The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has named William Grant & Sons (WGS) as its Outstanding Distiller for 2019.
It is the second year in a row and the fourth time in total that WGS has claimed the Distiller of the Year award.
In a statement about the win, the IWSC said: “With a tally of 65 medals from this year’s competition, including seven golds and two trophies – the coveted Blended Scotch Whisky Trophy for Grant’s 12 Year Old bottling, and the Single Malt Scotch Whisky 16–25 Year Old Trophy for Glenfiddich’s 21 Year Old Single Malt – this family-owned distiller has a lot to shout about.
“What started out as a dream of making whisky from a plot of land and a second-hand still in 1887 is now the third-largest producer of Scotch whisky and owner of several global brands, including Glenfiddich – the world’s best-selling single-malt whisky – Balvenie, Girvan, Monkey Shoulder and Ireland’s Tullamore Dew, as well as Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Milagro Tequila and Hendrick’s Gin.
“Currently run by fifth-generation family member Glenn Gordon, William Grant & Sons has had an incredible past 12 months, reporting double-digit revenue growth and successful whisky and spirit launches.
“These include Discarded, an innovative cascara-infused vermouth; two 10-year-old ‘everyday single-malt’ expressions under the Aerstone brand; and Fistful of Bourbon, the first American whiskey label developed in house.”
WGS enjoys a strong position in the Australian market and last year Australia was home to the company’s launch first-ever RTD launch when Sailor Jerry & Dry and Rum & Cola were released.