Whyte & Mackay: Jura Distillery commended by Icons of Whisky

Whyte & Mackay is toasting a successful 60th anniversary year for Jura Distillery. At the international Icons of Whisky and Whisky Magazine Awards 2024, Jura was crowned whisky production team of the year. Recognising the challenge of whisky making for a tiny island community in a remote location, Bethany Brown commended the positive impact to community and the achievement as a Single Malt Whisky Brand – the UK’s Number 1[1]. The award recognised every aspect of production, on and off island, including Invergordon the home of Whyte and Mackay’s Production, Maturation and Sustainability Functions, who each play a part in supporting whisky making for the island Distillery.

The internationally renowned whisky house, which is also proud to count The Dalmore, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin within its portfolio, has been recognised for its people and its whiskies across various categories in both the World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky Awards.

The UK’s number one Single Malt, Jura Single Malt, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, won Production Team of the Year for its recent work. Highlights from the creators include introducing a variety of intriguing cask finishes – such as 14 Year Old American Rye Cask and Pale Ale Cask – into its signature series and clarifying its signature flavour profile with its entry-level Bourbon Cask, as well as the limited-edition Logan Cask, dedicated to Distillery Manager Graham Logan and his 30 years of service with the beachside distillery.

The distillery was also nominated for the coveted award for Scotch Islands (non-Islay) 13-20 years in the World Whiskies Awards for its Jura 15 Years Old Sherry Cask. This also marked the first official release from whisky maker Joe Ricketts who joined the team three years ago.

Jura’s success follows the brands commendation for the regional Scotland awards, which took place last December, and saw the whisky maker named as Highly Commended for Distiller of the Year, in recognition of the team’s continued innovation and craftmanship. Brand Ambassador Andrew Lennie was also Highly Commended for his domestic and international work with The Dalmore and Fettercairn.

Kieran Healey-Ryder, Global Head of Whisky Discovery, was nominated as Communicator of the Year at the global awards for his work across the Single Malt portfolio, spearheading the four single malt brands both internationally and domestically, as well as championing the Scotch industry as a whole. Furthermore, Healey-Ryder was recently appointed the first chairperson of the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, representing the alliance of distillers, brewers, retailers and hospitality venues.

Healey-Ryder speaking at the awards said: “For our Whyte and Mackay Community to be recognised on the world stage is a real honour.

There are easier places to make whisky than an island off the West Coast of Scotland, twice removed by occasional sea-links. Yet our Distilling Function across Scotland, led by Shane Healy, can now all take pride in what we have achieved for Jura. This evening’s collection of nods across the extended family is proof that passion, creativity and dedication can lead to exceptional whisky making and whisky brands with stories that inspire whisky drinkers world wide.

“To be recognised by the internationally renowned Whisky Magazine – in their 25th Anniversary Year - is truly special. We look forward to sharing news of our 2024 whisky releases soon!

Award Summary:

Production Team of the Year: Winne - Jura Single Malt
Communicator of the Year : Runner Up - Kieran Healey-Ryder
Scotch Islands (non-Islay) 13-20 Years: Runner up - Jura 15 Sherry Cask