Whiskey win for the Déise in major awards initiative
Head distiller John Wilcox of Blackwater Distillery.
Waterford's own Blackwater Distillery had a great win at The World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2025.
The awards ceremony celebrated the best in the industry and was held on Thursday, February 27, at the InterContinental, Dublin.
Blackwater Distillery, based in Ballyduff Village, West Waterford, had a tremednous showing on the evening.
The business' Head Distiller, John Wilcox, was crowned Irish Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year.
Blackwater Distillery also won for its whiskies, including category winner and gold in non-age statement Single Malt for ‘Peat the Magic Dragon 2: Return of the Dragon’; and category winner and gold in non-age statement Pot Still whisky for ‘Oaty McOatface’.
Blackwater whiskies also won gold for a third whisky, historic mash bill ‘Clashmore 1824’. This whisky celebrates the long silent Clashmore Distillery, the last whisky producer in Waterford county prior to the establishment of Blackwater Distillery in 2014.
There were also prizes for Blackwater Distillery itself under the category of ‘Production Team’ with a Highly Commended nod for Dawn West and Johann Doorley, while Silvia Torresi was also Highly Commended in the ‘Sustainability Manager’ category. Finally Blackwater Distillery was Highly Commended in the ‘Craft Producer of the Year’ category.
Anita Ujszaszi, awards director, commented: "It’s been an incredible year for the Irish branch of the World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky.
"Entries only seem to be increasing in quality each year, which whilst very welcome, has proven to be quite the challenge for our judges when choosing winners."
Peter Mulryan CEO of Blackwater Distillery said: "These are major wins for any company, let alone an independent producer. We are all very proud of this success."
