William Grant named Grand Spirits Master 2012

William Grant has been named The Spirits Business’ Grand Spirits Master 2012 for the second consecutive year.

The Balvenie’s haul of Masters medals this year helped William Grant secure the title of Grand Spirit Master 2012

The UK-based drinks group, whose portfolio of spirits brands include The Balvenie, Sailor Jerry and Hendricks, won the most awards across all the Spirits Masters categories during 2012.

As well as being named Grand Spirits Master, William Grant also picked up the award for Scotch Whisky Master, after picking up an impressive seven Master, 11 Gold and two Silver medals at the competition held in April this year.

Daisy Jones, associate publisher of The Spirits Business, said: “After another record year of entries The Spirits Masters series has fast become one of the most respected blind tasting competitions for the global spirits industry.

“We now know spirit buyers and distributors are listing brands with our medals as they see it as a true endorsement of quality.

“It was easy crowning The Grand Masters this year as we had some clear winners that have won in previous years, however it was also very exciting to see some new contenders.”

The 2012 Grand Spirits Masters are:

Grand Spirit Master
William Grant

Absinthe
BBH Spirits, Le Fee

Tequila
Borco International GMBH – Sierra Tequila

Rum
Angostura Ltd

Scotch Whisky
William Grant & Sons Ltd

Asian
Purity Vodka

Design
The Edrington Group

Gin
Citadelle (Cognac Ferrand)

Irish Whiskey
Irish Distillers

Whiskies of the World
Tasmanian Distillery

Vodka
Purity Vodka

Vodka Consistence in Excellence
Tovaritch!

Travel Retail (Blind tasting)
The Edrington Group

Travel Retail (Marketing)
Bacardi

Liqueurs
Fratelli Averna SpA

Cognac
Moet Hennessy