TWO drinks made on a farm near Tenbury have received Great Taste Awards for 2023.

Commonwood Farm has won awards for its sparkling perry and limited-edition gin.

“We are delighted to have won two one-star awards this year,” said Sarah Starkey of Commonwood Farm. “This means we have five awards in total, making us official Great Taste producers.”

The perry is made using a mix of traditional pear varieties, while the gin is made from perry pears, wildflower meadow hay, mulberry leaves and bronze fennel, all grown on the family farm.

The Great Taste judges described the perry as “a well-balanced, well-made delicate pale gold perry with light aromas with the merest hint of sweet elderflower” and “bright, clean, refreshing and brisk on the palate with a slight tang”.

The gin is described as “smooth and well rounded with a subtle pear flavour”.

One-star Great Taste products are categorised as “simply delicious” with “a fantastic flavour”. Only a quarter of all entries to the awards win a one-star rating.

Great Taste is a food and drink accreditation scheme in which products are tested by 500 experts with feedback being given from chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers.

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Commonwood Farm sells its products online and at various establishments around the three counties of Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire. On some weekends throughout the year, the farm runs pop-up events where they invite the public along to enjoy food, drinks and music.

The family have lived at Commonwood Farm, which is nestled in the Teme Valley in Knighton on Teme, since 1887, and Sarah and Bruce Starkey are the sixth generation to farm the land.

Mr and Mrs Starkey describe themselves as “the perfect match” as “their combined passion has created some delicious drinks”.

The farm’s ancient pear orchards are surrounded by meadows and lush green pastures, where a flock of pedigree Lleyn sheep graze along with a free-range chicken.