Hankey Bannister 40 Year Old wins “World’s Best Scotch Blended Whisky”
Once again, Hankey Bannister 40 Year Old has been awarded the coveted title of the World’s Best Blended Scotch at the World Whisky Awards, having taken this title in 2008, then going on to win the World’s Best Blended Whisky in 2009.
300 whiskies battled over three tasting rounds for the coveted title of the “2011 Best Whiskies in the World”. Three intensive rounds of blind tastings were carried out by the Whisky Magazine’s independent editorial panel drawn from the best journalists and retailers across the world, and also by industry representatives made up of master blenders, distillers and brand ambassadors in the final round. The winners of the “2011 World Whiskies Awards” were announced at a dinner at the Waldorf, Hilton Hotel, in London last week.
Hankey Bannister 40 Years Old is an intricate and sophisticated blended Scotch whisky specially selected to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Hankey Bannister partnership.
This precious blend contains some of the world’s rarest and most extraordinary whiskies, such as Garnheath, Killyloch and Glen Flagler, whose distilleries are now no more.
The blends were skillfully hand-selected at 6 years old; this unique and exceptional blend was then re-racked into ex-sherry Spanish oak casks, which lay quietly maturing at the back of the warehouses until our Master Blender, Stuart Harvey, re-discovered them 34 years later.
Such is the rarity of this precious liquid that there exists only 1,917 crystal decanters of Hankey Bannister 40 Years Old, beautifully packaged in a keep-sake dark brown box with Glencairn crystal glasses.
The Hankey Bannister brand dates back to 1757 when Messrs Hankey and Bannister formed the successful partnership that created a smooth and complex blend of premium scotch whiskies which was awarded royal warrants under King George V and Edward VII. Today Hankey Bannister continues to charm an ever-growing number of consumers with their portfolio of the Original blend, 12 year old, 21 year old and 40 year old blended Scotch whisky, distilled at some of Scotland’s finest distilleries.
Hankey Bannister is the focus brand within International Beverage’s ever growing portfolio of blended Scotch whisky, selling over 230,000 cases a year in over 50 countries. International Beverage Holdings was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies.
International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the distillation, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.
Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the production, distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.
The brands include:
Chang Beer: one of the most popular beers in Thailand
Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
Mekhong: the ‘the Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.
