A KENDAL-based drinks company has won gold in a world-wide tasting competition for top spirits.

Penningtons Spirits and Liqueurs, based in Tanner’s Yard, picked up the prize at the Spirits Business Liqueur Masters for its signature drink, Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur.

The award follows other medals for their drinks earlier in the year and came just in time for their sponsorship of Kendal Mountain Festival at the weekend.

Managing director Mike Pennington said: “We are still a small concern, which makes it even more pleasing to get these awards when up against all the big guys.

“We are focussing on quality and take pride in what we produce.”

Mr Pennington is the former owner of Burgundy’s Wine Bar, in Lowther Street. Last year he sold the wine bar to concentrate on making, bottling and marketing spirits and liqueurs, after the success of its Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur.

The Spirits Business hosted The Liqueur Masters competition in a drive to find and reward the finest Craft Spirits brands on the world stage.

Chaired by The Spirits Business and assessed by a panel of leading spirits specialists, the spirits were judged in a blind tasting, to discover the Liqueur Masters of 2019.

The confectionery category, where nostalgic flavours were on display, saw a gold medal go to Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur, which judges said reminded them of After Eight chocolates and mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Pennington Spirits and Liqueurs were the drinks sponsor of the prestigious Kendal Mountain Festival Film Awards, which are at the heart of the festival, looking to find the best films created by outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the world.

This year, trophies designed by Chamonix-based artist Andy Parkin, were awarded to the winners in each category along with bottles of Pennington’s Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur.

The winners were then invited to a drinks reception hosted by Pennington’s Spirits along with a selection of VIPs including Sir Chris Bonington.

Pennington’s also celebrated gold earlier in the year at the World Gin Awards for their Lakeland Moon Gin - an ultra smooth London Dry Gin using wild juniper berries harvested in the Lake District.

And the company’s Lakeland Moon Vodka also won gold in the section for pure neutral vodkas. It was one of only three UK gold winners.

As a result, Mr Pennington and the team have achieved listings this year with Fenwicks department stores nationwide, the Co-Operative supermarkets as well as online retailers including Very and Littlewoods who are all looking for unique products on their shelves during the festive season.