ISLAY distiller Ardbeg has tasted success at the prestigious International Whisky Competition.

Ardbeg, part of The Glenmorangie Company, saw its Kelpie expression named whisky of the year at the influential contest. Kelpie was also named best new release, best single malt (Islay), best peated (malt) and best single malt (no age statement). There was success too for Bill Lumsden, director of distilling, whisky creation and whisky stocks for Ardbeg and Glenmorangie, who was crowned master distiller for the second year in a row. He said it was a “real honour” to be recognised but noted the “real reward” was the brand’s success.