New York, NY – Jameson Irish Whiskey, the fastest growing premium spirits brand in the U.S. and the leader and primary driver of Irish Whiskey growth in the U.S., along with Pernod Ricard brands Midleton® Very Rare, Redbreast, Powers and Paddy Irish Whiskies, take the gold and high honors at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and the first annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge all while finalizing preparations for St. Patrick’s Day, the holiday that celebrates the Irish in us all.
With the competition results just in, Redbreast took Double Gold while Jameson 18 Year Old and Midleton Very Rare received Gold at the renowned annual competition in San Francisco. Meanwhile, on the East coast, Midleton very rare captured the top honor ‘Chairman’s Trophy’, Extraordinary/Ultimate Recommendation at the first Ultimate Spirits Challenge, while Redbreast, Powers 12 Year Old and Jameson 12 and 18 Year Old all received Semifinalist; Excellent/Strong Recommendations from the panel of 19 industry heavyweight judges.
“It is a great honor to receive these ratings from these two prestigious and powerful competitions,” said Wayne Hartunian, Brand Director Irish Whiskies, Pernod Ricard USA. “This is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that have guided Jameson to becoming the leading Irish Whiskey brand and fastest growing spirit brand in the U.S. and earned a prestigious reputation for our other Irish Whiskies among aficionados across the country.”
Not resting on its laurels, Jameson has a full bag-o-tricks in store to keep the strong growth momentum going. Today, on St. Patrick’s Day, Jameson is readying for its annual DJ Flyaway program. This year, 19 U.S radio stations will be broadcasting from the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin while six of these stations will broadcast from the famous St. Patrick’s Church venue. In addition, Jameson has mounted a worthy facebook campaign encouraging fans to cast their vote to name Jameson the ‘official drink of St. Patrick’s Day’. To date, nearly 167,000 fans have weighed in with a resounding “yes’ vote.
Hartunian concluded, “While Jameson has broken down old stereotypes and become a beverage enjoyed year-round, there is something truly special about Jameson and St. Patrick’s Day. Today we celebrate all things Irish and there is no better way to celebrate than with Jameson. Sláinte!