Press Release

16th July 2008

Cooley Collects a Record 10 Gold Medals

Ireland’s Independent Whiskey Distillery Beats Competition Medal Haul Record at the 2009 IWSC
 
Cooley Distillery, Irelands only independent Irish whiskey distillery, has won a record 10 Gold Medals at the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).  The results were announced today at the IWSC 40th Anniversary Celebration in Edinburgh.

This is the first time that an Irish whiskey distiller has managed to collect 10 IWSC Gold Medals in a single year.  In 2008, Cooley won a then record nine Gold Medals and was awarded seven “Best in Class” awards.  This year nine of their ten Gold Medal winning whiskeys were awarded ”Best in Class”.

IWSC medals are awarded on a strict points system by a panel of international judges.  They are the most prestigious honours bestowed to the drinks industry as they are judged solely on the quality of the wine or spirit.

The independent distillery’s overall 2009 medal tally of 21 eclipsed all other Irish whiskey companies at the Edinburgh event.

“2008 was a very successful year for Cooley winning nine IWSC Gold Medals and being crowned World Distiller of the Year however 2009 is shaping up to be even better. ” comments Jack Teeling, Sales & Marketing Director for Cooley Distillery. “Our continual commitment to innovation and quality is being recognised and rewarded. This years IWSC performance reinforces this with both our own portfolio of whiskeys and those we produce for our industry partners being recognised for their excellence.”

ENDS

List of Gold Medals at the 2009 IWSC

Gold Medal & Best in Class, Kilbeggan 15 Year Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Tyrconnell Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Finish Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Tyrconnell 15 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Sherry Finish Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Greenore 8 Year Old Single Grain
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Greenore 15 Year Old Single Grain
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Lockes 8 Year Old Single Malt
Gold Medal, Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Finish Single Malt

For More Information:
 
Jack Teeling                                                 +353-1-8332833

Marketing Director

David O’Siochain                                        +353-1- 6496322

Pembroke Communications

Visit Cooley Distillery at  http://www.cooleywhiskey.com/