Ardbeg Distillery on the Isle of Islay raised a glass in celebration of Michael “Mickey” Heads who was named Global Distillery Manager of the Year 2014 at the Icons of Whisky Awards in London this week.
Mr Heads received recognition for his commitment to providing consistently exceptional whisky, beating finalists from around the world.
He said: “I was shocked. It was a lovely surprise. To beat off competition from around the world is very flattering.
“I am delighted, not only for me but for the distillery, as you cannot win awards without a team of great people around you.
“Being an Islay boy born and bred I know how important this award is for the distillery and for our island.”
Beam Global’s Laphroaig Distillery on Islay was also chosen as the best whisky visitor attraction.
Diageo Scotland beat out rivals from Ireland and the US to take the Whisky Distiller of the year accolade. William Grant & Sons was also awarded as whisky brand innovator of the year for its “innovative blending materpieces”.
