LuxeBook May 2022

W hen it comes to whisky, the jury present at the World Whiskies Awards has the ultimate say at the annual celebration, to commend some of the best and brightest in the world of whisky. Held at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on March 24, this was the first time since 2020, that the awards ceremony had returned to London as a physical event. From bartenders to brand ambassadors, retailers to visitor attraction managers, the Icons of Whisky awards honour those who have worked tirelessly to produce and promote whisky. The awards are designed to commend the best whiskies in 16 categories covering style and production methods. With a series of rounds, the first round of blind tastings is judged by independent spirits experts. A winner is selected for each category and country from the judges’ scores, and gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded. Each country’s winner then competes in round two for the title of World’s Best in each category. LuxeBook takes you through all the major highlights from the world of whisky. 2022 Award Winners 1- Distiller of the Year Buffalo Trace Distillery One of America’s early pioneers, Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has been dedicated to the craft of making fine bourbon whiskey in the same way for over 200 years. Honouring tradition and embracing change, the distillery ranks at the top in whisky producers from around the world. Sprawling over 130 acres, the architecture leaves you in awe. 2- Master Distiller of the Year Kevin O’Gorman, Midleton Distillery This years’ Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman has been in the industry since 1988, with an illustrious career. Gorman has mastered the art of distilling a perfect bottle of whisky. Starting his career in Midleton, he now has immense knowledge and expertise. Kevin’s understanding of the casks available at Midleton is second to none, with the inventory of every warehouse under his watch since 2007. It was in 2020 that Kevin joined Jameson as the master distiller. 3- Craft Producer of the Year Sullivans Cove Distillery Established in 1994, and known for producing some the best single malts worldwide, Sullivans Cove Distillery is one of Australia’s oldest single malt distilleries. Located in Tasmania, each bottle is produced using 100% Tasmanian ingredients. 4- Sustainable Distillery of the Year Westland Distillery Single malt whisky has for centuries been considered solely with Scotland, but Westland Distillery contributed new ideas to the landscape of single malt whiskey. Based in Seattle, Washington, Westland Distillery brings to the table superior quality whisky crafted in a distinctly American, single malt style. 5- Visitor Attraction of the Year Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience If you are looking for a whisky tasting experience like never before, Heaven Hill Bourbon is just where you need to be. Being the world’s largest independent, family-owned Bourbon distillery, they produce 1,300 Highlights from the World Whiskies Awards 2022 BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA The best and brightest in the world of whisky this year Buffalo Trace Distillery Kevin O’Gorman, Midleton Distillery Sullivans Cove Distillery Westland Distillery Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Lady of the Glen 26| L U X E B O O K | M AY 2 0 2 2 M AY 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 27 BEST-IN-WHISKY