International Beverage Holdings Enjoy a Medal Streak at Major Global Competition

International Beverage Holdings are celebrating an extraordinary haul of honours in the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition. The Airdrie-based distiller won a phenomenal sixteen awards across their portfolio of Scotch whiskies, which includes Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Balblair and Speyburn single malts and Hankey Bannister, MacArthur’s and Catto’s blended Scotch whiskies.

In total, the company picked up three gold awards, all of which were ‘Best in Class’ and a further thirteen silver awards, of which two were ‘Best in Class’. International Beverage Holdings own five distilleries across Scotland (Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn, Knockdhu and Balmenach) and manage the production, distillation and maturation of a broad portfolio of drinks brands in markets across the globe.

This unprecedented array of results is significant for the forward thinking company whose brands continue to go from strength to strength both in the international and domestic markets. Old Pulteney Scotch Whisky is one of the fastest growing single malt brands in the UK off-trade, with sales increasing 62% in the twelve months to June. *

Karen Walker, Marketing Director at International Beverage Holdings says:

“We’re absolutely thrilled with our wins from this inaugural competition. Scooping sixteen awards is a great reflection of the quality and craftsmanship of our whiskies and the passion and enthusiasm of the team behind them.”

Each of these globally respected international awards follow a rigorous two-stage judging process of blind tastings and detailed technical analysis by a panel of industry experts. The awards received are a testament to the quality of the products and the great work of each of the distilleries

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. With entries from over 80 countries worldwide, it aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

-Notes

*Figures supplied by A C Neilson.

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 production, 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 distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘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.

The Full List of Awards Placed for International Beverage are:

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1978 GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 YO GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 40 YO GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 17 YO SILVER (BEST IN CLASS)
Drummer Blended Scotch Whisky 5 YO SILVER (BEST IN CLASS)
Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2000 SILVER
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 21 YO SILVER
Balblair Highland Single Malt 1989 Vintage (2nd Release) SILVER
Old Pulteney WK209 Single Malt Scotch Whisky SILVER
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 16 YO SILVER
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 YO SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky Original SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 12 YO SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 21 YO SILVER
Catto’s Blended Scotch Whisky Rare Old Scottish SILVER
Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky SILVER