With a host of whisky brands from around the world competing for the top spot at ‘The Fifty Best’* World Whisky Awards held recently in New York, and an esteemed international judging panel from the world of wine and spirits, coming away with a Double Gold medal is no small achievement for Firstwatch Whisky.
Twelve top international judges held a ‘blind’ tasting of thirteen World whiskies where strict tasting rules were applied. Rated individually on a 1-to-5-point scoring system, with 5 being the highest, Firstwatch Whisky received the top award – a Double Gold, confirming that Firstwatch Whisky is not only on par with international whiskies, but even better.
“We’re thrilled to receive another accolade and medal to add to our growing collection. It’s particularly rewarding to be acknowledged by such a group of international whisky specialists,” says proud Firstwatch Brand Manager, Pierre van der Westhuizen.
“Firstwatch Whisky is the finest blend of imported rye and cereal grain whiskies, which is then aged locally in charred oak barrels and bottled. This maturation gives Firstwatch Whisky its full rye taste, making it remarkably easy to mix and a winner on every level,” explains Westhuizen.
The judges particularly noted its floral aroma flavour profile, with a subtle, sweet fruitiness and wooded undertone, together with its rich rye taste and golden glowing amber colour.

“It’s always exciting to be recognised in the world spirits arena and proves to us that our brand is truly deserving of its slogan ‘Perfectly blended to deliver reward in every sip,” concludes Westhuizen.
Following on from the brand’s previous gold medal awards at IWSC (International Wine and Spirit Competition) and ISC (International Spirits Competition, as well as last year’s Gold medal at the International Spirits Business World Whisky Masters, Firstwatch Whisky is rewarding consumers with a world-class, award-winning whisky.
*TheFiftyBest.com is a digital guide to wines and spirits, featuring rated listings resulting from proprietary blind tastings as judged by wine/spirits journalists, spirits professionals, wine/spirit retailers, mixologists, spirts consultants and connoisseurs.