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 Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky. The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery. Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow,…
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
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.
Drink in 2026 with these Jamaican sherried rum, peated whisky, and high-strength bourbon exclusives
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
New Cask Strength Highland Park whisky puts Orkney heather front and centre
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky. The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery. Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow,…
Toasting the Bard: Where to eat, drink and celebrate Burns Night 2026
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
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