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.
Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
Marking its 200th anniversary, Midleton Distillery has unveiled a special 28 year old whiskey that introduces Mizunara oak to the celebratory series for the first time. The timber is prized for its spicy, fragrant influence and its notoriously difficult cooperage. The limited-edition bottling concludes a year of celebrations recognising two centuries of whiskey-making at the…
Why settle for ordinary when you can gift the extraordinary? Welcome to an unashamedly indulgent Christmas Gift Guide, packed with handpicked delights sure to tantalise the senses. From the best in bourbon and classic single malts, to cocktails made easy, these suggestions are sure to please… Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey The…
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.
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Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
Only 636 Bottles: Midleton celebrates bicentennial with 28 year old Mizunara-influenced whiskey
Marking its 200th anniversary, Midleton Distillery has unveiled a special 28 year old whiskey that introduces Mizunara oak to the celebratory series for the first time. The timber is prized for its spicy, fragrant influence and its notoriously difficult cooperage. The limited-edition bottling concludes a year of celebrations recognising two centuries of whiskey-making at the…
Indulgent Christmas gift ideas to delight the senses: whisky, vodka, gin, cocktails and more
Why settle for ordinary when you can gift the extraordinary? Welcome to an unashamedly indulgent Christmas Gift Guide, packed with handpicked delights sure to tantalise the senses. From the best in bourbon and classic single malts, to cocktails made easy, these suggestions are sure to please… Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey The…
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