Whyte & Mackay claimed a number of prestigious prizes at the International Wine and Spirit Competition at London’s Guildhall held earlier this month, in a night that saw the premium spirits portfolio awarded four times by the industry panel. The international competition is the highlight in the alcohol industry calendar, with an annual awards ceremony attended by the leading figures in the industry – producers, retailers and distributors. A panel approaching 400 judges worldwide review entries for 7 months of the year, with a rigorous process including blind tasting, chemical and microbiological analysis.
On the IWSC Awards Bryan Donaghey, Whyte & Mackay Chief Executive, said: “To see the business awarded four times by such a respected, international competition is welcome news. We are committed to developing premium spirits brands to bring to markets worldwide. We find there is significant consumer demand across our portfolio, not least our brands produced in Scotland that continue to drive worldwide demand for Scotch Whisky. To have the acknowledgement from the industry at this time is a fitting reflection of the investment we continue to make in our spirits, here in Scotland and worldwide.
“The business in Scotland is built on a fine tradition of Scotch Whisky Production. The Dalmore, under the guardianship of our Master Distiller Richard Paterson has continued to set the standard in Single Malt whisky. It is an important part of our story – and the story of Scotch Whisky around the world. It is especially fitting to see The Dalmore – and Richard – acknowledged in this way as Richard celebrates 50 years in the industry.”
The announcement marks a significant period in history for the producer based in Glasgow. The business launched new Speyside Single Malt Whisky, Tamnavulin in 2016, with the Blended Scotch Whisky, Shackleton launched in 2017 – a blend of the finest highland malts – a brand built on the historic link between Sir Ernest Shackleton and Whyte & Mackay.
The night also crowned an exceptional year for Master Distiller, Richard Paterson. As a celebration of 50 years in the industry, Richard ‘The Nose’ Paterson has completed a worldwide series of whisky masterclasses, delivered to aficionados at iconic locations including Claridges, London – Waldorf Astoria, Berlin – Mandarin Oriental, Taipei – The Wynn, Las Vegas. At the helm of The Dalmore for approaching 5 decades the charismatic artisan has pioneered a portfolio of Scotch Whisky that is exported across the world.
“The past 50 years have flown by and I am so proud of what I have achieved in the industry. My time with The Dalmore has provided me with some of my fondest moments. The chance to create and work with the world’s oldest and rarest malts has been an absolute privilege and I’m forever grateful that I’ve been able to share these treasures with fellow whisky lovers across the world.
“It has been a great honour to create a collection of whiskies with the team at Whyte & Mackay, not least the recent Shackleton - as a testament to Sir Ernest Shackleton. His character and his story remain a true inspiration, and I wanted to capture the essence of Sir Ernest within this, our latest whisky,” commented Richard Paterson.
“To be awarded the Lifetime Award by the IWSC is very special indeed – an honour to be recognised by such a renowned competition.”
On Richard Paterson, Bryan Donaghey, said: “With a unique flair and unwavering passion for developing only the finest whisky, Richard continues to be a driving force in the industry. His natural ability is unparalleled and he is, without doubt, a master of his art. Watching Richard work with The Dalmore is inspiring, and we are privileged to join him in celebrating such an important milestone in his career.”
Farsons Beverage Imports Company (FBIC) Limited, a member of the Farsons Group, imports, markets and distributes a selection of Whyte & Mackay whiskies.