Global toast to whisky winners
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Whisky firms across Moray/Speyside are raising a glass after success on the global stage.
Benromach Distillery's brand home manager Susan Colville was named Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year at the prestigious Global Icons of Whisky Awards, organised by Whisky Magazine.
The Macallan won the title of Brand Innovator of the Year at the awards, while Brian Kinsman, of William Grant & Sons, took the award for Master Distiller/Blender of the Year.
The Balvenie's Gemma Paterson was also celebrating after being named Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year.
The awards, which were announced in a ceremony in London’s Honourable Artillery Company on Friday, pay tribute to the expertise that is poured into every bottle of whisky made around the world. Winners from each region – America, Australia, Ireland, Rest of World and Scotland – compete to be crowned the global winner.
Only those working in the industry can nominate an individual or brand, with the final winners chosen by a panel of expert judges.
Speaking after the win, Susan Colville said: "I'm incredibly proud to have received this award following an incredible few years of development for Benromach.
"Our visitor numbers have grown significantly year on year and, following our successful 20th Anniversary celebrations during 2018, we are looking forward to continuing to share Benromach’s fascinating story with visitors from around the world. This award recognises our whole team’s endeavours to showcase our distillery and our national drink on a global stage.’’
In 2018, Susan was made a Keeper of the Quaich, joining the international society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.