Highclere Castle Gin, based in Essex, Connecticut, and co- founded by resident and spirits entrepreneur Adam von Gootkin along with the eighth Earl and Countess Carnarvon, eighth-generation real-life owners of the iconic “Downton Abbey” castle, took home a Gold during its showcase at the annual Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Access LIVE conference in April. The annual trade convention, this year hosted in Florida, offered brands a showcase event, awarding competitions and seminars. Judging and judging criteria for the Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition is managed by The Tasting Panel and The Somm Journal magazines. Highclere Castle Gin, made with 10 botanicals from Highclere Castle’s estate, is the winner of more than 100 international spirit awards with multiple scores of 96 points. The Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition, one of the highlights of Access LIVE, awarded ribbons and placards for winning brands to display in their booths. Highclere Castle Gin is distributed in Connecticut by Allan S. Goodman and Mancini Beverage – Northeast Beverage.