The Icons of Whisky are firstly presented regionally; in America, Australia, China, Ireland, Scotland and Rest of World. Those successful within their region then compete for the global title.

The Icons of Whisky Awards are a celebration of the years of hard work that go into every bottle. From the distillers themselves and brand ambassadors, to visitor centre managers, bars, bar tenders and the industry’s communicators – a great deal of craftsmanship, skill and knowledge are imparted at each stage of the process. This is our way of saying thank you to the individuals and producers for their dedication to each innovative release, visitor experience or expert retail service, delivered in a tireless fashion.

Anthony Denny, Publisher and Managing Editor of Whisky Magazine said: “In an industry that, year after year, continues to improve its game on every level, this year’s Icons of Whisky have been awarded to some truly outstanding companies and individuals, hailing from all over the world. By their own supreme efforts, they have succeeded not just in earning themselves well deserved recognition, but have demonstrated just how dynamic and innovative the whole industry is. It is a real pleasure to celebrate with them.”

Advertising Agency of the Year

TBWA, Dublin

Brand Innovator of the Year, sponsored by West Rock

Irish Distillers

PR Agency of the Year/Communications Agency of the Year

SPEY

Communicator of the Year

Becky Paskin

Design Agency of the Year, sponsored by McLaren Packaging

Stranger & Stranger

Multiple Outlets Retailer of the Year

C.Gars – Turmeaus Cigars & Whisky

Online Retailer of the Year

La Maison du Whisky

Own Brand Supermarket of the Year

Lidl GB

Single Outlet Retailer of the Year, sponsored by The Glenturret

WhiskyBrother

Supermarket of the Year

Dan Murphy’s

Travel Retailer of the Year

Big Five Duty Free

Whisky Buyer of the Year

Pete Newton, Booths

Whisky Bar Group of the Year

Seven Grand

Whisky Bar of the Year

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Bar Manager of the Year

Frank Murphy, The Pot Still

Bartender of the Year

Cache Bouren, Haberdasher

Whisky Hotel Bar of the Year

The Tack Room, Adare Manor

Irish Whiskey Ambassador of the Year

Avril Hogan, Dingle Distillery

Scotch Whisky Ambassador of the Year

Georgie Bell, Barcardi Brands

World Whisky Ambassador of the Year

Andy Watts, Distell

American Whisky Ambassador of the Year

Thalita Alves, Brown-Forman

Distillery Manager of the Year, sponsored by Larkfire

Scott Sell, Westland Distillery

Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, sponsored by Steklarna Hrastnik

Billy Walker, The GlenAllachie Distillery

Sustainable Distillery, sponsored by Broxburn

The James Sedgwick Distillery

Visitor Attraction of the Year, sponsored by Christies

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year

Lisa Jameson, Teeling Distillery

Craft Producer of the Year, sponsored by Wade Ceramics

Dad’s Hat

Campaign Innovator of the Year

Ardbeg Distillery, Masters of Smoke

Distiller of the Year, sponsored by Glencairn Crystal

Irish Distillers