***UPDATE***
Yippee - Macneil's Smokehouse are once again celebrating as the Great Taste Awards 2026 are revealed!! We are proud as punch!
Our Smoked Mackerel has won 3 Stars
Our Hot Kiln Roasted Smoked Salmon has won 3 Stars
Our Smoked Salmon has won 2 Stars
Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme.
In 2025, the awards received 14,340 entries from 110 countries, with 5,680 products earning one, two, or three stars
Macneil's Smokehouse has been lucky enough to win a vast array of Great Taste awards and are so proud to be named a Great Taste Producer. The Guild of Fine Food allow us to use this producer label as it signifies that a company has repeatedly achieved excellence in the Great Taste Awards.
Here are the latest:
What the judges said:
"What a beautiful example of smoked mackerel. The fillet itself had been prepared with a caring hand and the whole look was one of quality. The peppery coating added just the right amount of warmth and interest without masking the fish in any way. The flesh was soft and tender and had sweetness. The smoking had been dealt with in a clever, deft way and added just the right amount of complex smoky tones without tipping the overall balance."
"Really great balance of sweet, salt and smoke. It has clearly been treated with care. All is in balance."
"We were really impressed by this mackerel, which delivers taste and juiciness without being greasy. The degree of smoke is spot on."
"Beautifully smoked and filling your mouth with a balanced, sweet and smoky flavour. The pepper seasoning enhances the flavour of the fish, producing a rounded and delicate smoked fish flavour."
What the judges said:
"This magnificent side of salmon would make a spectacular centrepiece - glossy and pale pink with a gentle aroma of sweet smoke. The texture was excellent - not greasy, light, fresh with a gentle bite giving an overall feeling of butter melting in your mouth. The flavour was deep and complex in that it was initially sweet and salty in equal measure, growing to a smoky, long-lasting finish that was woody but not astringent. The judges were impressed with the technical skill required to achieve a texture both firm and not oily and a flavour that was so complex."
"The texture is beautifully firm and melts in the mouth. The flavour of the smoke is very well-balanced. We loved the combination of the salmon, smoke and sweetness."
"this salmon has a good level of smoke, the beech providing gentle smoky notes and there is a good bite from the texture of the fish, especially from the outer edges of the fillet. It is creamy and the flavour is rounded, a really well-produced salmon with an authentic feel about it."
What the judges said:
"What a fabulous example of hot smoked salmon. Not only did it look impressive but the quality shone through in the flavour too. The flesh was soft, moist and tender and had a freshness to it, which is so often very difficult to retain in hot smoked fish. The smoking had been dealt with a deft hand - while making itself known, it was not in any way overpowering. Likewise the pepper crust was perfumed and brought warmth but was not bullying or overtaking the sweet fish. We went back for more...and then a little more."
"A glorious looking fish, bronzed from the smoke and evenly coated in pepper, it is not over-smoked, and we particularly like that the flavour of the salmon is the hero. The pepper complements rather than dominates and the smoke is at just the right level to enhance the natural character of the fish."
"The fish itself is really tasty and the smoking is bang on. It doesn't mask the natural flavour of the salmon. The pepper mix is delightful and adds a layer of interest to a stunning piece of salmon."
What the judges said:
"The judges liked the rich buttery mouthfeel of this premium gravadlax. They thought that the level of salt was really well-judged and they loved the sweetness of the apple. They applauded the restrained use of dill which can so easily over-power the delicate flavour of the fish."
"The topping has a rustic, artisanal appearance with a generous covering of herbs, evenly distributed. The flesh has a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture. There is a good level of fat running through the fish, offering a rich, indulgent eating experience."
What the judges said:
"This is a highly skilled piece of smokery. The duck breast is soft and succulent, with the right of seasoning to give a delicious sweet savouriness that still retains the meaty flavour and texture of duck. The smokiness is gentle and well-judged and the judges would happy to eat the whole thing."
What the judges said:
"A really tender, moist chicken breast, well produced with a well balanced sweet and savoury note."
"A gentle smoke building to leave a pleasing and lengthy finish on the palate." "A really versatile product."
What the judges said:
"Moist duck breast which delivers a lovely texture in the mouth. The pastrami seasoning complements the richness of the meat. The duck flavour itself is lovely and the seasoning, smoke and cure is well judged."
What the judges said: "A soft, succulent texture melts in the mouth releasing good clean pork flavour which is enhanced by excellent fat. The maple adds a sweet, enjoyable rounded finish."
Macneil's produces Apley Smoked Pheasant which has also been proud to win a Great Taste Award.
Macneil's Smokehouse first won a Great Taste award in 2016. Since then we've picked up a huge range, of which we are hugely proud. Here's the full list:
Great Taste 2016:
Great Taste 2017:
Great Taste 2018:
Great Taste 2019:
Great Taste 2020:
Great Taste 2021:
Great Taste 2022: