Ardgowan Expedition, an exclusive 20-year-old premium blended malt specially created by Ardgowan Chairman Willie Phillips, was ranked against its peers in a number of categories.

Commenting on the announcement, Ardgowan Chief Executive Martin McAdam said:

“We are really excited that we’ve been shortlisted as a finalist both for the whisky but also for our product launch and product branding. Working with Willie Phillips to create this product has been an absolute pleasure. He is such a gentleman and so generous with his knowledge. Willie has helped us embed quality in everything we do: obviously that starts with the liquid but then becomes embodied in our approach to marketing, sales and communication.”

Ardgowan Expedition 20-year-old is a blended malt which includes classic single casks from upper Speyside and the northern Highlands. The 600-bottle run also contains whisky which has travelled to the South Pole and back, carried by Polar Explorer Robert Swan OBE.

Each bottle – which retails at £500 – and available at Robert Graham 1874 – has been personally signed and numbered by Willie Phillips, who rose to fame as the managing director of The Macallan from 1978 to 1996.