CBB NEWS

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS CROWNED DISTILLER AND INTERNATIONAL DISTILLER OF THE YEAR 17 November 2011 Pioneering distiller scoops two prestigious titles, three trophies and 51 medals at IWSC Awards (New York, NY) Independent, family-owned distiller William Grant & Sons has been named the 2011 ‘Distiller of the Year’ and ‘International Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Awards, which took place at Guildhall in London, last night. William Grant & Sons has retained the IWSC’s title of ‘Distiller of the Year’ from last year, the fourth time it has been awarded this highly sought-after title since 1999, having received distiller accolades from ISC and IWSC an unprecedented nine times in the last 12 years. In total the Company took home 56 awards – including three Trophies and 19 Golds. Leading the way was Glenfiddich, which received Gold awards for every one of its core brand variants from 12–40 Year Old. The Balvenie 30 picked up the coveted Trophy for Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years and Over, as well as Gold Best in Class. Icelandic brand, Reyka Vodka, triumphed in its category winning the Vodka Trophy and Milagro Reposado Tequila took the Trophy for Tequila. Brian Kinsman, William Grant & Sons’ Malt Master and Master Blender, commented on the win, “We’re absolutely delighted to be named ‘Distiller of the Year’ and ‘International Spirits Producer of the Year’. Having won the 2010 title of IWSC Distiller of the Year last year, it’s fantastic to have received this recognition again in 2011. It is truly testament to the hard work the whole team puts in crafting our award winning portfolio of premium spirits.” William Grant & Sons wins these awards fresh from its victory at the International Spirits Challenge event, where The Balvenie Distillery’s PortWood 21 Year was named ‘Supreme Champion Spirit’. Full list of 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Awards for William Grant & Sons is: Distiller of the Year International Spirits Producer of the Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 15 Years and Over Trophy The Balvenie 30 Year Old Vodka Trophy Reyka Vodka Tequila Trophy Milagro Reposado