No.3 is the first gin ever, in 24 years of the Challenge, to win the ISC’s prestigious Supreme Spirit award. Made by respected Dutch distiller and liqueur producer, De Kuyper.
Lizzy Rudd executive chairperson at Berry Bros & Rudd, said: “Winning an ISC award is a hugely impressive achievement, and to be crowned overall spirit of the year is incredibly exciting. We’re passionate in our pursuit to offer No.3 as a beacon of undisputed quality within the congested world of gin and excited for consumers to discover the new bottle in October.”
The ISC awards were held at a gala black tie dinner held at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London last night (July 10).
For a full run down of the trophy and medal winners, go to: www.internationalspiritschallenge.com
ISC events director, Justin Smith, said: “2019 has a been a great year for the ISC, including trophies awarded for the first time in categories such as Bacanora, Mezcal and only the second time for Shochu, which is testament to the quality of entries we receive worldwide, as well as the ever evolving growth we invest into the challenge each year. We have more international judges than ever with expert knowledge and strong expertise across all our spirits categories.
“No.3 winning the Supreme Spirit award seems apt bearing in mind the massive interest and growth in sales of Gin. Who would have thought it, 30 years ago” said Smith.
Other highlights from the evening include:
- William Grant & Sons scoop up three trophies in the Scotch Whisky category as well as winning the coveted Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year and Distiller of the Year awards.
- Own Range products triumphed in the blind tasting with Lidl winning a trophy for its Ignis French Grain Vodka, while Marks & Spencer scooped the title of Supermarket Own Branded Spirits Range of the Year with a strong performance and 29 medals under its belt across several categories.
- A strong year for Rum where a total of five trophies were awarded. Foursquare Distillery picked up an impressive seven golds and one double gold, alongside Atom Brands who won two trophies. Both companies were awarded the trophy for Rum producer of the Year.
- Three trophies were awarded in the Agave Spirits category, including the first trophies ever awarded in the ISC’s history for Bacanora and Mezcal.
- Asian Spirits, including China’s Baijiu and Japanese Shōchū continue to prevail in the ISC and significantly this year, three trophies were awarded in the Shōchū category.
- 2.5% of entrants received a trophy – which highlights the superb achievement and accolade to those companies who were presented awards at the ceremony.
- Stranger & Stranger wins Design Agency of the Year award for the strongest performance of designs in the competition.
- Special Recognition Awards went to three leading industry figures. Japan’s Ichiro Akuto from Chichibu receiving Master Blender of the Year, Matt Hofmann from Westland Distilleries picking up the Rising Star award and David Stewart from William Grant & sons receiving the ISC Lifetime Achievement award.
Now in its 24th year, the ISC is the premier event in promoting outstanding quality spirits from across the globe, supported by many of the world's leading spirits producers as the international standard for quality and excellence. Founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, the ISC receives more than 1,700 entries from nearly 80 countries worldwide making it a truly global competition.
The competition culminated at the official awards ceremony where leading international producers and specialists paid tribute to some of the finest spirits and packaging designs in the world, celebrating the top 2.5% of entrants to receive Trophies and Special Awards.
