As it celebrates two centuries of whiskey-making, Midleton Distillery has been named Most Awarded International Distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most competitive spirits contests in the world.
The accolade follows a stellar showing by Midleton’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, which collectively secured 41 medals, including 21 Double Golds, 10 Golds, 9 Platinum Awards, and 9 Best of Class finalists – with final results to be unveiled at the SFWSC Top Shelf Gala later this year.
The accolade comes following a stellar showing by Midleton’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, which collectively secured 41 medals…
Located in County Cork, Midleton Distillery is the spiritual home of some of Ireland’s most revered whiskey brands, including Jameson, Redbreast, the Spot Whiskeys (Green, Yellow, Blue, and Gold), and the prestigious Midleton Very Rare collection.
The 2025 recognition arrives during a landmark year for the distillery, which traces its origins back to 1825, when it was first established by the Murphy family. Over the centuries, it has grown through consolidation and innovation; from its merger into the Cork Distilleries Company in 1867, through the formation of Irish Distillers in 1966, to the construction of the current state-of-the-art facility in 1975.
Honouring craft and consistency
The SFWSC Platinum Awards – granted only to entries that have received Double Gold for three consecutive years – underline not just excellence, but consistency. Few distilleries manage such accolades across a single brand, let alone an entire portfolio. For whisky connoisseurs, this serves as compelling validation of Midleton’s approach: balancing heritage with technical mastery.
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, reflected on the achievement, saying: “This recognition pays tribute to the craftsmanship and dedication of the talented team at Midleton Distillery, where we have seen knowledge and expertise passed down through the generations. Each whiskey is crafted with care and meticulous attention to detail. To see our work acknowledged by this prestigious award is deeply rewarding.”
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Irish Distillers, added: “To be recognised as the most awarded international distillery at one of the world’s most influential spirits competitions is a true honour. It’s a testament to the passion, innovation and commitment of our teams, past and present, and to the enduring global appeal of Irish whiskey.”
We say, Midleton’s achievement is more than a trophy cabinet triumph; it signals Irish whiskey’s ongoing renaissance on the world stage. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the win reinforces the distillery’s reputation for quality and reliability across its expressions, from accessible favourites to limited-edition rarities.
With 200 years behind it and the world watching, Midleton Distillery is proving that Irish whiskey’s finest days may still lie ahead.
The evocatively titled Pineapple Bananza is the latest addition to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental Heresy range; it’s a small-batch Irish single malt whiskey created in collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Batch 38: Pineapple Bananza stands out for both its origin and production style. Irish whiskey is an infrequent guest in the Society’s portfolio,…
El Supremo Rum, from Paraguay, has launched in the UK, bringing a distinctive national style – Caña Paraguaya – to British rum fans. Produced in partnership with CAPASA, Paraguay’s state‑owned sugarcane alcohol producer, the range draws on traditional production methods rooted in indigenous Guaraní culture. El Supremo is made using 100% sugarcane juice that’s reduced…
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig has introduced its first permanent core single malt. Crafted in small batches, Torabhaig Taigh is matured in a combination of first-fill and refill bourbon casks, with the addition of Madeira casks to round out the profile. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtration and no added colour.…
The Luxe Review 
As it celebrates two centuries of whiskey-making, Midleton Distillery has been named Most Awarded International Distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most competitive spirits contests in the world.
The accolade follows a stellar showing by Midleton’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, which collectively secured 41 medals, including 21 Double Golds, 10 Golds, 9 Platinum Awards, and 9 Best of Class finalists – with final results to be unveiled at the SFWSC Top Shelf Gala later this year.
Located in County Cork, Midleton Distillery is the spiritual home of some of Ireland’s most revered whiskey brands, including Jameson, Redbreast, the Spot Whiskeys (Green, Yellow, Blue, and Gold), and the prestigious Midleton Very Rare collection.
The 2025 recognition arrives during a landmark year for the distillery, which traces its origins back to 1825, when it was first established by the Murphy family. Over the centuries, it has grown through consolidation and innovation; from its merger into the Cork Distilleries Company in 1867, through the formation of Irish Distillers in 1966, to the construction of the current state-of-the-art facility in 1975.
Honouring craft and consistency
The SFWSC Platinum Awards – granted only to entries that have received Double Gold for three consecutive years – underline not just excellence, but consistency. Few distilleries manage such accolades across a single brand, let alone an entire portfolio. For whisky connoisseurs, this serves as compelling validation of Midleton’s approach: balancing heritage with technical mastery.
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, reflected on the achievement, saying: “This recognition pays tribute to the craftsmanship and dedication of the talented team at Midleton Distillery, where we have seen knowledge and expertise passed down through the generations. Each whiskey is crafted with care and meticulous attention to detail. To see our work acknowledged by this prestigious award is deeply rewarding.”
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Irish Distillers, added: “To be recognised as the most awarded international distillery at one of the world’s most influential spirits competitions is a true honour. It’s a testament to the passion, innovation and commitment of our teams, past and present, and to the enduring global appeal of Irish whiskey.”
We say, Midleton’s achievement is more than a trophy cabinet triumph; it signals Irish whiskey’s ongoing renaissance on the world stage. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the win reinforces the distillery’s reputation for quality and reliability across its expressions, from accessible favourites to limited-edition rarities.
With 200 years behind it and the world watching, Midleton Distillery is proving that Irish whiskey’s finest days may still lie ahead.
Triple-distilled Pineapple Bananza Irish single malt joins SMWS Heresy range
The evocatively titled Pineapple Bananza is the latest addition to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental Heresy range; it’s a small-batch Irish single malt whiskey created in collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Batch 38: Pineapple Bananza stands out for both its origin and production style. Irish whiskey is an infrequent guest in the Society’s portfolio,…
First Pour: El Supremo brings Paraguayan Caña style sugarcane honey rum to UK
El Supremo Rum, from Paraguay, has launched in the UK, bringing a distinctive national style – Caña Paraguaya – to British rum fans. Produced in partnership with CAPASA, Paraguay’s state‑owned sugarcane alcohol producer, the range draws on traditional production methods rooted in indigenous Guaraní culture. El Supremo is made using 100% sugarcane juice that’s reduced…
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig unveils Taigh as first core single malt, brings poetry to peat whisky
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig has introduced its first permanent core single malt. Crafted in small batches, Torabhaig Taigh is matured in a combination of first-fill and refill bourbon casks, with the addition of Madeira casks to round out the profile. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtration and no added colour.…
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