A diligent blind tasting process by the panel of expert judges saw 43 trophies awarded to spirits including shochu, baijiu, liqueurs, tequila, mezcal, gin, vodka, rum, qquavit, brandy, armagnac, cognac and whiskies from around the world. 

International Spirits Challenge director Justin Smith said: “It has been an honour to celebrate the achievements of so many fantastic spirits producers around the world after a difficult few years. Our team has stepped up to deliver the first in-person ISC since 2019 and the amazing results highlight just how much momentum and innovation there is in the global drinks industry.

“The ISC is now in its 27th year and it is firmly established as the premier event for celebrating outstanding spirits from across the globe. Congratulations to all our medal winners, trophy winners and the Supreme Champion, Domaine Tariquet,” Smith added.

Tariquet Pure Folle Blanche 15 was selected as the very best spirit from the elite group of winners. The full ISC results are available here.

Other highlights include:

· Domaine Tariquet took the only trophy as well as the Armagnac Producer of the Year for the third year running.

· William Grant & Sons was once again named Distiller of the Year after securing an impressive medal haul across a number of spirits categories..

· Chivas Brothers scooped two trophies and several double gold medals within the Scotch whisky category and was named Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year for the third year running.

· There were also two trophies for Aquavit producer Anora Group who also scooped the award of Aquavit Producer of the Year.

· TTL Longtail Distillery in Taiwan claimed an impressive two trophies in the Baijiu category.

· There were eight trophies for Scotch, making it the most successful spirits categories in the Challenge.

· Marks & Spencer picked up the award for Supermarket Own Branded Spirits Range of the Year.

· The Foursquare Distillery picked up two Trophies as well as being named Rum Producer of the Year.

· Once again Sazerac won the award for American Whiskey Producer of the Year, Suntory won Japanese Whisky Producer of the Year, Irish Distillers was named Irish Whiskey Producer of the Year and Kavalan was honoured as World Whisky Producer of the Year.

· Absolut Company – Pernod Ricard was named Vodka Producer of the Year.

· KWV picked up a Trophy in both the Brandy and Cognac sectors and was named Brandy Producer of the Year.

· Stranger & Stranger once again took home the award for Design & Agency of the Year.

· Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience was voted Best Visitor Centre in the Tourism Awards while Skellig Six18 earned Best Distillery Tour.

· Dr Rachel Barrie from Brown-Forman was named Master Blender of the Year.

· Capreolus Distillery’s Barney Wilczak was named Rising Star.

· The Lifetime Achievement award went to Diageo’s Jim Beveridge.