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.
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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.
Prawn lovers, ISSO Prawn Crazy’s festive menus come with the chance to win a Sri Lankan holiday
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter Two is a 35 Year Old single malt tribute to its historic distillery owner
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
This Peckham-brewed Pure English Sake is a different kind of festive pour
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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