The exclusive dram – which was created specially by Ardgowan Chairman Willie Phillips – was ranked against its peers in a number of categories.

Commenting on the win Ardgowan Chief Executive Martin McAdam said:

“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 – is 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.

“We did something special with Expedition – it is not only a great whisky but also a collector’s item. Since releasing Expedition we have now brought Max McFarlane (formerly Master Distiller/Blender at Edrington) on board and he is now working with the team to create our next set of whisky releases which will be under theClydebuilt by Ardgowan label,” Martin McAdam concludes.