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 Glendronach is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a limited-edition, three cask single malt inspired by the Highland home where the distillery’s story began. The 14 Year Old Glendronach Boynsmill House Edition pays tribute to Boynsmill Estate, where James Allardice founded The Glendronach in 1826. The distillery sits in the Valley of the Brambles in…
Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled a 31 Year Old single malt, the distillery’s oldest peated whisky to date. The new expression takes its name from the challenging trail between Inversnaid and Inverarnan on the north-east shores of the loch. The route forms one of the more demanding sections of the West Highland Way, passing through…
Bowmore has joined forces with design studio Snarkitecture for a pair of 20 Year Old single malts. This is Snarkitecture’s first venture into whisky; the design studio is better known for its experimental, arty approach to architecture. Co-founder Alex Mustonen travelled from New York to Islay, drawing inspiration from the island’s landscape and Bowmore’s historic…
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.
Glendronach 14 Year Old Boynsmill House Edition is a sherry-matured whisky with a claret twist
The Glendronach is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a limited-edition, three cask single malt inspired by the Highland home where the distillery’s story began. The 14 Year Old Glendronach Boynsmill House Edition pays tribute to Boynsmill Estate, where James Allardice founded The Glendronach in 1826. The distillery sits in the Valley of the Brambles in…
Loch Lomond unveils its oldest peated single malt whisky to date, 31 years in the making
Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled a 31 Year Old single malt, the distillery’s oldest peated whisky to date. The new expression takes its name from the challenging trail between Inversnaid and Inverarnan on the north-east shores of the loch. The route forms one of the more demanding sections of the West Highland Way, passing through…
Bowmore takes whisky lovers on sherry and oak journey with 20 Year Old Captivo Collection
Bowmore has joined forces with design studio Snarkitecture for a pair of 20 Year Old single malts. This is Snarkitecture’s first venture into whisky; the design studio is better known for its experimental, arty approach to architecture. Co-founder Alex Mustonen travelled from New York to Islay, drawing inspiration from the island’s landscape and Bowmore’s historic…
Share this: