Local ‘pink champagne’ with surprising ingredient named ‘world’s best’

A locally produced alcoholic drink has been named ‘the best in the world’. St Maur elderflower liqueur has been described by judges as “near perfection”, beating off competition from Europe, North and South America and New Zealand to win one of the top prizes at The World Liqueur Awards this month .

The award also becomes the latest in a collection of prestigious industry honors for the drink, which has been hand-crafted by its founders William and Kelsey Seymour, Earl and Countess of Yarmouth, since 2020. Previous awards include The American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition Best in Category; Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards Gold; Swiss Spirits Review Gold Medal and Great Taste Award 2 stars.

The World Drinks Awards celebrate the best of internationally recognized styles in the global drinks industry for excellence in taste and design. The judges were made up of a panel of highly respected and experienced spirits industry experts. Their notes read: “Notes of elderflower and a touch of pink champagne greet the senses, leading to a warm taste with a dry finish that transitions to a delightful sweetness.

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“The aroma is bold and clear, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity on the palate. The finish is long and charming, making for a great tasting experience with floral notes.”

Tobias Gorn – Drinks Consultant Specialist, Critic and Writer, Chairman the World Liqueurs Award, said: “As chairman of the World Liqueurs Awards – the largest global liquor specialist competition of its kind – I would like to congratulate especially a specific record: St Maur has won some big awards before, but to be the best according to our judges at the World Liqueur Awards is a remarkable achievement indeed, but honestly not a surprise.

“We have tasted St Maur in different scenarios and it was very difficult to advise on what could make it better or how it could be even better. It’s a top product with a great personal story behind it. It is a remarkable drink, memorable and versatile, and close to perfection.”

St Maur was first produced for guests on the couple’s wedding day at William’s family home, Ragley Hall. Provenance is central to brand success. The wildflowers used to make St Maur are handpicked by William and Kelsey and their friends and family in the shade of the trees that grew when William’s ancestors were young. The map coordinates on the logo lead to Ladies Wood and an elder grove in the old Ragley Wood, now tended by William and Kelsey.

William said: “Winning the world’s best in the floral liqueur category at the World Drinks Awards is a significant achievement, especially for a handcrafted craft drink like ours. This is a prestigious award and one of the most prestigious we have won with St Maur.

“The best distinction for us will always be the reaction people have when they taste St Maur. This latest award is an extension of that, this time with beverage experts and professionals from around the world doing the tasting.

“St Maur started as a drink that Kelsey and I served to our guests on our wedding day. Now, just a few years later, St Maur is recognized as one of the best liqueurs in the world and the best in our category, as well as in our country. We are very proud of this, but for us it is only the beginning of the story.

“With such a versatile drink to work with, suitable for splashing, cocktails and enjoyed on its own or over ice, the world is our oyster and our plan is to take St Maur, our little drop from the heart of England, to the world as much as possible one big milestone at a time.”