Aberdeenshire premium turkey producer Barra Bronzes has scooped a major award at the world’s most coveted blind-tasting food awards, Great Taste 2016.
Only 35% of the 10,000 products judged were accredited and only 878 of those were chosen to receive the double gold star award.
Barra Bronzes founder Craig Michie chose to enter his slowly grown turkey for the first time.
He said: "To have our product tasted on the highest stage is mind-blowing – food critics I’ve seen on the likes of MasterChef judge these awards, top chefs and 5-star hoteliers.
"We know how much effort we put into the turkeys and this type of recognition makes it all worthwhile."
Great Taste celebrates the very best in food and drink, with judging taking place between April and August.
It is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers.
Products are judged on taste alone, with all branding and wrapping removed for complete anonymity.
The judges rated the turkey as "outstanding" and commended the meat for its "round, long flavours."
The panel commented: "The dark meat is gorgeous and pleasantly moist. The breast has a good texture and the skin is very flavourful."
'The best life'
Mr Michie, who farms near Oldmeldrum, added: "Our birds spend nine months in our care, making them the slowest grown turkeys in the UK.
"I believe we do give them the best life. Every technique we use has a reason which ultimately leads to better tasting meat."
"In the summer we allow them to range under the watchful eyes of our two guarding alpacas – a natural deterrent to predators which would snatch a turkey if given the chance.
"The birds forage for vegetation and fallen fruit, and they are also fed on a special grain mix produced on the farm.
"This is key to giving that greater depth in flavour. Their varied diet also results in a tastier bird, with a creamy coloured finish to the meat and rich juices for memorable gravy."
Barra Bronzes was founded in 2012 to fill a gap in the market for premium poultry products. The Barra Bronzes have three times the maturity of a standard turkey.
