Glenmorangie Named Top UK Spirits Distiller of the Year

NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past five years Glenmorangie has won a remarkable total of 18 'Gold Best in Class' medals at the International Wines and Spirit Competition (IWSC) — the most internationally-recognized wine and spirits awards body. This is more than any other single malt Scotch whisky, making Glenmorangie the 'best awarded' of any single malt.

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Since its foundation in 1969 the IWSC has rewarded excellence in the world of wines and spirits, and November 16 was no exception. In the presence of 500 aficionados from across the globe at London's historic Guildhall, Glenmorangie received yet another honor — the IWSC Best Distiller award. The title is a well-deserved addition to Glenmorangie's collection of distinguished accolades.

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie, said: "It's great to receive validation from the IWSC of our 'unnecessarily well made' whiskies. We have the tallest stills in Scotland giving us a smoother, purer spirit; we only use our casks twice for maximum flavor — whereas other companies use theirs up to six or seven times; and we are pioneers of extra maturation. Glenmorangie was the first whisky company to practice the art of extra maturing whisky in ex-wine casks and we are still the leading experts in this today."

Brian Cox, Vice President of Glenmorangie in the U.S., said: "We are both honored and flattered to receive the IWSC Best Distiller award — a prestigious recognition that we do not take lightly. It's truly the distillery and the people who create Glenmorangie that sets our whisky apart from the competition. I raise a glass of our whisky not only in celebration, but as a testament to all that Glenmorangie has collectively accomplished."

Notes to Editors
For further information, please email Brian Cox, Vice President of Glenmorangie in the USA, at [email protected].

About Glenmorangie
The Glenmorangie distillery was founded in 1843 in the Highlands of Scotland and is renowned as a pioneer in its field for uniting tradition with innovation. Glenmorangie is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the 16 Men of Tain. It has been Scotland's favorite single malt for over 50 years and is famous worldwide for producing the most complex and perfectly balanced Single Malts in the world.

About The Glenmorangie Company
The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company produces two main single malt brands — Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Whisky.

About The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC)
The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. The IWSC Awards mark out of a possible 100, with Gold medals going to whiskies within the top ten percentile. Gold Best in Class is bestowed upon the top whisky within the top ten percentile. Silver medals are given to spirits ranging within 80 — 89.9 and bronze medals are appointed to products between 75 — 79.9 marks.

Responsible Drinking
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savor Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

SOURCE Moet Hennessy USA