Aberlour makes it a double at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

Aberlour toasted a double success as the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards winners were announced at the 2010 Festival opening dinner.

The Chivas Brothers-owned brand scooped awards for its 10-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old expressions at the ceremony at Benromach Distillery last Thursday evening (29 April).

Benromach also had reason to celebrate on its home turf, with its 1968 vintage winning the Over 20 Years category in the unique awards, which are based mainly on consumer opinion.

The first round of the competition which took place in January was a blind tasting of no less than 53 Speyside malts by a panel of expert judges. The finalist whiskies were then nosed and tasted by 132 Festival visitors from all over the world – db included – on the evening of the opening dinner, making it a true consumer vote.

Renowned yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston launched the Festival by hoisting the Festival Flag at Benromach Distillery.

The Spirit of Speyside Festival Whisky Awards are only open to single malts produced within Speyside. The event is one of Europe’s largest whisky festivals, bringing together thousands of whisky lovers from around the world, many of whom also have the opportunity to judge entries to the awards.
 
Neil Macdonald, brand director for malts at Chivas Brothers, said: “To win two ‘best of the best’ awards at this esteemed awards ceremony is exceptionally flattering and really highlights the popularity of Aberlour with whisky lovers around the world.

What is great about the Spirit of Speyside Festival Whisky Awards is that ‘real people’ decide the winners – and ultimately these are the people who are buying and enjoying Aberlour.”

Alan Lodge, 05.05.2010