Lidl UK’S WESTERN GOLD Bourbon Whiskey lives up to its name

Lidl UK’s newest whiskey has been awarded a Gold Outstanding award at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition. Their Western Gold 6 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (£14.49, 70cl) was introduced at the end of April earlier this year and proved to be a big hit with shoppers from the moment it reached the shelves. Judges praised the whiskey for its concentrated citrus and rich honey notes with a lovely, light bourbon backing. They noted that it moves lightly and with elegance, with lovely mature flavours with caramel, malt, corn and a hint of smoke. In total, Lidl UK have stormed home with an incredible 34 awards in the spirits category alone this year, including Gold for their non-aged Western Gold Bourbon Whiskey. Lidl spokesperson Clare Norman says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have won such a prestigious award for our 6 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey, especially since it only reached our stores 3 months ago. With the additional 33 spirits awards and 82 other food and drink awards picked up in 2013, we’ve now collected a total of over 500 awards in the past four years alone. We’re going to need a bigger trophy cabinet!”

Arthur Nägele, IWSC Spirits Judge says, “Lidl is well known in the market for delivering good quality products at decent prices. This year’s IWSC spirits results validate this impressively with a total of 34 medals awarded to them. It's remarkable to see that the whole range of spirits from Eau de vie to Gin, from Liqueurs to Rum and of course, Whisk(e)y performed well. Congratulations Lidl!” Other winners at the Competition included Buffalo Trace Distillery who picked up the inaugural Bourbon Trophy for their Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 YO Whiskey and Asbach, who won the Worldwide Brandy Trophy for their Asbach Private Brand 8 Jahre Gerdeift, their win marks the first time a German distillery has triumphed in this category since its introduction in 1984.

Adnams Copper House Distillery picked up the coveted Gin trophy and Beam’s Pinnacle Vodka, a new entrant; secured the vodka trophy, the product was selected by judges for its “fresh impact” and “well extended, warm finish”.