Lancaster Spirits wins international award

Lancaster Spirits Co has been awarded a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026 for its Founders Reserve Year One Release Single Malt Spirit.

The IWSC is one of the world's most respected annual wine and spirits competitions, recognising excellence across categories including whisky, gin, rum, vodka and agave spirits.

The judging panel praised the Lancashire distiller's entry for its "bright scents of polished wood and honeyed fruit, leading to a lively palate with subtle peach and peppery spice". Judges also highlighted its "clean, zesty character, which carries through to a crisp, balanced finish."

Chris Pateman, commercial manager at Lancaster Spirits Co, said: "Winning a silver medal for our Founders Reserve Year One Release Single Malt Spirit after just one year in cask is amazing news.

"Recognition like this helps us showcase what we're about and what we are setting out to create.

"Awards like this also allow our grain-to-glass distillery to reach a much wider audience in the UK and internationally, opening doors to potential new customers across the world.

"This award recognises the hard work of every member of our team and is an endorsement of the quality of what we produce – handcrafted spirits that are distinctive and characterful, with a story rooted in the place where they are made."