The quality of Irish drinks was acknowledged with 66 medals including 3 Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017.
Currently on its 48th edition, the IWSC was created by wine chemist Anton Massel, who in 1969 had the idea of creating a wine and spirit competition which based not just on organoleptic judgement but where all entries also had to undergo chemical analysis.
Tullamore Dew 12 YO Special Reserve was highlighted with an Outstanding Gold Medal.
Two other spirits also received Gold medals: Blackwater No. 5 Gin, a London Dry gin made by the Blackwater Distillery and Teeling Whiskey Single Malt Irish Whiskey, a no- age statement single malt made by the Teeling Whiskey Company.
Waking up to a golden morning. Blackwater No.5 Gin has won Gold #IWSC17 The only Irish #gin to do so pic.twitter.com/AZueOGx34K
— BlackwaterDistillery (@BlackDistillery) July 26, 2017
A total of nine spirits received Outstanding Silver Medals: Dundalgan Special Reserve Charred Cask Irish Whiskey, Jameson Round Irish Whiskey, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, Powers John’s Lane Release, Slane Irish Whiskey, Teeling Whiskey Company – Spirit of Dublin Poitín, Teeling Whiskey White Burgundy Single Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Thin Gin and Tullamore Dew 18 YO.
Another award for Muldoon! Delighted for @ThinGin1 and newby @SpikeIslandRum too!! #IWSC17 🥃⚓️☘️ pic.twitter.com/2j1lD9sDVC
— Muldoon (@Muldoonwhiskey) July 26, 2017
The honour of more Silver was given to 42 alcoholic drinks including well known bottles from big brands such as Irish Distiller’s Yellow Spot 12 YO, Tullamore DEW’s blended no age statement whiskey, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Redbreast 12 YO Single Pot Still, Midleton Very Rare and Jameson Caskmates.
Aldi’s Boyles Premium Small Batch Irish Gin and Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur were both awarded, as well as bottles from medium and boutique distilleries both established and recent including Listoke 1777 Small Batch Irish Gin and Bonac 24 Gin.
Boyle’s Premium Small Batch Irish Gin is made by Blackwater Distillery in Waterford, sold exclusively in Aldi stores and was awarded two silver medals – one in the Gin (London Dry – 40%) only competition, and one in the Gin & Tonic Competition.
You can find out about all the winners per country and category here.
