Distell has picked up 43 awards in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and Scotch Whisky Masters across its portfolio – which includes Bunnahahbain, Tobermory, Deanston, Black Bottle and Scottish Leader.
Bunnahahbain 25 was presented by IWSC judges with the highly coveted titled of ‘best malt Scotch whisky 25 years and under’ and a gold outstanding distinction, while the three distilleries received 14 gold awards in the ISC and 16 overall.
Islay’s most remote distillery also picked up five IWSC silver and two IWSC bronze awards, as well as eight golds at the ISC ceremony.
Meanwhile Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull celebrated two IWSC silver awards for its peated Ledaig 10 and famous Tobermory 12, as well as a bronze title for Ledaig 18-year-old. The distillery’s signature expression, Tobermory 12 was also honored with a gold award at the International Spirits Challenge.
Deanston claimed eight trophies from the awarding bodies, including three ISC golds for its 18-year-old, Virgin Oak and Organic Blend range as well as an IWSC gold for its 12-year-old.
Chiara Giovanacci, Distell’s Global Brand Lead for Single Malts said, “To receive so many trophies from two globally respected organisations is an amazing achievement and testament to the hard work of everyone at Tobermory, Deanston and Bunnahabhain distilleries.
“With such a diverse portfolio of expressions, each with their own unique character and charm, we’re really pleased to have caught the attention of the judges and especially proud Bunnahahbain 25 was recognized as the best malt whisky under 25 years old – one of the most esteemed accolades there is.
“In a year where the Coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for the entire industry, it’s incredible to be in receipt of such high praise at international level for our incredible range of single malt whiskies.”
Blended whisky, Scottish Leader secured five trophies at the IWSCs including two silver accolades for its sherry cask finish and original editions. Scottish Leader also picked up five awards at the Scotch Whisky Masters, with notable gold awards received for its latest Sherry-Cask Finish, Supreme and Signature expressions. Meanwhile, Black Bottle, a unique blend of the finest Islay, Highland and Speyside malts, picked up an ISC gold award and IWSC bronze award for its limited-edition Black Bottle 10-year-old expression, in addition to an ISC gold award for its signature Black Bottle expression.
Amy Burns, Global Brand Lead for Blended Whisky said, “It’s been an exceptional week of award wins for both Scottish Leader and Black Bottle, receiving seven titles in as many days. Distell’s portfolio of blended whiskies is world-leading and the team have excelled at these ceremonies. I’m particularly pleased about how many commendations the judges provided to Scottish Leader, showcasing its consistent quality across age and expression.”
For more information about the brands, visit www.deanstonmalt.com, www.tobermorydistillery.com, www.bunnahabhain.com,www.blackbottle.com, www.scottishleader.co.za