Jam – THE ARTISAN KITCHEN
Added August 30th, 2014
Made using historic Gloucestershire Blaisdon red plums from the Forest of Dean, this jam impressed judges with its deep, dark flavours and perfect level of acidity. “A well-made jam with distinct, pronounced plum flavours,” said judges. “Lovely balance of flavour. Vibrant and really juicy.” www.theartisankitchen.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSteak & Stilton Pie – WILLIAM DYER
Added August 30th, 2014
“A very handsome pie with a robust filling,” said our judges of this steak and stilton number from William Dyer Butchers in Surrey. “The beef is gloriously tender and the flavour combination wonderful.” Our panel also said the pie was generously filled and applauded the buttery puff pastry.
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewStrawberry Ice Cream – MAUDS ICE CREAM
Added August 30th, 2014
Since 1982, Mauds has been churning ice cream to their recipe in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. Its strawberry ice cream has a fabulously honest quality to it, say judges who enjoyed the velvety, creamy texture and the visible pieces of fruit within. “Tastes so natural and fresh,” said judges. “We just want to eat more of […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewApple Loves Mint – SUKI TEAHOUSE
Added August 30th, 2014
Suki Tea’s Apple Loves Mint is a robust blend that includes peppermint leaves, baby rose buds, chunks of papaya and apple. Judges declared it “a very well-executed blend that is well balanced”. They went on to say that the blend delivers very pronounced flavours without coming across too sweet. www.suki-tea.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewJamon de Bellota 100% Iberico Pata Negra – JUAN PEDRO DOMECQ SOLIS
Added August 30th, 2014
This ham comes from pure-bred Iberian pigs that are raised on a diet of Spanish acorns. “Sweet caramel notes layer with dark, aged ham and a nuttiness that lasts long into the finish,” said judges who applauded the ham’s deep red colour, which is marbled with silky white fat. www.jamonesjuanpedrodomecq.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewNatures Meadow French Dressed Lamb Rack – DAWN MEATS
Added August 30th, 2014
This pasture-fed Irish lamb is hand-trimmed to allow maximum meat coverage. Judges found the lamb very fresh and bright, saying the lamb was well trimmed, moist and carved very, very well. Our panel said it was “beautifully flavoured, tender lamb with fat to die for.” www.dawnmeats.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewIrish Atlantic Sea Salt with Dill Pollen – IRISH ATLANTIC SALT
Added August 30th, 2014
Michael and Aileen O’Neill have infused their Atlantic sea salt – Produced in West Cork using sustainable methods – with dill pollen. Judges said it is one of the best flavoured salts they have ever tasted and that the balance between the salt and dill is superb. “An outstanding salt with fabulously textured flakes,” they […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBasil & Chilli Gelato – LA GELATIERA
Added August 29th, 2014
This is the second year in a row that La Gelatiera’s innovatively flavoured gelatos have ranked in our Top 50 Foods. This year it was their fresh basil and Calabrian chilli number that stole the hearts of judges, who were impressed with the freshness of the basil and warming level of heat of the chilli. […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBeef Dripping – JAMES WHELAN BUTCHERS
Added August 29th, 2014
This rendered beef suet is from Angus and Hereford beef and was an absolute showstopper. Our Great Taste experts fell in love with the clarity of flavour to this dripping and deemed it perfection for roasting, baking and spreading. “Tremendous, deep beefy flavours,” exclaimed judges. “Blew us all away.” www.jameswhelanbutchers.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewViejo Maestro – EXTREMADURAN WAREHOUSE
Added August 29th, 2014
Produced using the pasteurised milk from retinta goats and aged for 40 days, Viejo Maestro impressed our Great Taste experts with its fresh grassiness and complex goats milk flavour. “There’s a lot of length and depth,” remarked judges, who commended the rich, creamy texture of the cheese, crowning it “an excellent product”. www.extremaduran.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewChaucers Camembert – CHEESEMAKERS OF CANTERBURY
Added August 29th, 2014
Handmade in Kent using pasteurised cows’ milk, this pretty little cheese is aged for three to six weeks. Our Great Taste experts commended its richness and perfect balance of acidity. “This beautiful cheese delivers a creamy texture and a fresh but deep flavour that goes on long into the finish,” said judges. “Applause all round.” […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBlackcurrant with Juniper Dark Truffle – WHITE RABBIT CHOCOLATIERS
Added August 29th, 2014
The White Rabbit Chocolatier have a slew of Great Taste awards to their name and this year they add their outstanding blackcurrant dark chocolate truffles infused with juniper. Judges said the truffles had a “delicious blackcurrant flavour and lovely texture”, and went on to say the chocolate shell was well tempered and the filling “intense […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewChase Raspberry Liqueur – CHASE DISTILLERY
Added August 29th, 2014
The team at Chase have made this delicious raspberry liqueur using their English potato vodka and fresh raspberry. It has a wonderful blushing colour and a pleasant, well-balanced nose. Judges declared it outstanding, saying it was “almost too easy to drink, we were reaching for more.” www.chasedistillery.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHandmade Sea Salted Caramel – CUTTER & SQUIDGE
Added August 29th, 2014
This salted caramel from Cutter and Squidge is made using Maldon sea salt, English butter and organic double cream. Judges said it has a fantastic consistency and loved the silky, creamy butterscotch flavours it delivered. The balance of sea salt was deemed perfect and cut through the sweetness wonderfully. www.cutterandsquidge.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSaddleback Pork Belly – PIPERS FARM
Added August 29th, 2014
The pork belly from Piper Farms’ slow-grown saddleback pigs is hung on the bone for three weeks. Our panel said it was outstanding in every way, commending the pork belly’s perfect crackling, its wonderfully sweet depth of flavour and a remarkable melt in the mouth quality. www.pipersfarm.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewIntensely Buttermint – R TWINING & COMPANY
Added August 29th, 2014
Twinings’ Intensely buttermint is a herbal infusion of fresh peppermint leaves blended with aromatic vanilla. “The flavour is so original,” said judges. “Just two ingredients in perfect harmony.” This infusion has a wonderful aroma and delivers butterscotch flavours with a refreshing hit of mint. www.twinings.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHimalayan Salt Aged Rib Chop – HANNAN MEATS
Added August 29th, 2014
The 12ft high solid wall of hand-cut Himalayan salt bricks in Hannan Meats’ dry aging chamber is fast becoming something of legend. “A fabulous, juicy rib chop,” said our judges. “This has so much flavour and the fat is like butter. It is everything you would hope for and more.” www.hannanmeats.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHimalayan Salt Aged Tagliata – HANNAN MEATS
Added August 28th, 2014
Dry-aged for a whopping 40 days, this tagliata is a handsome piece of meat that packs huge depth of flavour. “The most gloriously beautiful joint of beef we have seen in a while,” said our Great Taste panel. “The fat is amazing.” www.hannanmeats.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewEasy Thai Green Curry Paste – THE COCONUT KITCHEN
Added August 28th, 2014
Our judges said this was a very well-rounded product and loved the “great umami hit of fish sauce that has been balanced against the other flavours very well”. This spicy curry paste also includes a fragrant lemongrass backbone and vibrancy from basil and lemon. “It has a good deep flavour profile,” said our panel, who […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewWhole Hot Smoked Salmon – STEFAN PÅLSSON
Added August 28th, 2014
Scandinavians know a thing or two about smoking salmon and this one has been hot smoked whole in Sweden by the team at Stefan Pålsson. “A most majestic beast,” said one judge of our panel. “Wonderfully moist salmon and perfectly seasoned. It falls off the bone in the most beautiful way.” www.stefanpalssonab.se
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewAged Gouda – RIBBLESDALE CHEESE
Added August 28th, 2014
This goat gouda is made in North Yorkshire and aged for six months before release. This cheese caused quite a commotion, exciting judges with its consistent, creamy texture and the salty, matured finish it left on the palate. “An amazing aroma and a flavour to awaken the taste buds,” said our panel who deemed it […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewRaw Organic Wild Rata Honey – WEDDERSPOON ORGANIC
Added August 28th, 2014
Wild rata trees native to New Zealand’s South Island deliver a slight pine note to this floral honey. Judges were enamoured, declaring it “an utterly gorgeous honey”, following up with: “This honey tastes amazing!” It was the smooth, velvety texture and clean, sweet, floral flavours that melt away beautifully that captivated our panel. www.wedderspoon.co.uk http://vimeo.com/105552378
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewFree Range Loin of Pork – REDHILL FARM FREE RANGE PORK
Added August 28th, 2014
Redhill Farm’s loin of pork comes from free-range duroc cross pigs raised in the heart of Lincolnshire. “Great aroma and beautiful marbling of fat right the way through the centre,” said our Great Taste experts who also applauded the meat’s clean depth of flavour and silky, sweet fat. www.redhillfarm.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewLidgate’s Dry Cured Iberico Streaky Bacon – C LIDGATE
Added August 28th, 2014
From west London’s Lidgate’s Butchers comes this sweet Iberico streaky bacon. Our panel found the bacon to have remarkable depth of flavour and commended the thick-cut slices. “The fat literally melts in the mouth and we love the way the flavours develop,” remarked judges. “The sweet, nutty notes of the Iberico pork has great length […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewAfrican Queen 70% – DEMARQUETTE FINE CHOCOLATES
Added August 28th, 2014
The ganache for Demarquette’s African Queen is made from Ivory Coast cocoa and hints of Malagasy vanilla, layered on a base of hazelnut praline. “A very high quality chocolate with a really stunning flavour,” said the judges, who enjoyed the great contrast between the smooth ganache and crunch of the praline. “Gorgeous textures and flavours,” […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGloucester Old Spot Belly Pork – PRIMROSE HERD
Added August 28th, 2014
Our judges were very impressed with the appearance of this handsome piece of belly pork from Cornwall’s Primrose Herd. With its layers of tender meat, fat and crackling, this belly pork from a heritage breed of pig entrhalled the judges. “Lovely glazed crackling and sweet, moist meat,” said our panel. “The fat is creamy, light […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewTortas de Aceite – DELICIOSO
Added August 28th, 2014
These traditional sugared olive oil biscuits are handmade in Seville with extra-virgin olive oil, sesame seeds and aniseed. Previously awarded three stars back in 2010, judges liked the lingering aftertaste and said they have a good snap with a lovely flaky texture. Judges went on to praise the excellent balance between salt, sesame and aniseed […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGooseberry & Limoncello Ice Cream – ALDER TREE
Added August 27th, 2014
Alder Tree have a long list of Great Taste Awards to their name and have been making its unique cream ice in Suffolk since 2007. Their gooseberry and limoncello flavour is “smooth with a great tang”, said judges. They added: “Light but intensely flavoured.The fruit and lemon sang together beautifully.” www.alder-tree.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHimalayan Salt Aged Rib of Beef – HANNAN MEATS
Added August 27th, 2014
“Pure beef genius,” said our Great Taste experts of Hannan’s rib of beef that has been dry- aged in a salt chamber for a minimum of 28 days. “Melts in the mouth,” said judges who went on to applaud the flavoursome fat and tender texture of the meat. www.hannanmeats.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewOak Matured Vintage Cider – SHEPPY’S CIDER
Added August 27th, 2014
Made using apples from a single harvest at Three Bridges Farm, this cider from Sheppy’s has a lingering oak characteristic that goes on long into the finish. Judges loved the mixture of apples used and the deep complex flavours this sparkling cider delivers. www.sheppyscider.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewLapsang Souchong – SILVER LANTERN TEA
Added August 27th, 2014
Black tea from Fujian Province in eastern China has been dried over pinewood fires to produce this Lapsang Souchong from Silver Lantern. Judges said the tea had a clean smoky taste with a creamy wood flavour and deemed this tea “well-balanced with some sweetness in the finish”. www.silverlanterntea.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGolden Raspberry & Apache Chilli Vinegar – WOMERSLEY FRUIT & HERB VINEGARS
Added August 27th, 2014
Womersley has made this outstanding vinegar by hand using fresh Scottish golden raspberries and British apache chillies. Judges enjoyed the beautiful balance of fruit sweetness, vinegar acidity and the building warmth from the chillies. “A marvellous and complex vinegar,” they said. “An innovative product that works really well.” www.womersleyfoods.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewDry Cured Back Bacon – METCALFE’S BEEF & PORK
Added August 27th, 2014
Every judging table that tried this bacon was unanimous about the salt level and texture of the meat being absolutely perfect. Our experts said the natural sweetness of the pork came through wonderfully and that there was just the right amount of fat to each rasher. www.metcalfes-butchers.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSmoked Salmon – UIG LODGE SMOKED SALMON
Added August 27th, 2014
For two years running this smoked salmon from Uig Lodge has placed in the Top 50 Foods. “So, so fresh and leaves an oceanic flavour in the mouth” said our experts who were won over by this hand-sliced side of salmon. “Lingering length from the smoke, which has been done very carefully and is in […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewEllopia Thyme Honey – ELLOPIA GREEK FOODS
Added August 27th, 2014
The wild thyme growing on the rocky northern shores of Andros in Greece has brought a pronounced floral quality to this honey. “It has a real purity,” said our judges, who thought the deep, golden honey had a wonderful length of flavour and a bright intensity of thyme. www.ellopiagreekfoods.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewVenison Loin – BARONSCOURT ESTATE
Added August 27th, 2014
This venison loin comes from wild sika deer that roam Northern Ireland’s Baronscourt Estate. Our panel of Great Taste experts said this lean joint of venison is tender, moist and carries great gamey flavours, without being too overpowering. “It has great character,” remarked judges. “The meat has impressive, long lasting flavours.” www.barons-court.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewFrozen Goodness Fresh Lemon – NOBÓ
Added August 27th, 2014
Judges were hugely impressed with this dairy-free ice cream made from avocado, coconut milk and honey. Flavoured with fresh lemon juice and Madagascan Vanilla bean extract, this ice cream is wonderfully creamy and smooth. “The lemon and coconut balance so well,” said our panel. “A really clever product and all judges enjoyed the flavours.” www.nobo.ie
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewYummyto Japanese Style Soy Sauce – SEEWOOFOODS
Added August 26th, 2014
“There’s a really special fermented element and beautiful aromatics,” said judges of this traditionally brewed Japanese-style soy sauce. Our panel enjoyed the deep, complexity it delivered and found the balance of saltiness to be spot-on. “It has a glossy, vibrant colour and the flavour is long lasting. Excellent as a condiment or in cooking.” www.seewoo.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewQueijo de Azeitao DOP – VICTOR FERNADES QUEIJARIA ARTESAL
Added August 26th, 2014
“We love the fermented grassy notes,” said judges of this Azeitao cheese which is made using raw sheep’s milk. This DOP cheese is produced in the south of Portugal by Victor Fernandes and carries a unique mix of sour, salty and spicy flavours. “It’s firm, yet runny,” continued judges, “and the complexity of flavour is […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHimalayan Salt Aged Fillet Steak – HANNAN MEATS
Added August 26th, 2014
A very special fillet steak that is dry-aged on the bone. Hats off to another exemplary piece of meat from Peter Hannan and his salt-aging chamber. Judges said the steak carries a wonderfully balanced flavour and delivers a great aftertaste. www.hannanmeats.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewJoie de Chevre – BROCK HALL FARM DAIRY
Added August 26th, 2014
Brock Hall Farm are no newcomer to our Top 50 Foods having placed a cheese in the list just last year. For 2014 they triumph with this semi hard goat cheese Joie de Chevre. Our panel of experts loved the richness and fresh goats’ milk flavours this cheese delivers and praised the nutty, lingering finish. […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewRed Pesto Pate – THE PATCHWORK TRADITIONAL FOOD COMPANY
Added August 26th, 2014
Made using chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and basil, this product is described as “a Mediterranean taste bomb” by its producers and our panel concur heartily. “Plenty of flavour and a lovely rustic texture,” said judges. “The flavours come through in layers. Wonderful.” www.patchwork-pate.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewRaspberry Sorbet – SNOWFLAKE LUXURY GELATO
Added August 26th, 2014
“The flavour they’ve managed to get from the raspberries is incredibly intense,” remarked judges of Snowflake Luxury Gelato’s raspberry sorbet, which has been made using spring water, grape sugar and a minimum of 70% fresh raspberries. Our panel found the consistency and colour to be beautiful and loved the smooth luxurious texture of the sorbet. […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewKeltic Gold – WHALESBOROUGH CHEESE
Added August 26th, 2014
“We think this is an outstanding washed-rind cheese,” said our experts when judging this pasteurised cows’ cheese, which is washed and scrubbed with cider three times a week during its aging. “The texture is stunning and the flavour is delicious,” continued judges. “Creamy, tangy, with clear notes of apple. A superbly made cheese.” www.Whalesboroughcheese.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGigot Leg of Lamb, Bone in – ANNANWATER
Added August 26th, 2014
This slow-grown lamb is reared on hillsides, feeding on a wide range of upland herbs and grasses. Our panel of expert food judges enjoyed the rich, fresh flavour and succulent texture of the meat. Judges branded it “simply gorgeous”.
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewCazcabel Honey Tequila – PROOF DRINKS
Added August 26th, 2014
Produced from sun-baked agave in the Jalisco region of Mexico, this honey tequila has a natural citrus note that emerges during distillation. “The floral honey explodes in the mouth,” said judges, who praised the spirit’s smoothness, lack of burn and the hint of smoke in the finish. www.proofdrinks.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewCasta Diva Moscatel Vinegar – BRINDISA
Added August 26th, 2014
This vinegar is made using Moscatel de Alejandria grapes before being cask-aged for six years. Judges found the vinegar to have astonishing complexity both on the aroma and the palate, its flavours hanging around in the mouth for a good while after tasting. “A delightful explosion of developing flavours,” said judges. “It’s sharp, it’s sweet, […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video review