IRISH DISTILLERS SWEEPS THE BOARD AT WHISKY AWARDS – Irish Whiskey News
Master Blender Billy Leighton (left) and Master Distiller Barry Crockett (right) of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard
St. Patrick’s Day may be over for another year but Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, maker of the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, Jameson, is continuing its celebrations having been named Whisky Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards – Global 2013, for the second year running.
Further success followed as Redbreast 12 Cask Strength scooped the Best Irish Pot Still award.
The awards underline an impressive year for Irish Distillers, with sales of its flagship whiskey Jameson reaching four million global cases. Other recent highlights include the successful launch of Yellow Spot into the Single Pot Still range, as well as the launch of the coveted Midleton Single Cask Releases in February this year.
Peter Morehead, Production Director for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, says: “As one of the most respected whisky awards in the world, we are incredibly proud to be recognised once again by the Icons of Whisky Awards. We have been vocal about our ambitions for the Irish Whiskey category over the next 10 years as we aim to increase global awareness and appreciation for the quality of Irish whiskey, so these awards are greatly appreciated by all the team as the ultimate recognition of our ambition to grow the popularity of Irish Whiskey around the world.”
“It’s a momentous time in the history of Irish Distillers as we say goodbye to our legendary Master Distiller Barry Crockett after 47 years at the Midleton Distillery, so we would like to thank him for his immense contribution to the company and we shall look forward to continued success in the future as Brian Nation takes the reins.”
Last week’s accolades follow a host of recent award successes for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, including Whisky Advocate awarding the company Distiller of the Year and its single pot still whiskey, Yellow Spot revealed as its ‘Irish Whiskey of the Year’. Irish Distillers also won a trophy at The Spirits Masters in November 2012.
Notes:
About The Icons of Whiskey
Now in its 9th year in its current form, the Icons of Whiskey awards celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world, and are nominated by professionals in the drinks industry. Independent editorial panel of whiskey experts pick winners from the regional heats ofScotland,America and Rest of World before the overall winners are announced.
About Jameson
Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide.
The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson Select Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).
About Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton
In May 2011, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard announced plans to underline the rich heritage of Irish whiskey with the launch of a new initiative – Single Pot Still whiskeys of Midleton. Aimed at promoting consistent communication on the provenance and quality of single pot still whiskey, the launch heralded an increase in investment in Irish Distillers’ existing portfolio, ahead of a planned roll-out of innovative extensions. Additionally, the initiative marked the adoption by the industry of new terminology for this unique style of whiskey – moving from ‘pure pot still’ to ‘single pot still’.
About Irish Distillers – http://www.irishdistillers.ie/
Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.
A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midelton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.
About Pernod Ricard – http://www.pernod-ricard.com/
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,215 million in 2011/12. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate (formerly Montana), Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines.
Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 18 800 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 75 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
For further information please visit: http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/
