Scotch whisky distiller wins the ‘ultimate endorsement'

Sandy Hyslop (left), Ballantine's Master Blender, and Douglas Cruickshank, from Chivas Brothers, with the International Spirits Competition Distiller of the Year Trophy.

The award complements a trophy (ISC's highest honour for an individual product), a Category Champion and four Gold Medals, which were also awarded to Chivas Brothers on the night, in addition to the total of 26 medals won by the company's portfolio of outstanding brands.

Chivas Brothers' malt whiskies, The Glenlivet 18 Year Old and Aberlour 12 Year Old, each received a Gold Medal, along with super premium whiskies, Royal Salute The Hundred Cask Selection Release No.1 and Ballantine's 30 Year Old. The latter also claimed the Blended Scotch Whisky Category Champion title and a Trophy.

David de Mardt, MD of Pernod Ricard South Africa, says, “We are delighted to have been so successful at this year's ISC. It is a fantastic accolade to be named Distiller of the Year, in addition to winning a trophy, four gold medals and being named category champion. It is the ultimate third-party endorsement of the high calibre of our Scotch whisky and duly reflects the quality and dedication of our Master Blenders and Master Distillers.”

The ISC Distiller of the Year is awarded to the distiller that wins the approval of leading drinks experts. This is the fourth time in five years the company has been named Distiller of the Year, having also picked up the equivalent award from the International Wine and Spirit Competition three times since 2003, a title that the company still holds.