THE makers of a Wirral gin have won a second international award.

Vintage-style Darkside, produced by West Kirby-based Tappers Gin, was among 700 entered for the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and one of 300 to emerge with a seal of approval from the world's leading experts after a gruelling blind taste test and full laboratory analysis.

The good news comes not long after Tappers achieved their first international award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in April.

In June they were also recognised as one of this year’s Top 10 Hot Craft Spirits.

Master Compounder Steve Tapril said: "We're overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve had.

"Winning a third award, this time from the prestigious IWSC and when we're up against highly respected major household brands, was really unexpected but a very nice surprise!

"It's been an absolutely fantastic year for us."

The gin takes its name from an affectionate term given to Wirral by 'nose baggers', an Edwardian term for day trippers from Liverpool who venture over to the 'dark side' of the River Mersey. 

Steve Tapril continued: "We've been independently producing Darkside Gin – inspired by and made in our seaside hometown of West Kirby – for over a year now.

"It's great to see that it’s being recognised by the experts and that people are enjoying a tipple all around the country."