Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Mangrove portfolio dominates at World Whiskies Awards 2024

Mangrove portfolio dominates at World Whiskies Awards 2024

The independent distributor Mangrove’s world whisky portfolio recently cleared up at the World Whiskies Awards 2024, with no less than six products winning global recognition. Included in the series of awards was the naming of the World’s Best Single Malt 2024, which was granted to The English Sherry Cask Matured, distilled in Norfolk. The wider portfolio brings together the best the world has to offer of independent spirits production, and this latest series of awards for the world whisky category acknowledges the high-quality of Mangrove’s particular collection.

Beginning with the biggest of the Awards, is the recently launched Sherry Cask Matured whisky produced by The English Distillery. Not only is this testament to the producers, but also puts English Whisky back as a courageous challenger of its Scotch and Irish counterparts. A family business in every sense of the word, The English Distillery is about to enter its 18th year of production – a wonderful year to celebrate winning World’s Best Single Malt above the world’s most well-known, premium, and beloved whiskies. Upon its opening in 2006, The English became England’s first whisky distillery to open in over 100 years. With the brand’s apt strapline, ‘Pioneers of English Whisky’, this latest win puts the region back on the map for whisky lovers across the globe.


Stef Holt November 2023

“After recently visiting The English Distillery and chatting with the team about the range, it became crystal clear what a special whisky the Sherry Cask Matured is," said Stef Holt, Curator of Mangrove’s World Whisky portfolio commented on the big win. "The care and attention that’s gone into this liquid is incredible – down to the team seasoning their own PX Casks to hone the flavour.

"This is a coming-of-age tale, and whilst, at Mangrove, we all knew that these whiskies were amongst the best in the world – The English Distillery now has the title to prove it.”

The next winner, picking up the World’s Best Canadian Corn award, was Bearface Elementally Aged Triple Oak, a testament to the producer’s unique and careful ageing process, which involves no less than three types of oak cask and exposure to the extreme elements of the Canadian wilderness. A spirit that appeals to ‘explorers’ of world whisky, and purists alike – its wide appeal has no doubt played a part in it being critically acclaimed.

BEARFACE Mangrove

In the category of World’s Best Tennessee Whisky, Mangrove brand Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whisky came out on top. Already one of the world’s most awarded whiskies, racking up almost 2,000 awards since its release in 2017, the brand honours the first known African American Master Distiller, Nathan Green. Known as “Uncle Nearest” to his friends and family, he imparted his knowledge to a young Jack Daniel, and by doing so undoubtedly changed the world of whisky for generations to come. The spirit itself is bottled at 100% proof, 50% ABV, and hits the palate with notes of caramelised nuts, oat cookies, brown sugar, sandalwood, with hints of corn and cut grass.

Moving through to recognition for other regions of the world, Denmark’s Stauning distillery won Best Danish Rye, 12 years and under for its Single Rye Maple Syrup Cask Finish. Founded by nine friends from a variety of backgrounds, in a remote village in the West of Denmark, Stauning began as a passion project and has become one of the most exciting and daring whisky brands in the world. The team aren’t afraid to do things differently and have received praise for their use of local grains, traditional techniques like floor-malting and a focus on flavour and craft, over age. The distillery itself features exquisite Scandinavian design and has become a tourist attraction in its own right, as well as a source of regeneration for the surrounding area.

Mangrove brand, Milk & Honey won the best-in-class award for Best Israeli, 12 years and under for its spectacular Apex: Dead Sea. And this accolade comes fresh off the back of last year’s big win – where the distillery’s Elements Sherry Cask walked away with the title of World’s Best Single Malt. One of a small batch series that explores different innovations and creative approaches to distilling, this year’s winning whisky is aged in the lowest place on earth – The Dead Sea. Israel’s first whisky producer, the distillery has mastered hot-climate maturation with the help of Dr. Jim Swan, meaning an exceptional level of depth and complexity can be achieved, with less aging. For world whisky lovers, Milk & Honey’s exploration of place, casks, techniques and terroirs presents a wonderful opportunity to take a trip across the world – bottle by bottle.

The final winner from Mangrove’s stellar portfolio, is Balcones Distilling who walked away with the title of World’s Best Craft Producer. Based in their Texan hometown of Waco, the Balcones team focus on creating deliciously authentic spirits that remain true to the ingredients they’re made with. Their copper-stills were designed and built by Scottish artisans, and the small team is dedicated to creating drinkable spirits that retain the delectable flavours of the raw ingredients that gave them life.

“World whisky is more than a movement, it’s a broadening and diversification of the category and one that takes whisky drinkers on a journey across the globe," said Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global.

"Over the years we’ve carefully curated a selection of delicious and exceptional liquids. And the number of brands within our portfolio that have won at this year’s World Whiskies Awards is testament to what a truly exceptional collection it is.”

More for you

David Murray promoted as pladis CMO, Mete Buyurgan takes UK & Ireland helm

Mete Buyurgan (L) and David Murray

David Murray named pladis CMO

Snacking giant pladis has announced David Murray, currently leader of its UK and Ireland enterprise, will transition to the newly created position of global chief commercial officer.

After five years at the helm of pladis UK&I, Murray’s new role will see him take ownership of the company’s global platform and brand strategy along with its commercial transformation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Illegal cigarettes in Meir

Illegal cigarettes

iStock

Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized from Meir shop raids

More than £20,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from multiple premises in an one-day operation in Meir by Trading Standards team along with officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police.

The operation is the latest across the city that resulted in 13 shops being closed in the last 12 months, and forms part of Operation Cece, which is a National Trading Standards initiative in Partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila, owned by Diageo. The spirits giant sells billions of dollars worth of tequila and Canadian whisky in the US.

Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Flipper's Boogie Palace

Diageo suggests tougher rules of origin requirements as alternative to Trump’s tariffs

Spirits giant Diageo has suggested the US government consider tougher rules of origin requirements in trade agreements as an alternative to tariffs, a letter to the US Trade Representative showed.

In the March 11 letter, Diageo, the world's top spirits maker caught in the crossfire of US president Donald Trump's effort to remake global trade, argued that new rules of origin could support his aims and benefit the industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda store with Rollback pricing sign for 2024 sales strategy

Asda Express stores offset sales dip at the supermarket

Asda's profits climb despite sales decline, driven by George and Express

Asda on Friday reported a decline in its annual sales for the 2024 financial year, but the retailer has seen profits rising on margin gains.

The supermarket chain said its total revenue for the year to 31 December 2024 declined by 0.8 per cent to £21.7 billion, while like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were lower by 3.4 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Strategic Ranging of Premium Apple Cider Essential for 2025 Sales

Henry Westons Vintage 500ml is the number one cider SKU in the convenience channel

Crafted cider surge: Retailers urged to embrace premiumisation for sales boost

The unstoppable rise of crafted apple cider is setting the benchmark for success in the UK’s £1.1 billion off-trade cider market, according to the latest Westons Cider Report.

The leading cider producer advises that convenience retailers who prioritise premium products and strategic ranging will be best placed to drive sales in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less