International Beverage, Alan Winchester, Malts of Scotland and Ian Millar of William Grant & Sons among those recognised in Whisky Magazine‘s top awards

The finest products, companies and individuals were recognised at one of Whisky Magazine’s most prestigious awards ceremonies held at the Surgeons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Friday 2 December 2016.

Whisky author and writer Charlie MacLean, hosted a lunch for the Scotch whisky industry alongside Whisky Magazine‘s managing editor Rupert Wheeler, and Scotland contributing editor Gavin D Smith. Guests made the journey from all across Scotland, including the Islands, to take part in the celebrations.

During the afternoon, three of the magazine’s top awards were presented including:

• Icons of Whisky Scotland 2017
• Independent Bottlers Challenge 2016
• Hall of Fame

Rupert Wheeler says: “As managing editor of Whisky Magazine, it is a privilege to be involved in these awards. Our Independent Bottlers Challenge rewards the independent companies that play such an important part in producing a unique range of whiskies while the Icons of Whisky pay tribute to the expertise that go into each bottle of Scotch. “Our Hall of Fame recognises those people who have made a longstanding contribution to the world of whisky. I would like to congratulate both Ian Millar and Charles MacLean on being inducted this year. I first met Charlie in Bengaluru, India in 2014 where we were presenting the Icons of Whisky India awards. I have never witnessed a more appreciative audience as when Charlie addressed the haggis. A superb evening enjoyed by so many whisky enthusiasts… that’s what whisky is all about. “And finally I would like to thank the international panel of judges and our sponsors for helping make these awards so worthwhile and rewarding.”

ICONS OF WHISKY SCOTLAND

THE RESULTS

Distiller Sponsored by Glencairn Crystal Winner: International Beverage (Inver House Distillers) HC: Beam Suntory

Brand Innovator Sponsored by Multi Packaging Solutions Winner: Tomatin Distillery Company HC: Douglas Laing & Co

Visitor Attraction Sponsored by Christie’s Winner: Highland Park Distillery HC: Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Craft Producer Sponsored by Wade Winner: Glasgow Distillery Company HC: Arbikie Highland Estate

Master Distiller / Master Blender Winner: Alan Winchester, The Glenlivet Distillery HC: Dr Craig Wilson, Diageo

 Distillery Manager Sponsored by Broxburn Properties Winner: Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Company HC: Gordon Bruce – Knockdhu Distillery

Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador Sponsored by Procurus Winner: George S Grant, J&G Grant (Glenfarclas) HC: Gordon Dundas, Beam Suntory

Visitor Attraction Manager Winner: Rikki Scott, Aberlour Distillery HC: Leigh Aitken, Lagavulin Distillery

Multiple Outlets Retailer Sponsored by Amrut Distilleries Winner: Robert Graham HC: Drinkmonger   S

ingle Outlet Retailer Winner: Gordon & MacPhail HC: Royal Mile Whiskies   Online Retailer Winner: Royal Mile Whiskies, www.royalmilewhiskies.com HC: Robbie’s Whisky Merchants, www.robbieswhiskymerchants.com

Travel Retailer Sponsored by Steklarna Hrastnik Winner: World of Whiskies, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports HC: The Fly Nip Whisky Shop, Inverness Airport

Supermarket Winner: Tesco HC: Lidl

For full Icons of Whisky results including shortlists, go to www.iconsofwhisky.com

INDEPENDENT BOTTLERS CHALLENGE

THE RESULTS

Non-Scotch Independent Bottler of the year Celtic Whiskey Shop Campbeltown Independent Bottler of the year The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Grain Independent Bottler of the year Malts of Scotland

Highland Independent Bottler of the year Douglas Laing & Co

Islands Independent Bottler of the year That Boutique-y Whisky Company

Islay Independent Bottler of the year Malts of Scotland

Lowland Independent Bottler of the year The Vintage Malt Whisky Company

Speyside Independent Bottler of the year Malts of Scotland

THE INDEPENDENT BOTTLER OF THE YEAR 2016 Malts of Scotland This independent bottler is based in Germany and has distributors worldwide. The company offers a range of highly exclusive whiskies from over 80 Scottish distilleries to the trade, whisky clubs and to individuals. Malts of Scotland provides a cask selection service with a tasting in the warehouse. If required, the team will produce individually labelled bottles complete with club, company or hotel logo.