Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard USA, makers of the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, Jameson, was named Whiskey Distiller of the Year and Whiskey Brand Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whiskey Awards last night. Single pot still whiskey Powers John’s Lane Release was also recognized, taking the prize for Best Pot Still Whiskey within the World Whiskies Awards, at a ceremony held at the Waldorf Hilton in London.
The three awards underline a hugely successful and innovative year for the company, in which it demonstrated its unique distilling capabilities and a vision for the future of the Irish whiskey category. Highlights included the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton initiative, which introduced Powers John’s Lane Release, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength. Jameson also introduced the newest product in the Reserve range, Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel.
“We are honored to receive these phenomenal Icons of Whiskey awards, arguably among the most respected whiskey awards in the world,” said Wayne Hartunian, VP of Marketing Whiskies & Cognac for Pernod Ricard USA. “This is an exciting time for Irish whiskey in the U.S. and on the world stage. To be recognized as Distiller and Brand Innovator of the Year is a true testament to the continued contribution of our skilled distillery team at Midleton and our passionate employees around the globe.”
These accolades follow a lineup of recent successes for Irish Distillers including Distillery of the Year at the Whiskey Advocate Awards and the Whiskeys of the World Trophy at the 2011 International Spirits Challenge for Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy. Respected whiskey writer Jim Murray awarded 96.5 points to Powers John’s Lane Release, making it his 2012 Whiskey Bible Irish Whiskey of the Year and the highest ever scoring Irish whiskey in the history of the Bible.
