Tullamore Dew Named Best Irish Whiskey of the Year
Tullamore Dew, one of the world’s fastest growing Irish whiskeys, has rounded off an eventful 2012 by being awarded ‘Best Irish Whiskey of the Year’ at the third annual New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) for the 10 Year Old Single Malt. This capped an extremely successful year for brand owner William Grant & Sons in which it also opened the new Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre, introduced distinctive new packaging and announced its intention to bring whiskey-making back to Tullamore for the first time in 60 years with the construction of a new distillery in the Irish Midlands town.
Close to 400 of the world’s finest distilled spirits from over 34 countries submitted their brands to be critiqued by a hand-selected panel of A-List trade-only judges – buyers, retail storeowners, restaurant/bar proprietors, distributors and importers – for NYISC, which was held in New York City. NYISC is the first major international spirits competition with trade-only judges from top to bottom, who have purchasing power and the ability to make a direct impact on brand sales.
“We are extremely honoured that Tullamore Dew is being recognized by our colleagues and peers for its unique smooth taste and gentle complexity,” says Shane Hoyne, Global Brand Director for Tullamore Dew. “It has been an important year for Tullamore Dew. and a homecoming for the brand, with the re-opening of the Visitor Centre and the announcement of the new Irish whiskey distillery in Tullamore. This international accolade reaffirms why Tullamore Dew is one of the most well loved Irish whiskeys around the world.”
Earlier this year, Tullamore Dew was recognized by other prestigious drinks awards, receiving Gold Best in Class for Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old Special Reserve at the International Spirits Challenge and Double Gold at the International Wine and Spirit Competition for Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Single Malt and Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Blended Whiskey. In addition, Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Reserve and Single Malt also took home Gold Medals at the Spirits Masters.
Tullamore Dew is currently one of the fastest growing Irish whiskey brands, almost doubling worldwide sales to almost 700,000 (9L) cases since 2005. It is the largest selling Irish whiskey in many markets in Northern and Central Europe while in several countries, including Denmark, Czech Republic and Latviait is the largest selling whisk(e)y of any type.
