Five Northern Ireland winners in San Francisco global competition

Five Northern Ireland distilleries have collected 10 awards in the influential annual San Francisco World Spirits competition (SFWSC). The winners included Best in Class for Irish Single Malt Whiskey for Matt D’Arcy’s in Newry and three double golds – two for whiskey from Bushmills and D’Arcy’s and flavoured gin from Shortcross, Crossgar.

The recently announced awards are among the most important in the global spirits industry.

The Northern Ireland award winners are:

Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Bushmills, Co Antrim

Double Gold - Red Bush Blended Malt Irish Whiskey

Silver – Original Blended Irish Whiskey

Matt D’Arcy’s Distillery, Newry, Co Down:

Best in Class and Double Gold Irish Whiskey Single Malt – 17 Year-Old Rum Finish Single Malt

Gold – 10-Year-Old Port Finished Blended Irish Whiskey

McConnell’s Irish Whiskey, Belfast

Bronze – Blended Irish Whiskey

Shortcross Gin, Crossgar, Co Down

Double Gold – Rosie’s Garden Flavoured Gin

Silver - Classic Shortcross Gin

The Quiet Man, Derry, Co Londonderry

Gold – 8-Year Old Single Malt

Silver – 12-Year-Old Single Malt

Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is one of the oldest competitions of its kind. With nearly two decades of experience, the annual competition has become a fine-tuned event that blends passion and professionalism.

Throughout the judging process, the event emphasises integrity and impartiality. The blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

The SFWSC is one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions due in large part to its experienced judges.