Ian Wisniewski, spirits writer and chairman of the white spirits judges,said: “Judging the Supreme Champion Spirit is always a challenging job as it means comparing spirits from different categories. I’m looking to see how each delivers the characteristics of its particular category, in conjunction with a sense of individuality, as well as star quality, and Merlet Crème de Cassis delivered exactly what I would expect from a Crème de Cassis, while also having its own personality.”
11 Trophies were presented to the highest scoring gold medallists and William Grant & Sons was awarded Distiller of the Year, Waitrose was named Multiple Spirits Retailer of the Year and The Whisky Exchange won the award for the best Independent Spirits Retailer.
Bacardi’s Corzo Tequila was named the overall winner in the ISC Design and Packaging category. Along with this title it won the award for best New Packaging, whilst Best Established went to The Brand Distillery for U’luvka and Best Repackaged went to Crown Speciality Packaging for the Bruichladdich Distillery Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Waves, Rocks and Peat).
Recently retired Edrington Group master blender, John Ramsay, received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the annual ISC Awards Ceremony, which took place in London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square. Before retiring from the Edrington Group in July this year, Ramsay spent eighteen years overseeing the quality of whiskies such as Highland Park, Macallan and Famous Grouse.
Christian Davis, editor of Drinks International, said: “It was only fitting that we should present this accolade to John Ramsay. Not only is he a very high profile and well regarded personality in the drinks’ industry, he has worked tirelessly throughout his career to produce only the best Scotch whiskies. He is an outstanding ambassador for the whisky industry.”
The ISC is now in its 14th year and currently attracts around 1000 entries from producers across the globe. This prestigious tasting competition was recently taken over by global drinks’ industry title Drinks International. For a complete list of all medallists, visit www.internationalspiritschallenge.com.
See a clip from the evening's entertainment, the fabulous Bar Wizards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_4SFRnODo
International Spirits Challenge 2009 Awards
International Spirits Challenge Supreme Champion 2009
Distillerie Merlet & Fils
Merlet Crème de Cassis
Outstanding Contribution Award
John Ramsay
ISC Trophy Winners
Tequila
Borco Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo (41.5% abv)
Gin
Martin Miller Tenth Anniversary (54% abv)
Liqueur
Merlet Crème de Cassis (20% abv)
Vodka
La Martiniquaise Poliakov Premium (38% abv)
Kuchino Russian Premium (40% abv)
Rum
St Lucia Admiral Rodney (40% abv)
Brandy
Distell Van Ryn’s 12 year old (38% abv)
Bache-Gabrielsen Dupuy Cognac Hors D’Age (40% abv)
Whiskies
Whyte & Mackay 30 year old blended whisky (40% abv)
William Grant The Balvenie Portwood 21 year old (40% abv)
Asahi Nikka Whiskies Taketsuru 21 year old (43% abv)
Drinks International Cocktail Challenge Champion 2009
Santa Teresa Claro
Illumination
International Spirits Challenge 2009 – Design and Packaging Awards
Bacardi
Corzo Tequila
Best Repackaged Design & Packaging
Bruichladdich Distillery - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Waves, Rocks and Peat)
Supplied by Crown Speciality Packaging
Best Established Design & Packaging
The Brand Distillery - U’luvka Vodka
Overall Design & Packaging Champion 2009
Bacardi
Corzo Tequila
International Spirits Challenge 2009 - Retailer Awards
Independent Spirits Retailer (UK)
The Whisky Exchange
Multiple Spirits Retailer (UK)
Waitrose
International Spirits Retailer
World Duty Free
Excellence in Craftsmanship Award
Destilerias Sierra Unidas (Borco World of Spirits)
Distiller of the Year Award
William Grant & Sons
