FDBusiness.com

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, makers of the world’s leading Irish whiskey, Jameson, was named Whiskey Distiller of the Year and Whiskey Brand Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whiskey Awards 2012. Single pot still whiskey Powers John’s Lane Release was also recognised, scooping the prize for Best Pot Still Whiskey within the World Whiskies Awards.

The three awards underline a hugely successful and innovative year for the company, in which it demonstrated its unique distilling capabilities and a vision for the future of the Irish whiskey category. Highlights included the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton initiative, which introduced Powers John’s Lane Release, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, while Jameson introduced the newest product in the Reserve range, Jameson Select Reserve.

Anna Malmhake, chief executive of Irish Distillers, says: “We are delighted with this phenomenal result, especially as the Icons of Whiskey are among the most respected whiskey awards in the world. This is an exciting time for Irish whiskey and to be recognised as Distiller and Brand Innovator of the Year is a true testament to the continued contribution of our skilled and passionate distillery team at Midleton.”

The accolades follow a spate of recent successes for Irish Distillers including Distillery of the Year at the Whiskey Advocate Awards and the Whiskeys of the World Trophy at the 2011 International Spirits Challenge for Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.

CAPTION:

From left to right( Back row) Tommy Keane, Head of Distilling Operations; Peter Morehead, Production Director; David Byrne, Category Development Manager; Brendan Buckley, Innovation & Category Development Director. FR L to R: Billy Leighton, Master of Blending & Maturation; Brian Nation, Distiller; David Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science; and Barry Crockett, Master Distiller.