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The Outlander star's whisky has won double gold at the international spirits competition for a second year in a row.
The whisky, which was launched in early 2020, 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 2020 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.”
The whisky, which is made by Loch Lomond whiskies, went on sale in the UK in early December 2020.
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.
This is the second year that the blended whisky has won double gold at the awards, with the actor joining the SFWSC team in an Instagram Live chat to discuss the win.
Other whiskies shortlisted include a selection from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Talisker, Glen Scotia and Glenglassaugh.
The best whisky in show was awarded to the 25 year old Glen Scotia.
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.
In late 2020 Sam Heughan joined us on our podcast Scran to chat about his whisky, as well as why he chose a blend over a single malt, how it was almost made in America and his re-discovered love of Scotland through filming Outlander.
