REWARDING QUALITY, CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
International Spirits Challenge 3 I DRINKSINT.COM I AUGUST 2015 I SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL
INTRODUCTION
CHALLENGE THAT INSPIRES Global competition for recognition in the International Spirits Challenge has ramped up yet again this year, with well over 1,300 entries up for tasting across the 13 categories. Trophies where awarded in all 11 spirits categories, scotch being this year’s stand-out with a total of six after the biggest tasting of all throughout the challenge. With the quality level in every category on the rise year on year, the judges also felt moved to bestow Best in Class awards on some of the entries. (These are denoted in the results by the letters BIC.) The companies which racked up most medals across the eight spirits categories are feted, as ever, with our Producer of the Year Awards. Alongside the spirits categories the Design & Packaging and Marketing entries never cease to amaze with their innovative efforts to engage consumers and this year there were some particularly impressive social media and experiential campaigns to wow the judges. Meanwhile, our Special Recognition Awards have opened up to celebrate a Rising Star of the industry alongside the Lifetime Achievement and Master Blender/Distiller of the year titles. For each of the awards our judges were asked to vote for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovation, proven business acumen and groundbreaking results. This challenge is an increasingly tough one to judge, but our panels of experts drawn from the worldwide industry continue to be inspired by the efforts of entrants to improve quality and spread global reach.
Contents PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AWARDS SPECIAL AWARDS RECOGNITION AWARDS SCOTCH WHISKY WORLD WHISKY VODKA OTHER WHITE SPIRITS GIN TEQUILA
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27 28 30
ARMAGNAC, CALVADOS, GRAPPA & PISCO
32
COGNAC DESIGN & PACKAGING MARKETING JUDGES
33 34 37 38
Jaq Bayles
+44 (0)1293 590042 carmen.poel@drinksint.com
Events Account Managers
+44 (0)1293 590048 jaq.bayles@drinksint.com
Events Manager
+44 (0)1293 558130/590044 rick.beaumont@drinksint.com jo.morley@drinksint.com
Sarah Stevens Art Editor
Amber Stoddart
+44 (0)1293 590049 sarah.stevens@drinksint.com
Commercial Director
Events Co-ordinators
Rick Beaumont Jo Morley
Publisher
+44 (0)1293 590043 roger.betriu@drinksint.com
SUPPLEMENT EDITOR
BRANDY RUM & CACHAÇA LIQUEURS
CONTACT Supplement Editor
Roger Betríu
Jaq Bayles
4 7 8 10 16 20 22 24 26
Senior Account Manager
Carmen Poel Francesch
Helen Fallowell Nikayla Langley
+44 (0)1293 590050/558131 helen.fallowell@drinksint.com nikayla.langley@drinksint.com
Justin Smith
Drinks International Longley House, International Drive, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6AQ, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1293 590040 Fax: +44 (0) 1293 474010
+44 (0)1293 590041 justin.smith@drinksint.com
Managing Director
Russell Dodd
+44 (0)1293 590052
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International Spirits Challenge 4 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Producer of the Y
The Producer of the Year Awards reward the best performing drinks producers in t points system, which scores the performance of all brands entered into a single spir
Liqueurs Producer of the Year
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Gin Producer of the Year
Essential Drinks Company
Distillerie Merlet & Fils has been distilling cognac eaux-de-vie for some of the bestknown cognac houses since 1850. It was the tough economy of the 1970s that led the company to experiment on some alternative cultivations. It planted some blackcurrant bushes and the first crème de cassis bottles were soon produced. A full range of fruit liqueurs followed and has been traded under the Merlet brand since. In 2001 Merlet & Fils created the liqueur Hpnotiq. Sales boomed in the US which allowed the distillery to invest in a modern bottling plant. Since then the company has focused its development on innovation.
Vodka Producer of the Year
LVMH
LVMH garnered seven medals in the vodka category of this years International Spirits Challenge for its Belvedere range of products. The company prides itself on having a focus on a family spirit that places priority on long-term vision. The group’s vocation is to “ensure the development of each of its houses while respecting their identities and their autonomy, providing the resources needed to create, produce and market their products and services through carefully selected channels”. The company was founded in 1593 and achieved sales of E3,973m in 2014.
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With a medals haul of 17, Essential Drinks proves itself as a respected one-stop-shop for drinks brand owners and retailer ownlabel products. Its remit is to provide “a range of services from the production of bulk liquids and private label spirits through to contract packaging and UK sales and distribution”. It counts among its clients the biggest UK grocery stores of Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Waitrose, Spar and the Co-operative company. Essential Drinks provides transport, bottling and cash flow efficiencies in the UK, including bulk shipments of liquid from international partners.
Tequila Producer of the Year
Beam Suntory
Beam Suntory scooped all the top tequila prizes with its El Tesoro range. The products were started by Don Felipe Camarena, an agave grower who was raised in a family that had been making tequila since the early 1800s. The recently formed group claims to be the custodian of brands that have “heritages measured in centuries”. In 1795, farmer Jacob Beam produced the first barrel of whiskey that would become Jim Beam, the Beam company’s flagship brand. The history of Suntory began in 1899 when founder Shinjiro Torii started producing sweet wines.
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e Year awards
cers in the challenge. the results are determined using a weighted ngle spirits category
Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year WilliaM Grant & sons
World Whisky Producer of the Year
nikka WHisky DistillinG CoMpany
Winning an astonishing 46 medals in this year’s International spirits Challenge, William grant & sons continues to prove itself a leader in the scotch category. Company founder William grant is credited with a “self-belief and pioneering spirit” that has been at the heart of what sets the group’s “whisky apart and makes glenfiddich the world’s most awarded single malt scotch whisky, remaining a constant source of inspiration”. William grant & sons says: “We pride ourselves on a range of single malts that offer exploration, from our exceptional signature glenfiddich 12 Year Old to our our rare and sublime glenfiddich 50 Year Old.”
rum Producer of the Year st luCia Distillers
st Lucia Distillers group of companies emerged from a tradition of the on-site, house-special rum production that was a common feature of the West Indian sugar plantation. By the late 1950s, two distilleries remained in the island, one at Dennery, the site of the Barnard family plantation, and the other geest-owned at Roseau, the location of the now st Lucia Distillers group of companies. st Lucia was formed in 1972. today it boasts a range of more than 25 rum and rum-related products which have won honours at international competitions, including six at this year’s IsC.
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Nikka boasts a medals haul of 13 in this year’s International spirits Challenge. Of its two malt whisky distilleries, Yoichi is said to produce rich, peaty and masculine malt which gets its aroma and body from direct heating distillation, in which the pot stills are heated with finely powdered natural coal – “the traditional method that is hardly ever used today, even in scotland”. the location for the other is Miyagikyo Distillery is also in northern Japan, in sendai, and said to have been chosen because of its “clean air, just the right humidity for storage, and underground water filtered through a layer of peat”.
Brandy/Cognac Producer of the Year
kWV
seven medal-winner KWV is one of the leading black empowered companies in the wine and spirits industry and says it is “dedicated to its role as founding member of the association for Responsible alcohol use (aRa)”. It is active in more than 100 markets, with key focus markets including scandinavia, germany, the americas, Japan, and south africa. From its earliest roots in 1918 as a small cooperative of growers, KWV has grown into a global producer of more than 100 products. Its cellars have produced an awardwinning range of products, with its brands rooted in tradition.
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International Spirits Challenge SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I AUGUST 2015 I DRINKSINT.COM I 7
Special Awards Our special awards this year include a new trophy which celebrates the best Supermarket Own Branded Range. Our established Supreme Champion Spirit and Distiller of the Year awards recognise the other outstanding performances of the challenge
Supermarket Own Branded Spirits Range of the Year LIDL
New for this year, the Supermarket Own Branded Spirits Range of the Year recognised Lidl as the overall winner. Based on a weighted points system, the German discount supermarket chain had the best performing ownlabel brands across all categories within this year’s challenge. Lidl has some 10,000 stores across Europe and has gained many plaudits for its drinks selection. Last year its London dry gin pipped many branded products to pick up a gold in the International Spirits Challenge and this year it has garnered awards in the gin, brandy, liqueurs, scotch, world whiskies and cognac categories. The first Lidl store opened in 1973 and by 1977 had risen to 33 stores. Since launching in the UK in 1994, Lidl has grown to some 590 stores.
Supreme Champion Spirit
Distiller of the Year
Our trophy winning spirits are brought together for a final round of tasting by our category chairmen to decide the Supreme Champion Spirit for 2015. The Lejay Noir de Bourgogne received the highest number of points from the chairmen to scoop the main title. Auguste Denis Lagoute created the original Crème de Cassis de Dijon in 1841, in the heart of Burgundy. Noir de Bourgogne is harvested once a year during summer in Burgundy and other northern regions in France. According to UK distributor Latitude Wine & Spirits Merchant: “Upon its arrival to the house of Lejay Lagoute, the fruit de cassis receives an extensive quality review by the maitre de saveurs, who controls not only the temperature, but all of the elements of the longestablished process, to create the best crème de cassis.”
The producer with the highest-scoring performance across all categories is rewarded with the accolade of Distiller of the Year. The award is again based on a weighted points system and rewards the producer’s overall commitment to quality and innovation. Nikka was established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who began his career in 1918 when he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland to become the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky making. He took chemistry courses at the university and apprenticed at distilleries, learning first-hand from
LEJAY NOIR DE BOURGOGNE
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NIKKA WHISKY DISTILLING COMPANY craftsmen and receiving training as a blender. Masataka would later become known as a master blender. In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan, joining a company that aspired to make genuine whisky, and produced Japan’s first whisky. In 1934 Masataka established Nikka Whisky, and built its first distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido, which he had always considered to be the ideal site in Japan for whisky-making, similar in many ways to the Scottish town where he had studied. In 1969 a second distillery in Miyagikyo was opened.
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International Spirits Challenge 8 I DRINKSINT.COM I AUGUST 2015 I SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL
Master Blender/ Special Distiller of the Year Recognition Awards DR BILL LUMSDEN, GLENMORANGIE
New for 2015, our Special Recognition awards celebrate the work of individuals in the drinks industry who have made a significant contribution during the past 12 months as well as through their careers. They were determined by a panel of independent judges comprising journalists, authors, spirits consultants and independent experts
Combining mastery of art and science, Dr Bill Lumsden, a biochemistry PhD, joined The Glenmorangie Company as distillery manager in 1995, progressing to his current position as director of distilling and whisky creation. Lumsden is renowned for his “ground-breaking wood management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and utilisation of extra maturation”. He enjoys travelling the world’s wine and spirit regions, searching for the best oak casks to complement the company’s whiskies. In recognition of his position as a knowledgeable and forward-thinking distiller, Lumsden has won a wide array of prestigious awards and accolades, joined this year by the International Spirits Challenge’s master blender/ distiller of the year.
Rising Star Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Darren Rook is making waves in spirits after setting up the London Distillery Company with Nick Taylor in 2011 to provide “genuine British Spirits of the best quality and without any adulteration”. The company uses organic ingredients sourced as locally and ethically as possible and aims to be eco-friendly. Rook has a decade of experience in the industry after previous careers in retail and tree surgery. He has also established a Movember charity team of whisky enthusiasts, and has since produced and designed an annual, limited-edition whisky known as Whisky for Movember in partnership with online retailer Master of Malt. He is known too for his blog, The Whisky Guy.
Jim McEwan’s career spans more than 50 years in the whisky industry. It began in 1963 when McEwan, then just 15 years old, started at Bowmore distillery where he quickly rose to become cellarmaster. He then moved to the company’s facility at the Roseburn Bonding Co in Glasgow where he learned the art of blending, before returning to Islay to take over as distillery manager at Bowmore. Recently retired, McEwan was one of the first distillers to travel the world as an ambassador, and gained an international reputation with his advocacy for, and knowledge of, single malt whisky. In 2000 he was approached to become production director of a new regime at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, which was to be reopened under independent ownership after seven years of closure.
DARREN ROOK, LONDON DISTILLERY COMPANY
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Darren Rook
Dr Bill Lumsden
JIM MCEWAN, MASTER DISTILLER & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR, BRUICHLADDICH
Jim McEwan
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International Spirits Challenge 10 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Scotch whisky trophy
trophy
Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers
Ballantine’s 17
Ballantine’s 30
trophy
Monarch Of The Glen Aged 8 Years
trophy
Monkey Shoulder
William Grant & Sons
Quality Spirits International
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of cocoa, chocolate, hint of sherry. Soft and spicy finish.
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TASTING NOTE: Musky, herbal aroma with hints of bourbon and banana. Good texture with oak, fruit and hints of leather on the palate.
TASTING NOTE: Soft, easy Speyside style on the nose. Well developed oak and fruit on the palate. Long medium sweet finish.
TASTING NOTE: Rich, full, Speyside fruit and oak. Rich, full balance. Medium sweet, lingering finish.
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y trophy
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old WiLLiaM gRant & sons
trophy
Invergordon 50th Anniversary Single Grain Whyte & MaCKay
TASTING NOTE: Rich, full, mature oak/fruit aroma. good top notes, oak and fruit on palate. Long, medium sweet finish.
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TASTING NOTE: grain whisky at its zenith – rich, mature, ethereal aromas. powerful delivery on the palate and long, velvety finish.
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International Spirits Challenge 12 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Gold
Gold
Ben Bracken 12 Year Blended Malt (BIC)
Lidl UK
Talisker Dark Storm
Diageo
Bowmore Springtide (BIC)
Morrison Bowmore
Talisker Port Ruighe
Diageo
Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old (BIC)
Distell
The Balvenie Portwood 21 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
The Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill 12 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Johnnie Walker Double Black (BIC)
Diageo
The Glenlivet XXV
Chivas Brothers
Talisker 10 Year Old (BIC)
Diageo
The Great Macaulay
Quality Spirits International
The Singleton Of Glen Ord 18 Year Old Single Malt (BIC) Diageo
The Singleton Of Glen Ord 12 Year Old Single Malt
Diageo
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old
John Dewar & Sons
Whyte & Mackay Blended Scotch Whisky
Whyte & Mackay
Ancnoc 12 Year Old
International Beverage
Balblair 1983
International Beverage
Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore 17 Year Old White Sands
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore Tempest V
Morrison Bowmore
Chivas Regal 25
Chivas Brothers
Clan Gold Blended 18 Year Old
Brilliant Star International
Dewar's 15 Year Old The Monarch
John Dewar & Sons
Dewar's 18 Year Old The Vintage
John Dewar & Sons
Dewar's Signature
John Dewar & Sons
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich Age Of Discovery Madeira Cask
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich Cask Collection Reserve Cask
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich Distillery Edition
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich Malt Master
William Grant & Sons
Glenfiddich Ultimate
William Grant & Sons
Glenmorangie Original
The Glenmorangie Co
Glenmorangie Tùsail
The Glenmorangie Co
Grangestone 21 Year Old
Quality Spirits International
Grant's 25 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Grant's Aged 18 Years
William Grant & Sons
Grant's Ale Cask Finish
William Grant & Sons
Grant's Voyager
William Grant & Sons
Haddington House
Quality Spirits International
Highland Black 8 Year Old
Aldi
John Walker & Sons King George V
Diageo
John Walker & Sons Odyssey
Diageo
Johnnie Walker Explorers’ Club Collection The Spice RoadDiageo Johnnie Walker Platinum Label
Diageo
Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Diageo
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength
Beam Suntory
Ledaig 18 Year Old
Distell
McKendrick's
Quality Spirits International
Monarch Of The Glen Aged 12 Years
Quality Spirits International
Mortlach 25 Year Old
Diageo
Mortlach Rare Old
Diageo
Old Pulteney 17 Year Old
International Beverage
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Silver
Silver
Glengoyne Single Malt (BiC)
Marks & spencer
Abrachan Triple Wood Blended Malt
Lidl ireland
Grand Macnish Black Edition (BiC)
Macduff international
Abrachan Triple Wood Blended Malt
Lidl uk
Sainsburys Single Highland Malt (BiC)
Whyte & Mackay
Ancnoc 18 Year Old
international Beverage
30 Year Old Whyte & Mackay Blended
Whyte & Mackay
Ardbeg 10 Year Old
the glenmorangie Co
Aberfeldy 12 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
the glenmorangie Co
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Chivas Brothers
Ardbeg Kildalton
the glenmorangie Co
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Chivas Brothers
Ardbeg Perpetuum
the glenmorangie Co
Aberlour A'bunadh
Chivas Brothers
Ardbeg Uigeadail
the glenmorangie Co
Ardmore Tradition
Morrison Bowmore
Ardmore Triple Wood
Morrison Bowmore
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old
Morrison Bowmore
Auchentoshan Heartwood
Morrison Bowmore
Aultmore 12 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
Aultmore 25 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
Baird's Blended
Quality spirits international
Balblair 1990
international Beverage
Balblair 1999
international Beverage
Ballantine's 12
Chivas Brothers
Ballantine's 21
Chivas Brothers
Ballantine's Finest
Chivas Brothers
Ballantine's Limited
Chivas Brothers
Banoch Brae
Quality spirits international
Benromach 10 Year Old
gordon & Macphail
Black & White Blended
Diageo
Bowmore 12 Year Old
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore Black Rock
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore Devil's Casks II
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore Gold Reef
Morrison Bowmore
Bowmore Small Batch
Morrison Bowmore
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Distell
Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old
Distell
Bunnahabhain Ceobanach
Distell
Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine
Distell
Bunnahabhain Toiteach
Distell
CEO Scottish
Collie scottish & Ceo scottish
Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Diageo
Cardhu 12 Year Old
Diageo
Cardhu Amber Rock
Diageo
Catto's 25 Year Old
international Beverage
Catto's Deluxe 12 Year Old
international Beverage
Catto's Rare Old Scottish Blended
international Beverage
Chivas Regal 12
Chivas Brothers
Chivas Regal 18
Chivas Brothers
Chivas Regal Extra
Chivas Brothers
Clan Gold Finest Blended
Brilliant star international
Clan Macgregor
William grant & sons
Craigellachie 13 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
Craigellachie 17 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
Craigellachie 23 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
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International Spirits Challenge 14 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Silver
Silver
Cutty Sark 33 Year Old Art Deco Limited Edition
Edrington
Jura 16 Year Old Single Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Deanston 12 Year Old
Distell
Jura 30 Year Old Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Deanston 18 Year Old Bourbon Finish
Distell
Jura Prophecy
Whyte & Mackay
Dewar's 12 Year Old The Ancestor
John Dewar & Sons
Jura Superstition Single Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Dewar's White Label
John Dewar & Sons
Jura Tura Maras Single Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Fettercairn Fior Single Highland Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Kenmore Whisky
Marks & Spencer
Finest Reserve
Quality Spirits International
King Charles
Quality Spirits International
Glen Moray 10 Year Old Chardonnay Cask Matured Glen Moray Distillery
Kininvie 17 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glen Moray 12 Year Old
Glen Moray Distillery
Kininvie 23 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Glen Moray 16 Year Old
Glen Moray Distillery
Labels Classic Black
La Martiniquaise
Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish
Glen Moray Distillery
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Beam Suntory
Glen Moray Elgin Classic
Glen Moray Distillery
Laphroaig An Cuan Mor
Beam Suntory
Glen Orchy 5 Year Blended Malt
Lidl Ireland
Laphroaig PX Cask
Beam Suntory
Glen Orchy 5 Year Blended Malt
Lidl UK
Laphroaig QA Cask
Beam Suntory
Glen Orrin Malt
Aldi
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Beam Suntory
Glendower Blended Malt
Edward Snell & Company
Laphroaig Select
Beam Suntory
Glenfarclas 2003
Marks & Spencer
Laphroaig Triple Wood
Beam Suntory
Glenfiddich 25 Year Old Rare Oak
William Grant & Sons
Lauder's Blended
MacDuff International
Glenfiddich Age Of Discovery Bourbon Cask
William Grant & Sons
Ledaig 10 Year Old
Distell
Glenfiddich Age Of Discovery Red Wine Cask
William Grant & Sons
Ledaig 42 Year Old
Distell
Glenfiddich Cask Collection Select Cask
William Grant & Sons
Loch Gorm
Kilchoman Distillery
Glenfiddich Cask Collection Vintage Cask
William Grant & Sons
Machir Bay
Kilchoman Distillery
Glenfiddich Excellence 26 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Mackinlays Rare Old Highland Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Glenfiddich Rich Oak
William Grant & Sons
Master Of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (3rd Edition) Master Of Malt
Glenfiddich The Original
William Grant & Sons
Monarch Of The Glen
Quality Spirits International
Glengoyne 25 Year Old Highland Single Malt
Ian Macleod Distillers
Monarch Of The Glen Aged 15 Years
Quality Spirits International
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old
The Glenmorangie Co
Morrisons Signature 5 Year Old Blended Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Glenmorangie 25 Year Old
The Glenmorangie Co
Mortlach 18 Year Old
Diageo
Glenmorangie Dornoch
The Glenmorangie Co
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
International Beverage
Glenmorangie Duthac
The Glenmorangie Co
Old Pulteney 21 Year Old
International Beverage
Glenmorangie Nectar D'or
The Glenmorangie Co
Old Pulteney 35 Year Old
International Beverage
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
The Glenmorangie Co
Old Scotland
Quality Spirits International
Glenmorangie Signet
The Glenmorangie Co
Peat Chimney
Wemyss Vintage Malts
Glory Leading Blended
Glory Leading International
Queen Margot 5 Year Old Blended
Lidl UK
Golden Loch
Quality Spirits International
Queen Margot 5 Year Old
Lidl Ireland
Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 2001 Gordon & Macphail
Queen Margot 8 Year Old Blended
Lidl UK
Grangestone
Quality Spirits International
Rare Cask Reserves Ghosted Reserve 26 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Grangestone 18 Year Old
Quality Spirits International
Royal & Ancient
Cockburn & Campbell
Grangestone 30 Year Old
Quality Spirits International
Sainsbury’s Single Speyside Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Grangestone 25
Quality Spirits International
Scotch Rill
Quality Spirits International
Grant's Aged 8 Years
William Grant & Sons
Scotish Leader Supreme
Distell
Grant's Family Reserve
William Grant & Sons
Scottish Collie
Quality Spirits International
Grant's Select Reserve
William Grant & Sons
Scottish Leader
Distell
Grant's Sherry Cask Finish
William Grant & Sons
Scottish Leader 12 Year Old
Distell
Grant's Signature
William Grant & Sons
Scottish Leader Signature
Distell
Great King Street Glasgow Blend
Compass Box Whisky.
Speyburn 10 Year Old
International Beverage
Haig Club Single Grain
Diageo
Speyburn 25 Year Old
International Beverage
Hankey Bannister 12 Year Old
International Beverage
Speyburn Bradan Orach
International Beverage
Hankey Bannister 21 Year Old
International Beverage
Spice King
Wemyss Vintage Malts
Hankey Bannister Original
International Beverage
Spice Tree
Marks & Spencer
Hedonism
Compass Box Whisky.
Talisker Skye
Diageo
Highland Bird
Quality Spirits International
Talisker Storm
Diageo
Highland Reserve
Quality Spirits International
Tamdhu 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt
Ian Macleod Distillers
James King
Quality Spirits International
Tamdhu Batch Strength Speyside Single Malt
Ian Macleod Distillers
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Diageo
Tesco 12 Year Old Single Highland Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diageo Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection The Gold Route Diageo
Tesco 12 Year Old Single Speyside Malt
Whyte & Mackay
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection The Royal Route Diageo
The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
Diageo
The Balvenie Doublewood 17 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Diageo
The Balvenie Forty
William Grant & Sons
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Silver
Silver
The Balvenie Single Barrel Sherry Cask 15 Year Old William grant & sons
The Girvan Patent Still No 4
William grant & sons
The Balvenie Thirty
William grant & sons
The Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength
William grant & sons
The Balvenie Traditional Oak 25 Year Old
William grant & sons
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
Chivas Brothers
The Class
hite-Jinro
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
Chivas Brothers
The Co-Operative 12 Year Old Single Malt
Whyte & Mackay
The Glenlivet Founders Reserve
Chivas Brothers
The Co-Operative Premium 5 Year Old Blended
Whyte & Mackay
The Glenlivet Nadurra First Fill
Chivas Brothers
The Dalmore 25 Year Old Single Highland Malt
Whyte & Mackay
The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso
Chivas Brothers
The Dalmore King Alexander III Single Highland Malt Whyte & Mackay
The Lost Distilleries Blend - Batch 6
Maverick Drinks
The Girvan Patent Still 25 Year Old
William grant & sons
The Singleton Of Dufftown 12 Year Old Single Malt Diageo
The Girvan Patent Still 30 Year Old
William grant & sons
The Singleton Of Dufftown Sunray
Diageo
The Singleton Of Dufftown Tailfire
Diageo
The Singleton Of Glen Ord 15 Year Old Single Malt Diageo The Singleton Of Glen Ord Signature
Diageo
Tobermory 10 Year Old
Distell
Tobermory 15 Year Old
Distell
Vat 69 Blended
Diageo
Waitrose Blended
Whyte & Mackay
White Horse
Diageo
William Lawson's 13 Year Old
John Dewar & sons
William Lawson's Finest Blended
John Dewar & sons
BroNZe
10-15 ISC Scotch.indd 27
40 Year Old Whyte & Mackay Blended
Whyte & Mackay
Ancnoc 22 Year Old
international Beverage
Ancnoc Cutter
international Beverage
Ardmore Legacy
Morrison Bowmore
Auchentoshan American Oak
Morrison Bowmore
Auchentoshan Springwood
Morrison Bowmore
Black Bottle
Distell
Blended Malt Number 2 – Batch 1
Maverick Drinks
Castle Rock
Quality spirits international
The Co-operative Finest Blended
Whyte & Mackay
Cutty Sark
edrington
Dancing Stag Ben Nevis 18 Year Old
Robert graham
Deanston Virgin Oak
Distell
Dewar's White Label Scatched
John Dewar & sons
Fettercairn 30 Year Old Single Highland Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve
Morrison Bowmore
Glenfarclas 15 Year Old
J&g grant
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old
J&g grant
Glengannon
Quality spirits international
Glengoyne 21 Year Old Highland Single Malt
ian Macleod Distillers
Highland Earl
aldi
Jura Nineteen Eighty Four Single Malt
Whyte & Mackay
Lochlan Blended
Whyte & Mackay
Master Of Malt 10 Year Old Blended
Master 0f Malt
Old Pulteney Navigator
international Beverage
Original Cask Strength
Kilchoman Distillery
Port Charlotte Islay Barley
Bruichladdich Distillery
Queen Margot 3 Year Blended
Lidl uK
Spey River
Quality spirits international
Speyside Single Malt 12 Year Old
Marks & spencer
Tesco Special Reserve Blended
Whyte & Mackay
The Charles House
Quality spirits international
The Dalmore 15 Year Old Single Highland Malt
Whyte & Mackay
The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015
Whyte & Mackay
The Girvan Patent Still 28 Year Old
William grant & sons
The Singleton Of Dufftown 15 Year Old Single Malt
Diageo
The Singleton Of Glendullan 12 Year Old Single Malt
Diageo
Tomintoul Speyside Glenlivet Aged 25 Years
angus Dundee Distillers
26/06/2015 12:58
International Spirits Challenge 16 I DRINKSINT.COM I AUGUST 2015 I SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL
World Whiskies TROPHY
Hibiki Japanese Blended Aged 21 Years
TROPHY
Nikka From The Barrel NIKKA WHISKY
SUNTORY SPIRITS
TROPHY
The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Aged 12 Years
IRISH WHISKEY GOLD
Jameson 18 Year Old IRISH DISTILLERS (BIC)
TRIPLE EIGHT DISTILLERY (BIC)
IRISH WHISKEY GOLD
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy IRISH DISTILLERS (BIC)
IRISH WHISKEY GOLD
Midleton Very Rare IRISH DISTILLERS
IRISH WHISKEY GOLD
Powers
IRISH DISTILLERS
TASTING NOTE: Rich, full and mature with a hint of Spanish oak. Superb balance and a rich, long finish
TASTING NOTE: Oak, resin and winey notes on the nose. Smooth, creamy and mellow flavours. Good balance.
TASTING NOTE: Well balanced, mature aroma. Rich, complex flavour with a long, mature finish.
AMERICAN WHISKEY GOLD
AMERICAN WHISKEY GOLD
AMERICAN WHISKEY GOLD
IRISH WHISKEY GOLD
LIDL IRELAND (BIC)
EDWARD SNELL & COMPANY
BEAM SUNTORY
IRISH DISTILLERS
Western Gold Bourbon 6 Years
016-018 ISC World Whiskies.indd 16
Firstwatch Imported
Knob Creek Bourbon
Powers John’s Lane Release
26/06/2015 12:24
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Taketsuru 21 Years Old NIKKA WHISKY
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
The Hakushu Single Malt 25 Years Old SUNTORY SPIRITS
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Nikka Coffey Grain NIKKA WHISKY (BIC)
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Fuji Gotemba Single Grain 25 Years Small Batch
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Nikka Coffey Malt NIKKA WHISKY
KIRIN BREWERY COMPANY
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Nikka Tsuru 17 Years Old NIKKA WHISKY (BIC)
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Hibiki Japanese Blended Aged 12 Years
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
The Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara 2014 SUNTORY SPIRITS
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
WORLD WHISKIES GOLD
NIKKA WHISKY
KAVALAN DISTILLERY (BIC)
Nikka Pure Malt Red
Kavalan Single Malt
SUNTORY SPIRITS
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Taketsuru 25 Years Old NIKKA WHISKY (BIC)
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Kirin FujisanrokuTarujyuku 50%
JAPANESE WHISKY GOLD
Super Nikka NIKKA WHISKY
WORLD WHISKIES GOLD
Kavalan Podium Single Malt KAVALAN DISTILLERY
KIRIN BREWERY COMPANY
016-018 ISC World Whiskies.indd 17
26/06/2015 12:24
International Spirits Challenge 18 I DRINKSINT.COM I AUGUST 2015 I SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL
WORLD WHISKIES GOLD
Kavalan Solist ExBourbon Single Cask Strength KAVALAN DISTILLERY
WORLD WHISKIES GOLD
King Car Conductor Single Malt KAVALAN DISTILLERY
IRISH WHISKEY BRONZE Bushmills
JB y Compania
Redbreast Mano A Lámh
Irish Distillers
Tyrconnell
Beam Suntory
JAPANESE WHISKY SILVER The Yamazaki Single Malt Limited Edition 2014 Suntory Spirits (BIC)
WORLD WHISKIES GOLD
Millstone 100 Rye ZUIDAM DISTILLERS
WORLD WHISKIES GOLD
Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish DISTELL
AMERICAN WHISKEY SILVER
Hibiki Blended Aged 17 Years
Suntory Spirits
Hibiki Blended Japanese Harmony
Suntory Spirits
Hibiki Blended Mellow Harmony
Suntory Spirits
Nikka Blended
Nikka Whisky
Nikka Pure Malt Black
Nikka Whisky
Suntory Single Grain Chita Distillery
Suntory Spirits
Taketsuru Pure Malt
Nikka Whisky
Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old
Nikka Whisky
The Hakushu Single Malt 12 Years Old
Suntory Spirits
The Hakushu Single Malt 18 Years Old
Suntory Spirits
The Hakushu Single Malt Distillers Reserve
Suntory Spirits
The Hakushu Single Malt Sherry Cask 2014
Suntory Spirits
The Nikka 12 Years Old
Nikka Whisky
The Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Years Old
Suntory Spirits
Clarke's Kentucky Bourbon
Aldi
The Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Years Old
Suntory Spirits
Gibson's Finest 18 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
The Yamazaki Single Malt Distillers Reserve
Suntory Spirits
Hogs 3
Quality Spirits International
The Yamazaki Single Malt Heavily Peated 2013 Suntory Spirits
Hudson Baby Bourbon
William Grant & Sons
Hudson Manhattan Rye
William Grant & Sons
Knob Creek Rye
Beam Suntory
AMERICAN WHISKEY BRONZE Gibson's Finest 12 Year Old
William Grant & Sons
Gibson’s Finest Sterling
William Grant & Sons
Rogue Dead Guy
Rogue Spirits
Rogue Rye
Rogue Spirits
Silverhorn
Booker
IRISH WHISKEY SILVER
WORLD WHISKIES SILVER Alberta Rye Dark Batch
Alberta Rye
Bagpiper Deluxe
United Spirits
Bain's Cape Mountain
Distell
Glenroger's Blended Malt 8 Year Old
Marie Brizard et Roger International
Iskristall
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Kavalan Concertmaster Single Malt
Kavalan Distillery
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Kavalan Distillery Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask StrengthKavalan Distillery Mackmyra Reserve
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Jameson (BIC)
Irish Distillers
McDowell's No.1 Reserve
Diageo/United Spirits
Teeling 21 Year Old Single Malt (BIC)
Teeling Whiskey Co
Millstone 12 Year Old Sherry Cask
Zuidam Distillers
Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt
JB y Compania
Moment Vintage 2004
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt
JB y Compania
Old Tavern
Diageo/United Spirits
Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt
JB y Compania
Seven Stars No.3 Phecda Single Malt
Spirit Of Hven
Bushmills Black Bush
JB y Compania
Sommartid Vintage 2008
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Callaghar's
Quality Spirits International
Stokerij Sculte Twentse
Stokerij Sculte Twentse Whisky
Connemara
Beam Suntory
Svensk Ek
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Dundalgan 10 Year Old Single Malt
Lidl Ireland
The Glenrothes Vintage Reserve
Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits
Dundalgan
Lidl Ireland
The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt 10 Years Triple Eight Distillery
Green Spot
Irish Distillers
The One
The Lakes Distillery
Kilbeggan
Beam Suntory
Three Ships Premium Select
Distell
Powers Gold Label
Irish Distillers
Three Ships Single Malt
Distell
Redbreast 12 Year Old
Irish Distillers
William Peel Blended
Marie Brizard et Roger International
Redbreast 15 Year Old
Irish Distillers
Teeling Single Grain
Teeling Whiskey Co
WORLD WHISKIES BRONZE
Teeling Single Malt
Teeling Whiskey Co
Director's Special
Diageo/United Spirits
Teeling Small Batch
Teeling Whiskey Co
Fine Single Malt English
Marks & Spencer
The Irishman 12 Year Old Single Malt
Walsh Whiskey Distillery
Grand Royal Smooth
International Beverages Trading Co
Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old Special Reserve
William Grant & Sons
Grand Royal Special Reserve
International Beverages Trading Co
Tullamore Dew
William Grant & Sons
Imperial Premium Rare Aged
Golden Spirit Co
Tullamore Dew Phoenix
William Grant & Sons
Imperial Specially Crafted Smooth
Golden Spirit Co
Writer’s Tears
Walsh Whiskey Distillery
Millstone
Zuidam Distillers
Writer’s Tears Pot Still
Marks & Spencer
Nomad Outland
Gonzalez Byass
Yellow Spot
Irish Distillers
Svensk Rök
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
016-018 ISC World Whiskies.indd 18
26/06/2015 12:24
International Spirits Challenge 20 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Vodka TROPHY
Belvedere Unfiltered
GOLD
AO
Suntory Spirits
TROPHY
TROPHY
Calibre Brands
Arcus
Snow Queen
Vikingfjord
LVMH
GOLD
Belvedere Pink Grapefruit LVMH
GOLD
Khortytsa Platinum Global Spirits
GOLD
Sin Brida
Ashford Handels
GOLD
Tovaritch! Tovaritch Spirits International
TASTING NOTE: Nice, grassy aroma. Holds spice well. Very good structure and balance.
020-22 ISC Vodka.indd 22
TASTING NOTE: Sweet nose, really soft and clean, good balance and aroma.
TASTING NOTE: Great example of a potato vodka – creamy and spicy with a soft aroma. Clear citrus, good structure.
26/06/2015 11:48
GOLD
Belvedere Intense LVMH
GOLD
Copper House Barley
GOLD
Belvedere Lemon Tea LVMH
GOLD
Kasatka
diaMond HoLding
adnaMs
GOLD
GOLD
neMiroff
pHiLLips distiLLing CoMpany
Nemiroff Delicat
Prairie Organic
SILVER Aylesbury Duck Baikal Ice Belvedere Belvedere Wild Berry Bols Bulbash Nano Cristalnaya Finlandia Blackcurrant Finlandia Friends Grey Cardinal Jelzin (Betterave) Keglevich Lubelska Trzy Zboza (Three Grains) Magic Crystal Mainstay Exotic Fusion Mainstay Island Fusion Nerpa New Amsterdam Orkisz Pea & Mint Pervak Wheat Poliakov Putinoff Premium Reyka Silver Snow Leopard Soviet Dream Tamova The Co-operative Imperial Tundra Untamed Irish Zoladkowa Czysta De Luxe Graf Yablonsky
the 86 Company Jupiter LVMH LVMH beam suntory bulbash Quintessential brands brown-forman brown-forman Khyarin nuur LLC - alko group grey Cardinal Les grands Chais de france stock spirits stock spirits Magic spirits distell distell Jupiter e&J gallo Winery stock spirits Marks & spencer global spirits La Martiniquaise Lidl uK William grant & sons stock spirits the edrington group ashford Handels aldi essential drinks Company JsC tatspirtprom avalon group stock spirits eastern european distribution
BRONZE GOLD
GOLD
JsC MinsK grape Wines faCtory
stoCK spirits
Statut
GOLD
GM Ultra Premium grap’sud
020-22 ISC Vodka.indd 23
Stock Prestige
GOLD
Wyborowa
tHe absoLut CoMpany
Asda Imperial Banff Ice Belrose Vodka de Raisins Belvedere Citrus Citrus Crystal Head Kozatska Rada Pepper Kozatska Rada Spesial Lex Mainstay 54 Mainstay Premium Mainstay Tropical Fusion Nemiroff Original Pur Rogue Oregon Single Malt Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Signature Spar Imperial Stolichnaya Sever Special Soft Tamova Tesco The Lakes Toffee Triple Seven
essential drinks Company beam suntory Les grands Chais de france LVMH Marks & spencer globeďŹ ll bayadera group bayadera group nemiroff distell distell distell nemiroff pur vodka rogue spirits rogue spirits essential drinks Company essential drinks Company eastern european distribution essential drinks Company essential drinks Company the Lakes distillery Marks & spencer bulbash
26/06/2015 11:48
International Spirits Challenge 22 i DrInkSInt.Com i JuLy 2015 i Supplement to DrInkS InternatIonal
TROPHY
Aalborg Taffel Akvavit arCus
other white spirits GOLD
Aalborg Grill Akvavit arCus
GOLD
Lysholm Linie Aquavit arCus
TASTING NOTE: sweet, herbal, interesting. Cardamom and anis, with a spicy, sweet, good aftertaste.
SILVER
BRONZE
Aalborg Dild Akvavit
arcus
Aalborg Nordguld Akvavit
arcus
Aalborg Jubilæums Akvavit
arcus
Aka Kirishima
Kirishima shuzo
D Aurum Gilde Non Plus Ultra Aquavit
den ny spritfabrik arcus
Arawaza Sakurajima
Hombo shuzo
Koon
Hombo shuzo
D Argentum
den ny spritfabrik
Kuradashi Koon Decanter
Hombo shuzo
Den-En Gold
den–en shuzo
Løitens Sommer Aquavit
arcus
Gammel Opland
arcus
Pinnacle Peach
pinnacle Vodka
Iichiko Blu
sanwa shurui
Pinnacle Pineapple
pinnacle Vodka
Iichiko Frasco
sanwa shurui
Premium Jinro Otsu
Hite-Jinro
Løitens Linie Aquavit
arcus
Vikingfjord Apple & Rhubarb
arcus
Lysholm Linie Double Cask Aquavit
arcus
Vikingfjord Citrus
arcus
Mellowed Kozuru Excellence
Komasa Juozo
Yakushima Daishizenrin
Hombo shuzo
020-22 ISC Vodka.indd 24
26/06/2015 11:48
International Spirits Challenge 24 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Gin TROPHY
TROPHY
Chivas Brothers
Berry Bros & Rudd
Beefeater 24
No.3
GOLD
Asda London Dry Essential Drinks Company
TASTING NOTE: Complex and well balanced – a really good gin. On the nose it is intense and long and the flavour is good.
024-25 ISC Gin.indd 26
GOLD
Blackfriar’s London Dry Essential Drinks Company
TASTING NOTE: High alcohol, great balance and good strength, with juniper, spice and cardamom. A really nice structure and intense, fresh taste.
26/06/2015 11:51
GOLD
GOLD
elephant gin
Chivas Brothers
Elephant
Plymouth
GOLD
Plymouth Navy Strength
GOLD
Portland
essential drinks Company
Chivas Brothers
GOLD
Smeets Extra Bruggeman
GOLD
Stretton’s London Dry edWard snell & Company
GOLD
Tesco Finest Aromatic London Dry essential drinks Company
GOLD
Waitrose London Dry essential drinks Company
SILVER
SILVER Akori
destilerías Campeny
The Exiles Irish
avalon group
Aldi Oliver Cromwell
essential drinks Company
The Co-operative London Dry
essential drinks Company
Bathtub Cask-Aged Navy Strength
maverick drinks
The Lakes
the lakes distillery
Beefeater London Dry 47%
Chivas Brothers
Waitrose Premium London Dry
Waitrose
Berkeley Square
Quintessential Brands
Bloom London Dry
Quintessential Brands
BRONZE
Castelgy London Dry
lidl uk
Aldi Old Hopking
essential drinks Company
Cremorne 1859 Colonel Fox’s London Dry
Cask liquid marketing
Beefeater Burrough’s Reserve
Chivas Brothers
East London Liquor Co Premium Batch No.2
east london liquor Company
Botanic Ultra Premium
Bodegas Williams & humbert
Filliers Dry Gin 28 Classic 46%
Filliers graanstokerij
Caorunn
international Beverage
Filliers Dry Gin 28 Pine Blossom 42.6%
Filliers graanstokerij
Chilgrove Dry
the Chilgrove gin Company
Fords
the 86 Company
De Borgen Dutch Cornwyn Cask Finished
hooghoudt distillers Bv
Grosvenor
Booker
Filliers Dry Gin 28 Barrel Aged 43.8%
Filliers graanstokerij
Hernö Old Tom
herno Brenneri
Gordon Castle Distilled
gordon Castle scotland
KWV
kWv
Hendrick’s
William grant & sons
Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength
the reformed spirits Company
Martin Miller’s
the reformed spirits Company
Only
destilerías Campeny
Prairie Organic
phillips distilling Company
Rogue Society Navy Strength
the gin Company
Sainsbury’s London Dry
essential drinks Company
Saffron
emporia Brands
Sibling Distillery
sibling distillery
Signature
essential drinks Company
Tann’s
destilerías Campeny
Tanqueray Old Tom
diageo
Tanqueray No.Ten
diageo
Tesco Finest London Dry
essential drinks Company
Wenneker Elderflower Dry
Wenneker distilleries
024-25 ISC Gin.indd 27
26/06/2015 11:51
International Spirits Challenge 26 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Tequila TROPHY
TROPHY
beam suntory
beam suntory
El Tesoro Platinum
El Tesoro Reposado
Gold
El Tesoro Añejo beam suntory
Silver Tequila Cabeza
The 86 Company
Tequila Don Julio 1942
Diageo
Tequila Don Julio Añejo
Diageo
Tequila Don Julio Blanco
Diageo
Tequila Don Julio Real
Diageo
Tequila Don Julio Reposado
Diageo
Bronze
TASTING NOTES: Complex, balanced and well integrated. Outstanding tequila. A hint of smoke on the palate and a green grass note. Good agave presence with a touch of citrus leading to a mellow spicy finish. Earthy, green, good texture and easy to drink.
026-27 Tequila/brandy.indd 26
TASTING NOTES: Very complex, well balanced and integrated tequila. Spearmint and eucalyptus provide herbaceous freshness. The agave notes shine through and the acidity balances out agave sweetness. This tequila is sophisticated and smooth but with lots of character.
Don Angel Blanco
Booker
Don Angel Reposdao
Booker
El Jimador Añejo
Brown-Forman
El Recuerdo de Oaxaca Blanco
Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto
Herradura Añejo
Brown-Forman
Herradura Reposado
Brown-Forman
Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Añejo
Brown-Forman
Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia
Jose Cuervo International
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver
Jose Cuervo International
Milagro Tequila Select Barrel Reserve Silver
William Grant & Sons
Milagro Tequila Silver
William Grant & Sons
Sierra Tequila Milenario Reposado
The Drinks Company
Tequila Casco Viejo Blanco 100% Agave
Emporia Brands
Zignum Mezcal Reposado
Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto
26/06/2015 11:35
Brandy BrAndY TroPHY
KWV 20 KWV
BrAndY Silver Wellington VO (BIC)
Edward Snell & Company
Beehive Premium Reserve VSOP
Bardinet
E&J
E&J Gallo Winery
Klipdrift Export
Distell
KWV 10
KWV
KWV 12
KWV
KWV 15
KWV
Laborie Alambic
KWV
LadiSmith Klein Karoo Pot Still
Edward Snell & Company
Oude Meester 12 Year Old Reserve
Distell
Richelieu 10 Year Old Vintage
Distell
Richelieu International
Distell
St-Rémy VSOP
St-rémy
Three Barrels VSOP
William Grant & Sons
Van Ryn's 10 Year Old Vintage
Distell
Van Ryn's 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve
Distell
Van Ryn's 20 Year Old Collector's Reserve
Distell
BrAndY Bronze
TASTING NOTES: Prune, chocolate, leather, citrus. Very intense on the nose, with nice dry fruit. Good balance, dry spirity finish. Smooth, complex and elegant.
BrAndY Gold
Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distiller’s Reserve DISTELL (BIC)
BrAndY Gold
Oude Meester 18 Year Old Souverein DISTELL
3 Year Old
marks & Spencer
Bardinet Grand Cru Wine Cask Finish
Bardinet
Bardinet French VSOP
Bardinet
Bardinet French XO
Bardinet
Christian Dupre
Booker
Flight of the Fish Eagle
Distell
Imoya
KWV
Klipdrift Gold
Distell
Klipdrift Premium
Distell
Kozarski Biser
BmB Delta
Kozarski Biser, Sljivova Prepecenica
BmB Delta
Lustau Solera Reserva
Emilio Lustau
Metaxa Angels’ Treasure
The House of metaxa
Morrison XO
Bardinet
Napoleon
Aldi
Oude Meester Demant
Distell
Pure Black
Company Group Alita, AB
Raynal
Quality Spirits International
Raynal XO
Quality Spirits International
Sainsbury's French XO Aged 5 Years
Louis royer
Singani 63
Singani 63
Spar VSOP
Essential Drinks Company
St-Rémy Réserve Privée
St-rémy
St-Rémy XO
St-rémy
Sydney Back Special Release
Backsberg Estate Cellars
The Co-operative Napoleon
The Co-operative
SPAniSH BrAndY Silver SPAniSH BrAndY Gold
Gran Duque de Alba Oro
BoDEGAS WILLIAmS & HumBErT
SPAniSH BrAndY Gold
Lustau Solera Gran Reserva Finest Selection EmILIo LuSTAu
026-27 Tequila/brandy.indd 27
Gran Duque de Alba XO
Bodegas Williams & Humbert
Lepanto PX Solera Gran Reserva
Gonzalez Byass
Lustau Solera Gran Reserva
Emilio Lustau
SPAniSH BrAndY Bronze Carlos I
osborne
Carlos I Imperial
osborne
Gran Duque de Alba
Bodegas Williams & Humbert
Lepanto OV Solera Gran Reserva
Gonzalez Byass
Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva
Gonzalez Byass
Soberano 5
Gonzalez Byass
Soberano 12
Gonzalez Byass
26/06/2015 11:35
International Spirits Challenge 28 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Rum TROPHY
Admiral Rodney Emporia Brands
GOLD
1931 by St Lucia Distillers 3rd Edition Emporia Brands
GOLD
Ord River Overproof Hoochery Distillery
TASTING NOTE: Really lovely rum. Subtle notes, super nose, good balance. Good complexity and maturity with a good finish.
028-29 ISC Rum.indd 22
26/06/2015 15:16
SILVER Negrita Gold
Bardinet
Pink Pigeon
Berry Bros & rudd spirits
Plantation Original Dark
cognac Ferrand
Pusser’s 15 Year Old
cellar trends
Pusser’s 40%
cellar trends
Pusser’s 54.5%
cellar trends
Red Heart Original Caribbean
pernod ricard
Ron Cartavio Solera 12 Años
ron cartavio
Rum da Madeira
J Faria & Filhos
Sailors Matured XXX
golden spirit co
Santa Teresa Claro
mangrove global
The Co-operative Superior White
the co-operative
Yaguara
carmosina comercial
BRONZE Aguardente 970 Reserva
J Faria & Filhos
Angostura 1824
angostura
Angostura 7 Year Old
angostura
Angostura Reserva
angostura
Bacardi Carta Fuego
Bacardi global Brands
Bacardi Carta Negra
Bacardi global Brands
Bacardi Carta Oro
Bacardi global Brands
Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Años
Bacardi global Brands
Bacardi Superior Heritage 44.5%
Bacardi global Brands
Blackwells Black Gold
mangrove global
Bundaberg Mutiny Spiced
diageo
Cane Trader Dark
Booker
Carta Blanca Superior White
glen turner company
Chairman's Reserve Spiced
Emporia Brands
Chairman's Reserve White
Emporia Brands
Elements 8 Criollo Cacao
mangrove global
Elements 8 Platinum
mangrove global
Elements 8 Spiced
mangrove global
Gingerbread Flavoured
marks & spencer
Havana Club 15
chivas Brothers
Havana Club 3
chivas Brothers
James Cook Dark
lidl uK
La Hechicera Fine Aged from Colombia
la Hechicera
Old Hopking White
aldi
Ord River Spike’s Reserve
Hoochery distillery
OVD
William grant & sons
Penny Blue Batch #3
Berry Bros & rudd spirits
Penny Blue XO #2
Berry Bros & rudd spirits
Penny Blue XO #4
Berry Bros & rudd spirits
Plantation XO 20th Anniversary
cognac Ferrand
Bundaberg Master Distillers Blenders Edition 2015 diageo
Red Heart Spiced
pernod ricard
Bundaberg Master Distillers Small Batch
diageo
Ron Cartavio Selecto 5 Años
ron cartavio
Cachaça Sebastiana Carvalho Single Barrel
alambique santa rufina
Ron Cartavio XO 18 Años
ron cartavio
Caña Brava
the 86 company
Sailor Jerry Spiced
William grant & sons
Cane Trader White
Booker
Saint James Premium Caribbean Heritage
la martiniquaise
Chairman’s Reserve Finest St Lucia
Emporia Brands
Chairman’s Reserve The Forgotten Casks
Saint James Premium Caribbean Reserve
la martiniquaise
Emporia Brands
Havana Club 7
Santa Teresa 1796
mangrove global
chivas Brothers
Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros
chivas Brothers
Santa Teresa Anejo Gran Reserva
mangrove global
M&S White
marks & spencer
Seamen Special
golden spirit co
Marauda Steel Pan
marauda rum
The Co-operative Navy
the co-operative
Morant Bay Signature Edition Spiced Red
morant Bay distillery co
Ti'arranges De Ced Mirabelle
sarl les rhums de ced
Wood’s 100 Old Navy
William grant & sons
SILVER Bacardi Carta Blanca
028-29 ISC Rum.indd 23
Bacardi global Brands
26/06/2015 15:16
International Spirits Challenge 30 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Liqueurs TROPHY
Bathtub Sloe Gin
Maverick Drinks
TROPHY
Lejay Noir de Bourgogne
TROPHY
Supercassis Vedrenne Pages Vedrenne
Lejay Lagoute
TASTING NOTE: Good juniper nose, more gin than sloe on the palate. Nice cloves/cinnamon and a touch of bitterness on finish.
030-31 ISC Liqueurs.indd 32
TASTING NOTE: Some green notes, lovely vibrant colour, rich flavour with good acidity. Very velvety, intense flavour.
TASTING NOTE: Blackcurrant and candy, creamy notes. Good colour. Very intense on the palate with lovely rich fruit.
26/06/2015 11:37
GOLD
Gabriel Boudier Crème de Cassis de Dijon
GOLD
Crème de Mure Sauvage
GOLD
GOLD
WiLLiaM grant & sons
WHyte & Mackay
Drambuie
Glayva
GOLD
Greenall’s Sloe Gin QuintessentiaL BranDs
DistiLLerie MerLet & FiLs
eMPoria BranDs
BRONZE
SILVER Antica Sambuca Classic
antiche Distillerie riunite
Choya Gold Edition
choya umeshu
Brandy & Orange
Marks & spencer
Crème de Cassis de Dijon
Marks & spencer
Choya Classic
choya umeshu
Crème de Cassis Joseph Cartron
joseph cartron
Choya Excellent
choya umeshu
Crème de Mure des Roncieres Joseph Cartron
joseph cartron
Choya Extra Years
choya umeshu
Drambuie 15 Year Old Speyside Whisky
William grant & sons
Crème de Framboise
Pages vedrenne
Dundalgan Irish Country Cream
Lidl uk
Fragolino
Distilleria galdino caselli
Elderflower Flavoured
Marks & spencer
Grapefruit
Pages vedrenne
Feeney's Irish Cream
Quintessential Brands
Italian Limoncello
aldi
Filliers Dry Gin 28 Sloe
Filliers graanstokerij
Lejay Cassis
Lejay Lagoute
Haint Absinthe
Dogwood Distilling
Lejay Framboise
Lejay Lagoute
Hirsch Rudel
Hirsch rudel
Lejay Litchi
Lejay Lagoute
Honeycombe Cream
Marks & spencer
Limoncello Rossi D’Asiago
antiche Distillerie riunite
Irish Cream
Marks & spencer
Marie Brizard Cassis
Marie Brizard
Lanique
Love Drinks
Merlet C2 Cognac & Café
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Le Favori Triple Sec
Les grands chais de France
Merlet Crème de Cassis
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Lejay Cranberry
Lejay Lagoute
Merlet Crème de Fraise des Bois
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Lejay Pamplemousse Rose
Lejay Lagoute
Merlet Trois Citrus
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Marie Brizard Apricot
Marie Brizard
Sloe Gin
Marks & spencer
Marie Brizard Cherry Brandy
Marie Brizard
Specially Selected Crème de Cassis
aldi
Marie Brizard Framboise
Marie Brizard
Specially Selected Irish Cream
aldi
Merlet C2 Cognac & Citron
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Sureau Joseph Cartron
joseph cartron
Mozart Chocolate Cream
Beam austria
Terrània Ratafia
epica Mediterrania
Mozart Dark Chocolate
Beam austria
Tesco Finest Crème de Cassis
emporia Brands
Nocino
Distilleria galdino caselli
Tesco Finest Sloe Gin
emporia Brands
O'Mara Irish Country Cream
Quintessential Brands
Tesco Finest Triple Sec
emporia Brands
Pink Grapefruit
Marks & spencer
Vermouth
Marks & spencer
Pomegranate
Marks & spencer
Ratafia Dels Raiers Reserva 2013
Distribucions Portet
Revel Stoke Honey Whisky
Phillips Distilling company
BRONZE Abricot Brandy Joseph Cartron
joseph cartron
Revel Stoke Roasted Pecan Whisky
Phillips Distilling company
Adnams Limoncello
adnams
Revel Stoke Spiced Whisky
Phillips Distilling company
Adnams Sloe Gin
adnams
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Irish Cream
niche Drinks co
Aloe
Pages vedrenne
Solerno
William grant & sons
Amaretto Bellucci
aldi
Specially Selected Crème de Peche
aldi
Amarula Gold
Distell
Tesco Finest Cherry Brandy
emporia Brands
Antica Sambuca with Liquorice Flavour
antiche Distillerie riunite
The King's Ginger
Berry Bros & rudd spirits
Artemisia St Roch
st roch
The Wild Geese Irish Honey
avalon group
Ballantine's Brasil
chivas Brothers
Tofka
Babco uk
Blackberry
Pages vedrenne
Volare Triple Sec
antiche Distillerie riunite
Cherry Brandy 2014
Maverick Drinks
Wild Africa Cream
kWv
030-31 ISC Liqueurs.indd 33
26/06/2015 11:37
International Spirits Challenge 32 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Armagnac, Calvados, Grappa & Pisco Armagnac TROPHY
Château de Pellehaut Tenareze 20 Year Old Marks & Spencer
Armagnac Silver Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche 8 years
Château du Tariquet
Château du Tariquet Légendaire
Château du Tariquet
Château du Tariquet XO
Château du Tariquet
Dartigalongue 1989
Bas Armagnac Dartigalongue
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 12 Year Old
Emporia Brands
Tesco VSOP
Emporia Brands
XO Premium
Armagnac Delord
Armagnac Bronze Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche 12 Years
SCV Château du Tariquet
Château du Tariquet Folle Blanche 15 Years
SCV Château du Tariquet
Château du Tariquet VSOP
SCV Château du Tariquet
Dartigalongue 1992
Bas Armagnac Dartigalongue
Dartigalongue Extra (30 ans)
Bas Armagnac Dartigalongue
De Montal Bas VSOP
Compagnie des Produits de Gascogne
Waitrose VSOP
Waitrose
Calvados Silver Busnel Calvados Pays d’Auge Fine
La Martiniquaise
Busnel Calvados Pays d'Auge VSOP
La Martiniquaise
Calvados Bronze Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Pay's d’Auge
Emporia Brands
Tesco Pays d’Auge VSOP
Emporia Brands
Grappa Silver Botti Da Porto Reserve Port Wood Finish
Distilleria Sibona
Grappa XO
Distilleria Sibona
Prime Uve
Distilleria Bonaventura Maschio
Prime Uve Nere
Distilleria Bonaventura Maschio
Prime Uve Oro
Distilleria Bonaventura Maschio
Grappa Bronze Botti Da Porto Reserve Madeira Wood Finish
Distilleria Sibona
Di Barolo
Distilleria Sibona
Levi De Blanc De Morgex
St Roch
Pisco Silver Pisco El Gobernador TASTING NOTE: Mellow, old wood, chocolate, cigar box. Some hints of rancio, orange blossom, spices and honey. Good complexity and smoothness on the palate. Elegant, mature and silky.
032-033 Armagnac/Cognac.indd 32
Miguel Torres Chile
Pisco Bronze Pisco Bauza Aniversazio 40
Agroproductos Bauza SA
Pisco Bauza Reservado Crystal
Agroproductos Bauza SA
Tacama Demonio de los Andes Acholado
Viña Tacama SA
Tacama Gran Demonio Mosto Verde Quebranta Viña Tacama SA
26/06/2015 11:11
Cognac gold
gold
gold
BaCHE-gaBRIELsEn
snC MaInE DRILHOn
snC PIERRE FRaPIn
BacheGabrielsen VSOP
Leyrat XO Vieille Reserve
Millesime 1988 25 Ans d’Age
Silver
Bronze
ABK6 Vintage 1985
snC Maine Drilhon
Bisquit VS
Distell
Baron Otard VSOP
Chateau De Cognac
Bisquit VSOP
Distell
Bisquit Prestige
Distell
Bisquit XO
Distell
Bisquit XO Rose Gold
Distell
Braastad VS
arcus as
Claude Thorin
Claude thorin
Braastad XO Superior
arcus as
Frapin VSOP
snC Pierre Frapin
Chevalier
aldi
Gautier Extra 1755
gautier Cognac
Claude Thorin VSOP
Claude thorin
Gautier XO Gold & Blue
gautier Cognac
Comte Joseph VSOP
Les grands Chais De France
Hardy Noce de Diamant
Hardy Cognacs
Domaine Château Fontpinot XO
snC Pierre Frapin
Hardy Noce D'Or
Hardy Cognacs
KWV XO Heritage
kWV
Hardy VSOP
Hardy Cognacs
Louis Royer Extra Grande Champagne
Louis Royer
Hardy XO Rare
Hardy Cognacs
Louis Royer Force 53 VSOP Fine Champagne
Louis Royer
Louis Royer XO
Louis Royer
Louis Royer VS
Louis Royer
Maxime Trijol Grande Champagne Ancestral
Cognac Maxime trijol
Louis Royer VSOP
Louis Royer
Monnet
Marks & spencer
Multimillésime 1986-1988-1991
snC Pierre Frapin
Pierre Ferrand Sélection des Anges
Cognac Ferrand
Prince Hubert de Polignac
H Mounier
Prince Charmac XO
Marks & spencer
Prince Hubert de Polignac VSOP Reserve
H Mounier
Prince Hubert de Polignac XO Royal
H Mounier
Reviseur Extra Old XO
snC Maine Drilhon
Reviseur VSOP
snC Maine Drilhon
Sainsbury’s VS
Louis Royer
Sainsbury’s XO
Louis Royer
Sainsbury’s VSOP
Louis Royer
XO Gold Francois Voyer
Cognac Francois Voyer
Tesco VS
Emporia Brands
Tesco VSOP
Emporia Brands
Bronze
Vieux Garçon VS
Lidl uk
Bache-Gabrielsen Cognac XO Fine Champagne Bache-gabrielsen
Waitrose VSOP
Waitrose
Baron Otard XO
XO, Grande Champagne
1719
032-033 Armagnac/Cognac.indd 33
Château De Cognac
26/06/2015 11:11
International Spirits Challenge 34 i DrinksInt.com i august 2015 i Supplement to Drinks International
Design & Packaging Trophy
Trophy
TANG bacardi
Tanqueray No.Ten Joint Supreme Champion
Best Design & Packaging for Travel Retail
034-35 ISC D&P.indd 34
Diageo
Joint Supreme Champion
Repackaged Individual Product
26/06/2015 11:50
Trophy
Trophy
The Balvenie Tun 1509 WiLLiaM graNt & soNs Here DesigN
GoLD
Aberfeldy 12 Year old JoHN DeWar & soNs straNger & straNger
Aultmore 12 Year old moST iNNovATive GrAphiC DeSiGN
JoHN DeWar & soNs straNger & straNger
eSTABliSheD iNDiviDuAl proDuCT
SILVEr Aberfeldy 21 Year old
John Dewar & sons
established individual Product
Grant’s 25 Year old
Webb deVlam
repackaged individual Product
havana Club unión
Nude brand consulting best Design for travel retail
iichiko Special
sanwa shurui co
best Design for travel retail
lanique
Love Drinks
repackaged individual Product
The lost Blend
stranger & stranger
New individual Product
BroNZE Aultmore 25 Year old
John Dewar & sons
established individual Product
Craigellachie 13 Year old
John Dewar & sons
established individual Product
Craigellachie 17 Year old
John Dewar & sons
established individual Product
Dewar’s 18 Year old The vintage
John Dewar & sons
established individual Product
Dewar’s White label
John Dewar & sons
established individual Product
Don papa rum Aged 10 Years
stranger & stranger
New individual Product
east london liquor Company
stranger & stranger
New individual Product
haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky Diageo eSTABliSheD iNDiviDuAl proDuCT
034-35 ISC D&P.indd 35
New individual Product
havana Club unión
Nude brand consulting New individual Product
John Walker & Sons king George v
Lewis Moberly
repackaged individual Product
mortlach range
Diageo
New Product range
Silent pool Gin
silent Pool Distillers
New individual Product
Silent pool Gin
silent Pool Distillers
best Design & Packaging/on-trade
The Glenlivet Winchester Collection
chivas brothers
New individual Product
26/06/2015 11:50
International Spirits Challenge 37 I DRINKSINT.COM I AUGUST 2015 I SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL
Marketing BEST DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
BEST PR CAMPAIGN
#Whisky Santa
Aperol Spritz
A fully integrated Christmas campaign spanning the website, Twitter, Facebook and blog. The core concept was that consumers could ask ‘whisky Santa’ for any product listed on Master of Malt and one wish would be fulfilled every day.
A vertical sales and marketing strategy, which, alongside PR and events work, included launching UK social media for the brand, creating information packs, developing internal communications protocols and pitches for regional sales teams.
BEST LAUNCH CAMPAIGN
BEST INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN
MASTER OF MALT
GENUINE PR
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Bowmore Single Malt
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY
LDR CREATIVE
Following several years of renovation, Laverstoke Mill was transformed into a state of the art, sustainable Bombay Sapphire Distillery and visitor centre. The distillery welcomed more than 250 members of the media to the official opening.
LDR’s travel retail-focused interactive experience highlighted key elements of Black Rock and Gold Reef to help consumers decide which they would buy. It was supported by advertorials in key inflight publications.
BEST EXPERIENTIAL CAMPAIGN
SPIRITS PR COMPANY OF THE YEAR
FOCUS PR
LDR CREATIVE
Jim Beam Crafthouse
LDR Creative
LDR Creative grew its roster of spirit brands by 117% through its range of 5 core services, including strategy, publicity, experiential, digital and content. LDR’s client roster ranges from global spirits brands, such Grey Goose, to domestic entrepreneurial businesses, including East London Liquor Company.
The Jim Beam Crafthouse was an experiential event focusing on the craftsmanship of Kentucky straight bourbon. Working with artisan partners, it explored the premium range of bourbons in the Beam Suntory portfolio to demonstrate authentic individualism and craft.
BEST EXPERIENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Diageo Reserve
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL SYMPHONY IN BLUE A multi-sensory event designed to challenge guests’ imagination and perception through a series of different experiences, culminating in a light and sound spectacular to showcase the brand.
037 ISC Marketing.indd 37
SHORTLIST – HIGHLY COMMENDED
SPIRITS PR COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Genuine
SHORTLIST – COMMENDED
Best known for work with Aperol Spritz and Kopparberg, the team implements creative strategies and has years of shared and varied experiences across bar, brand and agency that allows it to be immersive in its approach to campaign building.
26/06/2015 12:28
International Spirits Challenge 38 I DRINKSINT.COM I AUGUST 2015 I SUPPLEMENT TO DRINKS INTERNATIONAL
Judges Introducing the experts who tasted their way through all the entries
WHISKY JUDGES
Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory; David Stewart, William Grant & Sons; Billy Leighton, Irish Distillers; Caroline Martin, Diageo; Tadashi Sakuma, Nikka; Angela d’Orazio, Macmyra Svensk; John Ramsay, whisky consultant (chairman); Gordon Motion, Edrington; Richard Paterson, Whyte & Mackay
VODKA & OTHER WHITE SPIRITS JUDGES
GIN JUDGES
Ian Wisniewski, Drinks Writer (chairman); Alexey Zaitsev & Alexander Zaitsev, Russian Alcohol Association; Claire Smith-Warner, LVMH; France Despert, Cargill; Matthew Dakers, Stoli Group; Johan Svensson, Drinksfusion
Will Lowe, Cambridge Distillery; Joanne Moore, Quintessential Brands; Anne Jones, Waitrose; Lesley Gracie, William Grant & Sons; Desmond Payne, Chivas Brothers (chairman); Charles Maxwell, Thames Distillers
LIQUERS JUDGES
BRANDY JUDGES
Peter Hallgarten, spirits consultant; Patrick Zuidam, Zuidam Distillers (chairman); Isabel Graham-Yooll, Bordeaux Index; Dawn Davies, Selfridges; John McCarthy, Adnams; Elie-Arnaud Denoix, Vedrenne Pages
Pieter De Bod, KWV; Rocio Osborne, Osborne; Neil Mathieson, Marussia Beverages UK (chairman); Dr Caroline Snyman, Distell Group
TEQUILA JUDGES
RUM JUDGES
Jesse Estes, Tequila Ocho (chairman); Davide Segat, London Edition; Matthias Lataille, Pernod Ricard; Carlos Londorno, Café Pacifico; Jon Anders Fjeldsrud, Amathus Drinks; Rodrigo Alvarez
Carsten E. Vlierboom, E&A Scheer (chairman); Peter Martin, Brokers Gin; Roger Barnes, Spirits Elite; Patrick Zuidam, Zuidam Distillers; Peter Holland, The Floating Rum Shack
DESIGN & PACKAGING JUDGES
MARKETING JUDGES
Tim Croxson, Croxsons; Chris Dumont, Seed Consultancy; Chris Forecast, Path Designs; Paul Foulkes-Arellano, Seymour Powell (chairman); Daniela Nunzi, Studio Minerva; Stephen Sykes, Cartils
Nick Marshall, Made Thought; Ged Feltham, Leelex; Nicky Forrest, Phipps PR (chairman); Jeremy Rockett, Marblehead; Mike Miller, Catalyst Brands
038 ISC Judges.indd 38
26/06/2015 12:26
FINALWORD
Pure Gould Drinks International, Longley House, International Drive, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6AQ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1293 590040
Editor Christian Davis +44 (0)1293 590047 christian.davis@drinksint.com Deputy Editor Hamish Smith +44 (0)1293 590045 hamish.smith@drinksint.com Production Editor
Patience Gould assesses the history of one of Diageo’s top-sellers – and how the power of advertising continues to drive the brand
A
s Pimm’s is synonymous with summer – particularly
and the ongoing Pimm’s Party.
in the UK, where it is the drink to drink at must-be-
I have to comment that you’d
seen-at events such as Wimbledon – I thought it was time
have to drink a serious quantity of Pimm’s before getting
I gave it a whirl. Depending on your viewpoint, Diageo
into the party spirit as the serving suggestion is one part
has either done a marvellous marketing job with Pimm’s
Pimm’s to three parts lemonade or ginger beer, so the
or you feel the brand’s core values and the drink itself
reality is that Pimm’s O’clock could be any time of day or
have been decimated over the years.
night.
In days of yore Pimm’s was a range of six Cups, with
Along the way the range has been extended again
Jaq Bayles +44 (0)1293 590048 jaq.bayles@drinksint.com
the Original No.1 gin-based leading the way, followed
but the emphasis is on fruit rather than spirit, like the
by No.2 scotch whisky, No.3 brandy, No.4 rum, No.5 rye
recently launched Pimm’s Blackberry & Elderflower, and
whisky and No.6 vodka. It was first developed by one Mr
Strawberry with its ‘hint of mint’. Oh and I nearly forgot
Reporter/Editorial
Pimm, a farmer’s son from Kent who became the owner
the Pimm’s Winter brew, which apparently is a reworking
Researcher
of an oyster bar in the City of London, near the Bank of
of the brandy cup with added orange zest along with
Holly Motion +44 (0)1293 590046 holly.motion@drinksint.com
England. He originally served the then gin-based tonic
spices. There is no mention of what spirit is involved
with its special mixture of herbs in a ‘cup’ as an aid to
other than the words Pimm’s: “Made from a closely
digestion – which doesn’t say much for his oysters – but
guarded secret recipe.” I bet it is. And very useful that
Commercial Director
that’s definitely another story.
is too.
Roger Betriu +44 (0)1293 590043 roger.betriu@drinksint.com Senior Account Manager Carmen Poel Francesch +44 (0)1293 590042 carmen.poel@drinksint.com
Large-scale production of Pimm’s started in 1851 but it
The most recent addition is the Pimm’s Cider Cup,
was when Mr Pimm sold the business on, together with the
which is described as: “British cider ‘infused’ with Pimm’s
right to use his name, to Frederick Sawyer, who then sold
and flavoured with strawberry and cucumber.” The drinks
it on to the future Lord Mayor of London, Horatio Davies,
giant goes on to advise that it is best drunk from a pint
that a chain of Pimm’s Oyster Houses was franchised in
glass over ice.
1887 and that the Pimm’s range was increased. However the brand hit the wall in the 70s and 80s and,
And if you fancy a 4% shot of Pimm’s you can buy the strawberry and cucumber version, that is the Summer
Publisher
following the Distillers Company’s (DCL) acquisition, the
Crush, in a frozen pouch. Apparently these innovations
Justin Smith +44 (0)1293 590041 justin.smith@drinksint.com
Oyster House chain was sold, and Pimm’s Cups products
are all geared to get folk “drinking better not more” – go
Nos.2 – 5 were phased out. Boo hoo. DCL itself was then
on, pull the other one.
Events Manager Sarah Stevens +44 (0)1293 590049 sarah.stevens@drinksint.com
when Guinness and Grand Metropolitan merged in 1997.
Events
discovered that on a case-by-case basis Pimm’s was
Nikayla Langley/Helen Fallowell +44 (0)1293 558131/590050 firstname.surname@drinksint.com
one of the most profitable of its brands, if not the most
events such as Wimbledon the trade can charge a
profitable. Whooping with delight the accountants
whopping £8 a throw. In short, the profit margins for all
probably advised: “Easy-peasy lemon squeezy let’s sell
must be huge.
Events Account Managers
more of it.”
Rick Beaumont/Jo Morley +44 (0)1293 558130/590044 firstname.surname@drinksint.com Accounts Annette O’Connell +44 (0)1293 590051 annette.oconnell@agilemedia.co.uk Managing Director Russell Dodd +44 (0)1293 590052 russell.dodd@drinksint.com
acquired by Guinness and Pimm’s became part of Diageo It’s possibly apocryphal, but nonetheless worth mentioning, that when Diageo was formed, it was
No doubt the dumbing down of Pimm’s will become the stuff of marketing legend, particularly when you consider that the mean price for a bottle is about £15-plus – which is about the price point it used to be at 40% abv. Clever that – and the fact that at these key summer
Oh, and according to research from Amobee Brand
As a result the Diageo marketing machine roared into
Intelligence, Pimm’s was the number one at this year’s
action and over the years its pursuit of giving the brand
premier tennis event. It was 2.5% ahead of IBM and other
mass market appeal has been nothing short of relentless.
official sponsors such as HSBC by as much as 80%.
To begin with the strength was drastically reduced from
Indeed the drink was so popular that Pimm’s was
40% abv to just 25% abv and the dedication to a spirit
the number one brand associated with this year’s
base has all but disappeared.
tournament across social media and other digital
A series of heavyweight advertising campaigns
channels. Furthermore Pimm’s, which was not even an
hastened the repositioning, with some rather hackneyed
official sponsor, garnered all this attention without ever
catch-lines such as: Anyone For Pimm’s?, Pimm’s O’clock
mentioning the word Wimbledon. Priceless!
Reader services/Subscriptions please contact: Drinks International, Subscriptions Department Tel: +44 (0)208 955 7061 E-mail: drinksinternational@alliance-media.co.uk
Subscription Rates UK Price 1 year £112.00 2 year £201.00 3 year £285.00 Europe Price 1 year €160.00 2 year €288.00 3 year €408.00 ROW Price 1 year $233.00 2 year $419.00 3 year $594.00 © Agile Media Ltd 2008 All rights reserved. Drinks International (ISSN 0012 – 625X) is published monthly by Agile Media Ltd and distributed in the USA by Mail Right International, 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Periodicals Postage Paid at New Brunswick, NJ. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Drinks International, 1637 Stelton Road, B-4, Piscataway NJ 08854. Published under licence from William Reed Business Media, Broadfield Park, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9RT 01293 613400
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