The Famous Grouse has received the top award – Gold, Best In Class - in the Scotch whisky pure malt 30 years old category at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

In addition, The Famous Grouse Finest was awarded a Silver medal in the Scotch whisky blended – no age category.

Gerry O’Donnell, director of The Famous Grouse, said: “These two awards reinforce The Famous Grouse’s position as a producer of world class premium whisky. It is great to receive the seal of approval and recognition from the IWSC, which has been described as ‘the oscars of the drinks trade worldwide’.”

The IWSC is regarded as the premier competition of its kind in the world. The whiskies, like all of the spirits and wines in the event, go through a rigorous two stage judging process. This includes blind tasting in groups divided by variety, region and vintage, followed by detailed chemical analysis.

This year, panels of up to seven judges from consumer and trade organisations sampled up to 340 Scotch whisky products, a nine per cent increase on 2006.

The judges were particularly impressed with The Famous Grouse 30-year-old malt, saying it has: “Great balance and super, satisfying finish. A lovely whisky showing pure class”. They also praised its “attractive and amazing array of fruit on the nose”.

Parent company, The Edrington Group, also scooped a total of 12 medals for each of the 12 Highland Park and The Macallan expressions it entered into the Islands and Speyside categories respectively.

Orkney-based Highland Park won awards for the brands’ complete portfolio, including the top award of Gold, Best In Class for its oldest expression, Highland Park 30 years old. The brand was also awarded Gold medals for its 12, 18 and 25 years old, Silver, Best In Class for its 15 years old and Silver for its 16 years old duty free exclusive.

The Macallan also enjoyed success winning 3 Silver Medals for its 10, 15 and 30 years old Fine Oak Single Malts, Silver for its 18 years old Sherry Oak and Bronze for its 12 years old Sherry Oak and its 12 years old duty free exclusive Elegancia.

The Famous Grouse, Highland Park and The Macallan are imported, marketed and distributed by Wands Limited, a subsidiary company of The Farsons Group of Companies. 

About The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in Scotland, and no. 5 blended whisky worldwide. 
• The Famous Grouse is exported to 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand. The brand became so popular that on August 11^th 1905, it was renamed The Famous Grouse.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland. For further information about The Experience please visit: www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience.