2017
Sea Salted Caramel Sticky Toffee Pudding – BERRIES
Added September 2nd, 2017
This indulgent, dense, but still fluffy pudding with a soft sponge and tasty pieces of date, all in a perfectly flavoured sauce, is a well-made delight. https://berries.co.im/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSweet Cured Bacon Rack – HANNAN MEATS
Added September 2nd, 2017
Sweet fat and skin that melts in the mouth, together with a perfect cure, make this an outstanding product – “salty, wonderful and magnificent,” according to our judges. https://www.hannanmeats.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewLancashire Cheese – MRS KIRKHAM’S
Added September 2nd, 2017
Traditionally made using raw cows’ milk, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire has a texture, moistness, acidity and smooth, well-rounded flavour that is characteristic of the very best of this style of cheese. http://www.mrskirkhamscheese.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewChocolate Sorbetto – SWOON
Added September 2nd, 2017
Great Taste judges did indeed swoon over this superb chocolate sorbetto, produced by churning 85% extra bitter chocolate with water and natural sugars to produce a “rich, complex and intense” dessert. Dubbed the “perfect encapsulation of chocolate”, it has the fudgy creaminess of ice cream – despite no dairy content – and the freshness of […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSmoked Black Pudding – HUGH MAGUIRE
Added September 2nd, 2017
“Why has no-one ever smoked black pudding before?” one judge asked, before declaring as “genius” this traditional blood pudding, which is gently smoked over beechwood chippings for 45 minutes. The process delivers a gentle pepper warmth and mouthwatering aroma, in harmony with the careful use of smoke. http://hughmaguirebutchers.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewMadagascar 75% Trinitario Cocoa & Pink Pepper – AKESSON’S ORGANIC
Added September 2nd, 2017
A deep cacao aroma and a slow melt that releases bright, fruity acidity are characteristics of Madagascan Trinitario chocolate, which combines effectively with pink peppercorns. http://www.akessons-organic.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewTasmanian Leatherwood Honey – HEATHER HILLS FARM
Added September 2nd, 2017
Great Taste judges were intrigued by the unique flavour and resinous, comb-like texture of this smooth and thick raw honey, described as having “complex, savoury notes”. http://www.heatherhills.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewElderflower Irish Cider – TEMPTED CIDER COMPANY
Added September 2nd, 2017
Judges described this light, fruity, medium-sweet 4% ABV tipple as “proper cider”, with a good balance of distinct elderflower tones and delicate floral notes. http://temptedcider.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewAnvil Blend 1 – ANVIL COFFEE ROASTERS
Added September 2nd, 2017
Made from a blend of Ethiopia heirloom and Colombia Caturra Arabica varietals, both grown at high altitude, judges thought this espresso was stunning, unusual and pleasingly bright. It delivers a gentle, soothing coffee flavour that lingers in the mouth. https://www.anvilcoffee.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHoney With Roses – THETA FOODS CO
Added September 2nd, 2017
This stunning natural honey takes the palate on a “wonderful journey”, our judges said. Boasting a gorgeous copper colour, its brilliant rose and Greek Delight notes are extracted from petals of rare red roses grown on Greek mountains. http://thetafoods.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSmoked Mackerel – MACNEIL’S SMOKEHOUSE
Added September 2nd, 2017
Coated in Macneil’s own-recipe pepper mix and smoked over beechwood in a vintage Norwegian smoker, this perfectly executed smoked fish is simple but spot-on: moist, juicy and sweet, with balanced salt and smokiness. http://www.macneilssmokehouse.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSicilian Pistachio Gelato – FORTES ICE CREAM
Added September 2nd, 2017
This authentic Sicilian pistachio gelato has a pure pistachio flavour and an intense nuttiness likened by our judges to “licking the inside of a pistachio shell”. The salt level provides a perfect balance to the natural sweetness. http://fortesgelato.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBodger’s Barley Wine – THE CHILTERN BREWERY
Added September 2nd, 2017
Hoppy, balanced and fruity on the palate, this bottle-conditioned, golden chestnut barley wine slipped down easily around the judging table. A cloud ale, suitable for vegans, it tastes less strong than it is and boasts a long-lasting caramel finish. https://chilternbrewery.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHandmade Tortelloni (Burrata e Black Truffle) – LA TUA PASTA
Added September 2nd, 2017
Great Taste judges heaped praise upon La Tua Pasta’s “beautifully simple” hand-shaped Tortelloni (Burrata e Black Truffle), dubbing them “perfect parcels of flavour”, with delicate, rich egg pasta, masterful use of truffle and a spot-on ratio of pasta to filling. http://www.latuapasta.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSeville Orange Marmalade – ARTISAN KITCHEN
Added September 2nd, 2017
A classic, handmade old-style preserve, our judges described this as “the marmalade to bring marmalade back”. With a real zing, glossy appearance and a good balance of citrus, it covers a host of culinary possibilities in sweet and savoury dishes. http://theartisankitchen.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSeeded Crackers – GAIL’S ARTISAN BAKERY
Added September 2nd, 2017
GAIL’s light and well-balanced seeded crackers are baked in huge sheets and generously loaded with natural seeds that all bring something to the palate. With a tempting appearance and great snap, these buttermilk shards are perfect for dipping or eating on their own. https://gailsbread.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSimply Better French Epoisse Cheese AOC – DUNNES STORES
Added September 2nd, 2017
“Balanced, smooth and velvety”, was how Great Taste judges summed up this full fat, cows’ milk washed-rind Epoisse. Washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy, it has an “incredible flavour, marvellous aroma and fabulous complexity”. http://www.dunnesstores.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewWen Shan Bao Zhong (Pouchong) – CURIOUS TEA
Added September 2nd, 2017
Described by our judges as “astonishingly clean”, “refreshing” and “totally delicious”, this beautiful floral green oolong (pouchong) hails from the Wen Shan District of New Taipei City in Taiwan. With an almost buttery floral aroma, each sip offers creaminess without any hint of bitterness or tannic tang. http://www.curioustea.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewWhey Butter – ISLE OF MAN CREAMERY
Added September 2nd, 2017
Creamy, rich and perfectly salted, this is an expertly balanced butter, enjoyable on its own or as the perfect “cement between the bricks” in a sandwich. https://www.isleofmancreamery.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewPumpkin Seed Oil – DONUM TERRAE
Added September 2nd, 2017
Warming, yet mild, this oil has a deep colour and wonderful nutty aroma. Viscous and glossy, it’s a refined product with praline notes and just the right level of toastiness. http://donumterrae.hu/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSmoked Salmon – BALLYHACK SMOKEHOUSE
Added September 2nd, 2017
Ballyhack Smokehouse’s firm yet melt-in-the-mouth salmon is slowly smoked over beechwood chips in a 70-year-old smoker, giving it a tender, buttery and silky texture as well as a wonderful smokiness. http://ballyhacksmokehouse.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewElderflower & Lime Ice Cream – HANDMADE BY HADLEYS
Added September 2nd, 2017
“Zingy, fresh and balanced” was how Great Taste judges described this ice cream, which is made with fresh elderflower heads infused in a custard base along with freshly squeezed limes. Judges enjoyed the creamy texture and almost “refreshing sorbet” quality. http://www.handmadebyhadleys.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewNeapolitan Coffee Gelato – SWOON
Added September 2nd, 2017
“Masterfully executed”, this knock-out gelato reminded judges of an affogato, the espresso-drowned ice cream dessert. Made by slowly churning gelato and adding shots of Neapolitan coffee, it offers a light and smooth mouthfeel for an authentic and grown-up treat. http://www.swoononaspoon.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewCarato Gran Cru – AGRUMIA
Added September 2nd, 2017
“Like a kiss from Aphrodite” was how one judge described this rich yet light, pure acacia honey, which is aged in Kurni wine barrels. Balanced notes of dried fruit and sour cherry make this an ideal accompaniment for many aged cheeses. https://www.agrumia.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewPanama La Huella ‘Cafe de Panama’ (Natural) – DARK WOODS COFFEE
Added September 2nd, 2017
Extremely earthy and complex, Panama La Huella ‘Cafe de Panama’ was dubbed “posh”, “fruity” and “clean” by the Great Taste judges. Hand selected at high altitude, the coffee cherries are naturally sun-dried and then artisan-roasted on a drum roaster. http://www.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewMadagascar Bejofo Estate 75% Criollo Cocoa – AKESSON’S ORGANIC
Added September 2nd, 2017
Layered and complex, with strong fruity notes and flavours of red berry, peach and caramel, this organic chocolate bowled our judges over with its “divine texture, good snap and lovely melt”. http://www.akessons-organic.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewNational Trust Sour Cherry Curd – THURSDAY COTTAGE
Added September 2nd, 2017
A “phenomenal and seriously sexy” curd, this was a hit with our judges, who couldn’t get enough of its Cherry Drops aroma and Cherry Bakewell flavour. A punchy flavour, mouth-watering acidity and great texture suggests many uses, from slathering on scones to glazing a pork chop. Home
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewPink Grapefruit Sorbetto – GELATO GUSTO
Added September 2nd, 2017
Refreshing, tart and tangy, and not too sweet, the judges couldn’t find fault with this intense, yet light pink grapefruit sorbetto – calling it “very pretty” and “very grown-up”. http://gelatogusto.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewRaffinée Piemonte Hazelnut Covered In Ground Ethiopian Harrar Coffee & Hazelnut Flavoured Milk Chocolate – CHOCOME
Added September 2nd, 2017
“A sublime morsel of nutty joyfulness, enveloped in exquisite milk chocolate” was how Great Taste judges described this delicious milk chocolate dragée from Hungary’s chocoMe. With a good crunch and smooth coffee flavour, it is fabulously moreish. http://www.chocome.hu/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGloucester Old Spot Dry Smoked Streaky Bacon (Rindless) – MARTINS MEATS
Added September 2nd, 2017
“The bard has been raised,” was one Great Taste judge’s comment after sampling this perfectly balanced rare-breed bacon. Dry aged on the bone for 10 days in a salt chamber, it’s then dry cured in a salt and sugar mix for a further 10 days before smoking over applewood chips. Welcome to Martin’s Meats
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHeather Honey – EULOGIA OF SPARTA
Added September 2nd, 2017
Reminiscent of toffee spread and salted butter caramel, this raw heather honey has an amazing colour and texture with complex fennel, liquorice and leather notes that saw one Great Taste judge describe it as simple “divine”. https://eulogiaproducts.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewRamon’s Raw Carob Honey – THE RAW HONEY SHOP
Added September 2nd, 2017
A memorable and intriguing product with real complexity, this raw carob honey from the Pyrenees has multiple layers of flavour, with hints of ale and hops. Judges described the aroma of black treacle as “like an old wooden chest”. https://www.therawhoneyshop.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewChian Tangerine Marzipan Bites – CITRUS PRODUCTIONS SA
Added September 2nd, 2017
Fruity with full bursts of tangerine, these delicate, uniquely shaped marzipan bites were hailed as “an adult delight” by one Great Taste judge. Buttery yet refreshing with an enticing fragrance. http://citrus-chios.gr/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewPomegranate Molasses – BELAZU
Added September 2nd, 2017
Sweet and sour on the nose and with a deep rich colour, this condiment is made in small batches from semi-sour and sour pomegranate varieties to create a treacle-rich molasses with a balance of sharp-and-zingy and sweet-and-caramel notes. https://www.belazu.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSalted Caramel Fudge – CAKE ASPIRATIONS
Added September 2nd, 2017
Light and delicate with a salt crystal explosion on the palate, this fudge from Gloucestershire’s Cake Aspirations is buttery and slightly crumbly, with a lovely texture and just the right level of salt to balance the sweetness. http://cakeaspirations.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSt Louis Dry Hopped Cider – SANDFORD ORCHARDS
Added September 2nd, 2017
“Kerpow! This is a next-level cider and a great alternative to Champagne” was among the judges’ comments about this 5.5% ABV cider. Made with the juice of Devon cider apples and infused with Ella and Willamette hops, judges described it as perfectly balanced, bright, fruity and beautifully crisp. http://www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewMatured Goats’ Cheese – RIBBLESDALE CHEESE
Added September 2nd, 2017
With a sweet and grassy aroma, firm but crumbly texture and nutty flavours on the palate, this mature, natural-rind cheese had our judges going back for second helpings. The middle of the paste is clean, fresh and has a slightly caramelised milk flavour, while closer to the rind it becomes more “goaty” – but always […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSunflower Seed Bread – INTER EUROPOL
Added September 2nd, 2017
A cracking artisanal loaf with a toasty crust and pleasing sourness, this open-textured bread delivers great mouthfeel with an added sourdough bite. http://www.intereuropol.pl/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewPistachio Paste – THE NUT KITCHEN
Added September 2nd, 2017
Judges swooned over the “staggering complexity” of this paste, produced using 100% Sicilian pistachios. Boasting a wonderful olive-green colour, natural minerality, serious depty of flavour and real umami hit, it inspired numerous uses in sweet and savoury dishes, from ice cream toppings to rubbing on lamb or wood-fired scallops. http://www.thenutkitchen.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewCamomile – FLORA TEA GROUP
Added September 2nd, 2017
Clean, pure and bright, this soothing, high quality herbal tea, made from handpicked dried camomile blossoms, boasts an uplifting colour, fantastic aroma and delightful flavour. http://www.floratea.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBlue Stilton – CROPWELL BISHOP CREAMERY
Added September 2nd, 2017
Made from fresh Peak District milk, this Stilton has attractive veining and a fabulous paste. Aged for 12 weeks, it really packs a punch, with a rich, buttery and deepy savoury flavour, excellent acidity and a well-rounded, almost nutty finish. http://www.cropwellbishopstilton.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewRed Ruby Beef Picanha Rump – PIPERS FARM
Added September 2nd, 2017
This Devon butcher’s Red Ruby picanha, otherwise known as a ‘rump cap’ or ‘fat-on rump’, delivers a delicious texture, pleasant gamey taste and sweetness and a perfect layer of fat. It also looks fabulous. http://pipersfarm.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewDry Yorkshire Gin – MASONS YORKSHIRE GIN
Added September 2nd, 2017
With citrus, juniper and a wealth of botanicals, Masons’ 42% dry Yorkshire gin has a “mind-blowing aroma, like a firework up the nose and an incredible mouthfeel”, according to our judges, making it “the perfect sipping gin” on the rocks. http://masonsyorkshiregin.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSummer Citrus Marmalade & Italian Orange Bitters – ARTISAN KITCHEN
Added September 2nd, 2017
A mix of sweet oranges, pink grapefruits, lemons, limes, finished with Aperol, provides a perfect balance between sweet and bitter and superb level of bite from the peel. A great way to start the day, spread generously on wholemeal toast. http://theartisankitchen.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSmoked Trout – INVERAWE SMOKEHOUSES
Added September 2nd, 2017
Inverawe’s stand-out smoked trout is naturally oak-smoked over slow-burning, hand-tended open fires, giving it a silky, creamy mouthfeel and great flavour – a “really elegant piece of fish”, according to Great Taste judges. https://www.smokedsalmon.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewCoedcanlas Organic Welsh Blackcurrant Jam – COEDCANLAS
Added September 2nd, 2017
Inspired by a Russian recipe, this “moreish, well set and jewel-like” jam captured the judges’ imagination with its high gloss, velvet appearance and rich aroma. Perfectly cooked blackcurrants give a great texture and intense, vibrant flavour as they pop in the mouth. https://coedcanlas.myshopify.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGlenarm Salt-Aged Lamb Rump – HANNAN MEATS
Added September 2nd, 2017
Produced from lambs organically reared and finished for six weeks on clover fields, Hannan Meats’ outstanding salt-aged lamb rump is dry-aged for a minimum of 14 days, giving it a brilliant flavour and texture. http://www.hannanmeats.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewOrganic Mint – ANASSA ORGANICS
Added September 2nd, 2017
A delicate infusion with a fresh, vibrant, deep mint flavour this Greek origin tea, from handpicked leaves, has a natural sweetness and a refreshing, authentic taste. http://www.anassaorganics.com/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewSouthport Potted Shrimps – JAMES PEETS SOUTHPORT POTTED SHRIMPS
Added September 2nd, 2017
From the west coast waters of northern England, these succulent shrimps are plump, sweet and delicately covered in spiced butter, which really allows the shrimps to shine. http://pottedshrimp.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewPanama La Huella ‘Cafe de Panama’ 100% Gesha (Natural) – DARK WOODS COFFEE
Added September 2nd, 2017
A deep nutty aroma is followed by a rich smooth chocolate flavour with citrus notes in a coffee with bold and intense flavour. There’s even an intriguing finish of “fennel and hay” to this 100% Gesha Arabica coffee, our judges said. http://www.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk/
Show me more ▶ Watch the video review