Outlander star Sam Heughan turned 40 last month, and had a double reason to raise a glass as his Sassenach whisky won double gold at the international spirits competition.
The whisky, which was launched earlier this year, is a nod to the nickname Sam’s character Jamie has given his on-screen love interest Claire on the show and realises a dream the Scots actor has had for a long time.
Sassenach launched in the US on 2 March following an announcement in August 2019 that the star was creating a whisky with his Sassenach Spirits company.
Tweeting at the time of the Sassenach launch, the Sassenach Spirits team said: “Inspired by the Highland landscape, the Sassenach is a uniquely blended Scotch whisky with a distinct character and smooth flavour, suitable for any occasion.
“Ancient peaks, hidden glens, and rising morning mist, freshwater and firm oak run deep in its veins. Matured in casks that previously held fine Madeira wine, the exceptional blend has an underlying rich character that rises to the forefront.”
A double gold award is the highest medal available in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and is awarded to the entries that receive a gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world.
We are extremely proud to announce The Sassenach was awarded DOUBLE GOLD🏅🏅at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition! Our whole team is raising our glasses in a toast to better days to come 🥃 hang in there guys, we will get through this together.#SassenachWhisky pic.twitter.com/aACvid261a
— Sassenach Spirits (@SassenachSpirit) March 30, 2020
Launched in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition has become one of the most influential competitions in the spirits calendar due to the integrity and impartiality of the judging process.
Scored by leading figures from across the industry, each sample is blind tested without producer or price point information being revealed.
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