Titanic Distillers’ inaugural 8-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey has received major international recognition, securing a Double Gold Medal with an outstanding score of 98 points at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, alongside a Gold Medal and 95 point score at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Awards.
The awards mark a significant milestone for Titanic Distillers and reinforce the quality and international appeal of the Belfast distillery’s first single malt release.
Crafted using both double and triple distilled single malt, the whiskey showcases a carefully balanced maturation programme comprising of Ex-Bourbon casks, Virgin Oak casks, Oloroso Sherry casks and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. The result is a whiskey that delivers depth, complexity and accessibility while remaining Irish in character.
Titanic Distillers CEO, Stephen Symington stated,
“To receive a Double Gold Medal and 98-point score at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 95-point score at the 2026 IWSC for our first single malt is an incredible achievement.
“On the back of already securing a Gold Medal and “Single Malt Irish Whiskey of the Year” at the London Spirit Competition these International awards validate the exceptional quality of the liquid and the dedication of our team. We set out to create a whiskey that would resonate with drinkers around the world while remaining true to our Belfast roots, and this recognition confirms we have achieved that ambition.”
Titanic Distillers Award Winning Head Distiller, Damien Rafferty commented,
“Receiving a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal from the IWSC is a powerful endorsement of the quality, craftsmanship and character of our first 8-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey.”
“These awards recognise the care and dedication that have gone into every stage of its creation. We are incredibly proud to see our whiskey recognised by two of the world’s most respected spirits competitions and to be showcasing Belfast and Irish whiskey on the global stage.”
Bottled at 42% ABV, Titanic Distillers 8-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey represents a premium expression of Irish whiskey craftsmanship and forms a key part of the distillery’s growing portfolio as it expands its presence in domestic and international markets.
The Double Gold distinction at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is awarded only when all judges unanimously rate a spirit as Gold Medal worthy, making it one of the most respected accolades in the global spirits industry.