The winners have been announced in the rest of world region for Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2018. As expected from such a broad area, we have been overwhelmed with the diversity of nominees, whose work is challenging the established regions in the whisky world.

Winners now go forward to the global stage of the award, held in London in March 2018. Tickets for this must-attend event can be purchased here.

Distiller of the year
Distell
Highly Commended
Kavalan Distillery

Brand Innovator of the year
Compass Box
Highly Commended
Kavalan Distillery

Craft Producer of the year
The Cotswolds Distillery
Highly Commended
Venture Chichibu

Visitor Attraction of the year
Yamazaki Distillery
Highly Commended
Kavalan Distillery

Distillery Manager of the year
Ian Chang – Kavalan Distillery
Highly Commended
Takahisa Fujii – Suntory Yamazaki

Master Distiller / Blender of the year
Andy Watts – Distell
Highly Commended
Ichiro Akuto – Chichibu

Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the year
Martin Markvardsen – Highland Park
Highly Commended
Sam Simmons – The Balvenie

World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the year
Dave Worthington – That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Highly Commended
Dave Mitton – Corby Distillers

Visitor Attraction Manager of the year
Alison Dinnie – The Cotswolds Distillery
Highly Commended
Taichi Sasaki – Suntory Spirits

Online Retailer of the year
Master of Malt
Highly Commended
The Whisky Exchange

Single Outlet Retailer of the year
The Whisky Exchange
Highly Commended
Whisky Brother