Auchentoshan

Glasgow-based Morrison Bowmore Distillers is celebrating after picking up the title of Distiller of the Year at the 2013 Icons of Whisky Awards Scotland at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House Hotel earlier this month.

Morrison Bowmore, who produce the Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Glen Garioch and McClelland’s single malts, was commended by the judges for transforming their business from one predicated on supplying bulk blends business into a single malt specialist and reinvigorating all its brands with some “stellar releases”.

In addition, Eddie MacAffer, Bowmore Distillery Manager won the inaugural Distillery Manager of the Year category, and Iain McCallum landed the Brand Ambassador award after being hailed as “a new breed of ambassador who manages to mix a mastery of hard-core technical knowledge with a rare passion for the fun aspect of whisky.”

Morrison Bowmore’s CEO, Mike Keiller, said in a media release: “To see off such stiff competition and land a hat-trick of awards is a massive boost for us. Compared to any of our peers, we’re a small company so it’s immensely flattering to see both our business growth and individual expertise recognised.

“Being a single malt specialist requires considerable care and patience, but we’re certainly reaping the rewards of our investment.”