The Great Taste Awards results for 2026 have been revealed, and Ireland has earned an incredible 46 prestigious 3-Star accolades, alongside a host of 1 and 2-Star wins.
Awarded by the Guild of Fine Food, a 3-Star Great Taste Award is one of the highest honours a food producer can receive. More than 5,000 products from around the world were tried, tested and tasted by this year’s expert judging panel.
We are immensely proud that the quality and craftsmanship of James Whelan Butchers have been recognised with 10 Great Taste Awards—including a coveted 3-Star award for our legendary Heritage Ham.
Without further ado, let’s hear from the judges…
Heritage Cure Ham — 3-Star Winner
A handsome beast
Our Heritage Cure Ham captivated the judges from the moment it was presented. It tastes as good as it looks—and it looks spectacular.
“This is a handsome beast, beautiful presentation and quite the talking point. What an impressive sight!”
“The looks alone seem worthy of a high award—wonderfully bronzed with almost impenetrable crackling.”
Once carved, its aroma made an equally powerful impression.
“The aroma when carved was utterly delectable.”
“The aroma is deeply promising and the palate doesn’t disappoint.”
Then came the layers of flavour and texture that brought home this outstanding 3-Star win.
“The dark pink meat falls apart in your mouth and dives into pools of flavour that go on and on. There are levels and waves of deep savoury pork, perfectly cured and deeply respectful of the animal.”
The judges described it as a triumph of welfare, curing and cooking, praising the balance of sweetness and savouriness, the subtle smoke and the remarkable depth of pork flavour.
“Ultimately, there’s an almost ineffable quality of moreishness that signifies a product of supreme quality.”
Heritage Rack of Bacon — 2-Star Winner
Golden glaze, breathtaking beauty
Our Heritage Rack of Bacon wowed the judges with its striking appearance.
“Breathtakingly beautiful and presented with confidence—glistening, beautifully sliced.”
The subtle cure and gentle whisper of smoke also drew high praise.
“The cure and smoke are well balanced and there was a sweetness in the meat that we enjoyed. The smoke was gentle but detectable and allowed the bacon to shine.”
Its succulent texture and deeply satisfying flavour completed the experience.
“Juicy and sticky with a faint smokiness and knockout umami. The meat is succulent, with a gently enticing aroma and plentiful juiciness.”
Bag yourself some succulence—shop our Heritage Rack of Bacon.
Potted Beef — 2-Star Winner
Irish charcuterie, a flavour revelation
Our Potted Beef brought the judges back to the honest goodness of traditional artisan food—and left smiles all around.
“This is a great example of a simple, traditional product resurrected and given new life.”
“This is a good, honest product which we enjoyed. It made us smile—we were very happily surprised.”
The quality and tenderness of the beef received particular recognition.
“The beef is tender and full of flavour, well shredded, nicely cured and wonderfully moist.”
It was the carefully considered finishing touches, however, that truly elevated the experience.
“It has a mouthwatering fragrance of bay, pepper and spices.”
“The genius touch is the moist and aromatic green peppercorns, so complementary to the beef, adding zestiness and uplift. We really did love this potted beef with its zesty twist.”
Home Cured Corned Beef — 2-Star Winner
Perfectly pitched, aromatic butteriness
Our Home Cured Corned Beef did us proud from the very first glance.
“What a smart-looking corned beef—well presented, cut into neat slices displaying some marbling of fat.”
The judges also admired its rich colour, generous marbling and simple bay leaf decoration.
Next came praise for its carefully balanced cure and handcrafted flavour.
“The seasoning is spot on. The salt level is very well balanced. It has been expertly pressed and there’s plenty of moisture and butteriness.”
The cure allowed the natural flavour of the beef to remain at the centre of the experience.
“This has a really good, authentic aroma and perfectly pitched salt level, which allows the meat to come through so well and with a great flavour.”
Spotlight on Our 1-Star Winners
Home Cured Bacon
Sweet, juicy and full of flavour
“A beautifully butchered and presented loin joint, this has an attractive glaze and enticing aroma. The lean meat is tender, the fat luscious, and the cure is sound.”
Free-Range Pork Roast
Golden, roasted and aromatic
“A rolled joint of pork with a golden roasted skin. The flavour is succulent and tender and there are some tasty juices.”
The judges also praised how easily it carved, releasing its delicious juices, and noted the enticing aroma of this beautifully butchered rolled loin roast.
Homemade Stuffing
Gorgeous, rustic and satisfying
“This is almost a stuffing terrine. The judges enjoyed the taste very much.”
Its moist, soft texture and the satisfying bite of chestnuts made it especially memorable.
“It would look excellent alongside the festive bird or pork joint at Christmas.”
Signature Sausage Roll
Crisp, caramelised and carefully crafted
“A generous sausage roll, with a tender and juicy filling and crisp, caramelised pastry.”
Discover our award-winning Signature Sausage Rolls.
Nonna’s Meatballs
Soft, succulent and savoury
“Generous meatballs with rich aromas of herbs and tomatoes, with a round, warming chilli finish.”
Plum Pudding
Wonderfully rich, with a plum-centre surprise
“A wonderfully rich aroma, gorgeously moist texture with delightfully soaked fruit—and its welcome centre of rich, moist prunes is a delightful nod to proper plum pudding.”
The beautifully measured sweetness, indulgent addition of nuts and eye-catching slices of orange also impressed the judges, making this a wonderfully distinctive Christmas pudding.
A Celebration of Craft and Quality
To receive 10 Great Taste Awards is a tremendous honour for everyone at James Whelan Butchers.
Each award reflects the care behind our products—from the quality of the ingredients we choose to the knowledge, patience and skill involved in preparing them. These accolades belong to our entire team, whose dedication to traditional craft and exceptional food continues to carry the James Whelan Butchers name forward.
We are particularly proud to see our Heritage Ham receive the highest recognition of 3 Stars. Described by the judges as a product of “supreme quality,” it represents everything we value: outstanding Irish produce, responsible farming, time-honoured methods and unforgettable flavour.
It is a proud day for James Whelan Butchers—and an even prouder day for Irish food culture.
