Midlands
Free Range Belly Pork – REDHILL FARM FREE RANGE PORK
Added August 5th, 2015
Exclamations such as “scrummy” and “full of flavour” were heard around this judging table. The clarity and intensity of flavour in this belly pork enamoured the judges, who declared that this is “how pork should be”. The “moist” and “juicy” crackling also wowed the panel. www.redhillfarm.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewHalcyon Imperial IPA – THORNBRIDGE BREWERY
Added August 5th, 2015
It was the directness and depth of this honey-coloured beer that won the judges’ approval. Although it is strong (ABV 7.4%), Halcyon is “bright, fresh and almost tropical” on the nose with a big dry hoppy flavour that fills the mouth. www.thornbridgebrewery.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewJaipur IPA – THORNBRIDGE BREWERY
Added August 5th, 2015
This hoppy India Pale Ale (ABV 5.9%) is a regular Great Taste three star winner and a former winner of the Best Speciality from the Midlands & East Anglia (2012). Jaipur has made the Top 50 this year thanks to its balance of grains and hops, “beautiful” amber hue and the floral honeysuckle notes on […]
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewArtisan Crispbread (Original – Medium with Hole) – PETER’S YARD
Added August 5th, 2015
“The best biscuit for cheese out there”, said the judges of these Swedish-style rye crispbreads. Each one is baked by hand using naturally fermenting sourdough, organic flour, honey, salt and fresh milk. The end result is “deliciously malty”. www.petersyard.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewDried Porcini Mushrooms – GET FUNGHI
Added August 5th, 2015
Get Funghi handpicks its top quality wild porcini (Boletus Edulis) in West Sweden. The pickers sort, slice and dry their “woodland treasure” on the same day for maximum flavour conservation. While their nutty and umami flavours found favour, the mushrooms’ texture and mouthfeel also impressed judges, who labelled them a store cupboard essential. www.getfunghi.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewShropshire Blue – COLSTON BASSETT DAIRY
Added August 5th, 2015
Colston Bassett’s Shropshire Blue has a buttery, paste-like texture but balances its creaminess with a sharpness and acidity from its blue veins, which judges said were distributed well throughout. They said this “very munchable” cheese would work equally well with a pint of beer, a crisp white wine or a dry cider. www.colstonbassettdairy.co.uk
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewBeauvale – CROPWELL BISHOP CREAMERY
Added August 5th, 2015
Made from pasteurised cows’ milk, this blue cheese was applauded for its “creaminess and crumbliness without being too curdy”, as well as it long finish and enduring taste. With hints of “granny’s milking room” on the nose, this “moreish” cheese would be welcome on any judge’s cheeseboard. www.cropwellbishopstilton.com
Show me more ▶ Watch the video reviewGlen Marnoch Islay Single Malt Whisky – ALDI UK
Added August 5th, 2015
One judge boldly proclaimed this single malt was his “new favourite whisky”. The marriage of “intense smokiness and sweet honey” astounded judges and they were equally surprised by the “warm and smooth” finish.
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