YORK Gin’s newest spirit has won a double gold medal at a prestigious competition - less than a month after the drink was launched.

Outlaw - a 57 per cent strength gin inspired by some of York’s most notorious villains - scooped the prize at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition after every judge on the panel gave the blend a gold.

The drink was launched on March 1 to mark the company’s first birthday and evokes some of the city’s own outlaws, including Guy Fawkes.

Director Pete McNichol said: “We’re pretty sure Dick Turpin would have loved a drop or two of the Outlaw - especially climbing up to gallows on York’s Knavesmire.”

Co-director Emma Godivala said: “We know our gins are extremely popular with visitors to York - and our locals love them. To have this international recognition confirms that our gins can compete with - and beat - the best in the world.”