We are very proud to share some great news that has brightened our team's week. Two of our products, the 100% Acorn-fed Ibérico Ham, hand-carved (100 g), and our Ibérico Pastrami, have been recognized with two stars at the Great Taste Awards.
To give you an idea of what this award means, the Great Taste Awards are considered the 'Oscars' of global gastronomy.
It is an international competition organized by the Guild of Fine Food in the UK since 1994, where over 500 experts, including chefs, food critics, sommeliers, and retail distributors, blindly taste thousands of products from around the world. Only pure taste, texture, aroma, and authenticity determine which foods deserve to shine. The fact that they noticed our work and awarded us two stars (a distinction given only to products of superior quality) is a huge boost of energy for everyone at Ibéricos Torreón.
The Great Taste Awards are the most rigorous and respected accreditation seal in the industry.
And the fact that two of our creations have been recognized with two stars (a distinction reserved only for truly outstanding foods) confirms that we are on the right track.
100% Acorn-fed Ibérico Ham, hand-carved: The essence of the pasture conquering palates
Ham is not just a product; it is time, it is patience, and it is the living memory of our land. Presenting our 100% Acorn-fed Ibérico Ham, hand-carved in a 100-gram packet, to an international jury was a challenge. We wanted the jury members, wherever they were, to feel the same as we do here when opening a packet of ham sliced by our master ham carvers.
And it seems we succeeded. The judges highlighted its "magnificent presentation, rich in marbled fat" and that "dark, intense, and appetizing" color that makes your mouth water just by looking at it.
But what moves us most is how they described the experience in the mouth: they spoke of an intense and meaty aroma, sweet notes reminiscent of dried fruits, and a firm yet tender texture, which constantly releases nuances as it is savored. In the jury's own words, a ham with "a very good balance between salty and sweet, with an intensity that is enormously satisfying."
Knowing that the effort of our master carvers and the care in curing translate into such pure sensations is, quite simply, the best reward.
Ibérico Pastrami: Craftsmanship, respect, and a desire to innovate
If ham is our root, Ibérico Pastrami is our nod to the future, to creativity, and to the passion for exploring without ever losing our Ibérico identity.
We knew it was a bold gamble: adapting a noble cut of Ibérico pork to a recipe with so much personality, carefully cured and smoked.
The international jury immediately recognized the value of this proposal, defining it as "an interesting product that demonstrates genuine innovation."
We are filled with pride to read in their evaluations that "the quality of the pork is evident in that magnificent fat that melts," leaving a sweet, clean, and flavorful finish on the palate. They particularly valued the delicate treatment we give to the piece: "It is clear that this cut of meat has been treated with great care to offer a very balanced product. The curing and smoking have been masterfully executed."
Their detailed and constructive comments are the best fuel for our desire to continue perfecting every recipe, every hint of pepper, and every touch of smoke.
A recognition that belongs to everyone
Behind these stars, there are no secret formulas. There are pastures, there is pure Salamanca air, early mornings, much dedication, expert hands that carve precisely, and a family that puts its soul into every detail.
We thank the Guild of Fine Food and its judges for their evaluations, but, above all, we want to thank everyone who chooses us to celebrate a special moment around a table, valuing well-made products and trusting our brand day by day. These stars also belong to everyone who is part of our community. We continue to work to always bring you the best of us!