International Beverage scoops gold again with multiple IWSC medal wins

International Beverage is adding to its extraordinary 2016 medal haul with the announcement of 31 wins at one of the world’s toughest and most established industry challenges – the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The biggest winner was Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the company’s premium single malt which is released exclusively in vintage format. Balblair Vintage 1990 won the IWSC Trophy for a single malt Scotch whisky over 15 Years Old, plus there were Gold Outstanding medals for both Balblair Vintage 1983 and Balblair Vintage 1990.

In a year in which IWSC organisers have seen a record number of entries to the competition, there were also impressive Gold medal wins for Old Pulteney 21 Year Old, anCnoc 12 Year Old, and for the premium blend Hankey Bannister for both its Heritage Blend and 12 Year Old expressions.

A further eight Silver Outstanding medals were awarded across the portfolio – with Old Pulteney taking four for its 12 Year Old and 17 Year Old malts, the Noss Head travel retail exclusive and the delicious Old Pulteney Stroma Malt Whisky Liqueur. The remainder were awarded to Speyburn Arranta Casks, anCnoc 24 Year Old and two Balblair travel retail exclusives – Vintage 1999 and Vintage 2004.

An additional fourteen Silver and two Bronze medals completed this remarkable IWSC medal haul – which follows in the wake of big wins for International Beverage at the International Spirits Challenge, Global Spirit Masters, World Whiskies Awards and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition earlier in the year.

International Beverage Marketing Director Karen Walker commented: “Our medal total for 2016 now sits at over 80 and counting, which is really something to celebrate and a huge achievement for the teams at our distilleries. This has been a very special year for our business and the success of our whiskies and gin, however we take nothing for granted and will continue to work hard to craft the very highest quality spirits for our consumers to enjoy.”

IWSC / International Beverage 2016 medals in full

 About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies and is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.