London, United Kingdom, April 22, 2026 —
Lume Botanical Gin, a craft gin from Sydney, Australia, claimed a prestigious Gold medal at the 2026 London Spirits Competition. The win marks a strong endorsement from one of the industry’s most commercially-minded judging panels, which evaluates spirits not just on taste, but on value for money and shelf appeal—factors that actually drive purchase decisions.
Now in its ninth year, the London Spirits Competition judges each entry across three weighted criteria—Quality, Value, and Packaging—producing a score that reflects how a spirit performs in the real world. Entries are first blind-tasted by a panel of active trade professionals, including spirits buyers and mixologists, before price and packaging are factored in. To reflect the importance of the drinking experience, Quality is given double weight in the final score calculation.
The 2026 competition drew entries from more than 30 countries. This year’s judging brought together over 70 top industry experts and elite buyers, including names like Stephanie Macleod (Master Blender for Bacardi) and Craig Wallace (Master Blender at Diageo), lending exceptional credibility to the process.
“The authority of a London Spirits Competition award comes from the quality of the judges and the fact that it reflects what consumers and buyers actually want. We’re thrilled that Lume Botanical Gin performed so well on this global stage,” said Aloke Bikkina, Co-Founder at Lume Distilling Pty Ltd.
“Earning a Gold medal is a testament to our focus on handcrafted quality and commercial appeal. This recognition gives our brand international credibility and opens up significant export opportunities,” added Aloke Bikkina.
About Lume Distilling
Lume Distilling is a boutique distillery based in Sydney, Australia, specializing in small-batch, handcrafted gins limited to just 100 bottles per batch. Known for bold botanical profiles and meticulous distillation, Lume embodies a passion for the art of gin-making and a commitment to quality and innovation in every drop. Website: www.lumegin.com
About the London Spirits Competition
The London Spirits Competition evaluates spirits on quality, value, and packaging—reflecting the criteria that matter most to today’s trade buyers and consumers. Organized by Beverage Trade Network, the competition identifies spirits with genuine commercial potential. For more information: www.londonspiritscompetition.com
Media Contact
Name: Aloke Bikkina Title: Co-Founder Email: hello@lumedistilling.com
Image Assets for Press: Press Selection Images
Official Supporting Quote
“Winning a medal here means your spirit performs across taste, value, and shelf appeal, making it a strong contender in both domestic and international markets,” said Sid Patel, CEO of the London Spirits Competition.