Diageo - the maker of Johnnie Walker, J&B and Bell's Scotch whiskies - was named last night as 'Distiller of the Year' at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition held at Guildhall in London.
The award completed the hat trick for the company as it also picked up two top trophies for its Talisker single malt whisky. The only distillery on the Isle of Skye won the trophy for the best single malt under 12 years old and also the trophy for the best single malt over 12 years old for its special Talisker Distillers Edition.
On collecting the Distiller of the Year trophy, Tom Ness, Director of Diageo's spirits operations in Scotland, said: 'This is tremendous recognition for the effort and dedication of very many people over the years. The trophy is the industry’s most prestigious prize and to win all three demonstrates our continuing commitment to quality.'
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of brands across the spirits, beer and wine categories. Its spirits include Johnnie Walker (the world’s best-selling blended whisky), J&B (the world’s number two blend), Bell's (the UK's number one blended whisky) as well as Smirnoff Vodka, Captain Morgan Rum, Tanqueray and Gordon's Gins. The company operates 27 malt whisky distilleries in Scotland which produce the famous Classic Malts and a range of premium single malt whiskies.