Distillery delight after Icons of Whisky awards

Benromach Distillery is celebrating success at the prestigious Icons of Whisky Scotland awards.

It picked up the Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year Award and was highly commended in the Visitor Attraction and Distillery Manager categories.

Announced in a ceremony held in Edinburgh’s Surgeon’s Hall, the awards, which are organised by Whisky Magazine, pay tribute to the expertise that is poured into every bottle of whisky made around the world. Only those working in the industry can nominate an individual or brand, with the final winners chosen by a panel of expert judges.

Susan Colville, brand home manager, was recognised for the outstanding contribution she makes to the many thousands that visit Benromach Distillery each year.

After receiving the coveted title of Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year, an accolade which Susan previously won in 2015, she will now go forward to compete for the global title which will be announced on the 29th March 2019 in London.

Susan said: ‘I’m overwhelmed to receive this award again and it is particularly special to receive this at the end of our 20th anniversary celebratory year. 2018 has brought many highlights, ranging from the launch of Benromach Cask No 1 which raised money for charitable causes to hosting the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival opening gala dinner.

Benromach’s Susan Colville won Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year

‘We’re looking forward to growing our visitor numbers further in 2019 and giving every guest the up-close and personal tour experience, we’re known for.’

Earlier this year, Susan was made a Keeper of the Quaich, joining the international and select society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Benromach’s Keith Cruickshank was highly commended in the Distillery Manager of the Year category at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Benromach Distillery was also highly commended in the Visitor Attraction of the Year category in recognition of the personal experience the whole team strives to deliver to visitors every day.

Keith, Benromach’s distillery manager, added: ‘As our 20th anniversary year comes to an end, it is gratifying for the team at Benromach to be recognised at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Being acknowledged in this way by others working in the industry is particularly special.’

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993.

The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.