London's Marriott Grosvenor Square played host to the Drinks International-organised event, with around 200 members of the global spirits industry in attendance.
Paul-Charles Ricard was present at the event to collect a posthumous Outstanding Contribution award for the late Patrick Ricard, while Suntory was named Distiller of the Year and Havana Club, Excellence in Craftsmanship.
In the scotch category The Balvenie Tun 1401 joined Hankey Bannister as a trophy winner, while Suntory’s Hakushu 25-year old and Yamasaki 18-year old swept the board in the Whiskies of the World category, both taking trophies.
Heaven Soft Vodka, Toffee Vodka from Marks & Spencer and Putinoff Premium Vodka from Lidl took the trophies in the vodka category and No.3 Gin by Berry Bros & Rudd and Chivas Brothers’ Beefeater London Dry Gin (47%) were named best gins.
William Grant & Sons dominated the Tequila category with Milagro Silver and Milagro Reposado; the Liqueurs & Specialities division was headed up by Supercassis Pages Vedrenne, Campari Gruppo's Campari and Merlet Creme de Cassis by Distillerie Merlet & Fils.
The Design and Packaging trophies were won by Edrington’s Thor, Diageo’s John Walker & Sons Odysey and Johnnie Walker Black Label Limited Edition (by Jasper Goodall) and Ron Manacas Sanchez by Romate Hnos.
|
Hankey Bannister 40-year old |
Best Digital & Social Media Marketing Campaign went to Bombay Sapphire & Tribeca Film Festival Digital Activation; Best Integrated Campaign was won by Istanbul Blue Night; and Marketing Awards Overall Winner & Best Experiential Campaign went to Bombay Sapphire – Artisan Series.
The title of International Multiple Spirits Retailer was won by Duty Free Dubai Ports, UK Independent Spirits Retailer was named as Gerry’s Wines & Spirits, and UK Multiple Spirits Retailer went to Waitrose.
The awards ceremony was presented by DI publisher Russell Dodd; Paul Foulkes-Arellano of Seymour Powell; spirits writer Ian Wisniewski; Christian Davis DI editor; and DI commercial director Justin Smith.
Drinks journalists cum comedians Tom Sandham and Ben McFarland also made an appearance at the ceremony, performing a tailored version of their hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe show The Thinking Drinker's Guide to Alcohol.
