Whisky Magazine Names 2014 Icons of Whisky Winners

March 21, 2014 – Diageo took “Distiller of the Year” honors in Whisky Magazine’s annual Icons of Whisky Awards presented last night in London on the eve of Whisky Live London. Diageo had already won the Scottish regional competition in December for its massive investment in expanding production at many of its Scotch whisky distilleries, and beat out Irish Distillers (Rest of the World), Buffalo Trace (USA), and Balcones (USA Craft Distiller) in the final round. William Grant & Sons was named “Brand Innovator of the Year”, while Michael Foggarty of Ireland’s L. Mulligan Grocer/Swallow was named “Brand Ambassador of the Year.” Ardbeg’s Mickey Heads won “Distillery Manager of the Year” honors.

Laphroaig Distillery took top honors as “Visitor Attraction of the Year,” while Canadian Club’s Tish Harcus was named “Visitor Centre Manager of the Year.” In the retail categories, The Whisky Exchange in London (single-store), Paris’ La Maison du Whisky (multiple store), and Master of Malt (online) all won global Icons awards.

The ceremony also included the announcement of Icons winners for the Rest of the World regional competition, which covers everything other than Scotland and the US. As previously mentioned, Irish Distillers, Michael Foggarty, Tish Harcus, the Whisky Exchange, La Maison du Whisky, and Master of Malt were regional winners. Jean Donnay of France’s Glann ar Mor Distillery was named “Distillery Manager of the Year,” Compass Box “Brand Innovator of the Year,” and the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin “Visitor Attraction of the Year.”

All three regional rounds and the final selections were voted on by members of the Whisky Magazine editorial staff from a shortlist of nominations compiled by editor Rob Allanson.

Links: Whisky Magazine