Hensol Castle Distillery Whisky Wins Silver at Prestigious IWSC Awards
The award is a significant achievement for the team at Hensol Castle, who have spent the past three years perfecting their new make spirit; the foundational liquid that will become their hotly anticipated 3-Year-Old Aged Single Cask Collection, due for release in March 2026.
The spirit was created under the guidance of Head Distiller Kyle Jones, who led extensive trials in distillation techniques and liquid cuts to craft a product that stands out even before maturation.
Kyle Jones Head Distiller at Hensol Castle Distillery said:
'We set out to create a new make spirit that's not just a step toward great whisky, but a great spirit in its own right. To have that work recognised by such a prestigious body is an incredible honour.'
The IWSC judging panel, which includes leading buyers and industry experts from across the global spirits sector, praised the spirit's vibrant and layered profile.
Dawn Davies MW, Head Buyer at Speciality Drinks, described the entry as:
'Vibrant aromas of tropical fruits transition seamlessly into a creamy palate that offers a velvety mouthfeel. The finish is complex, featuring a delightful green citrus note, which lingers beautifully.'
What makes this accolade even more significant is the calibre of the IWSC judging panel, with 90% of judges being active buyers and decision-makers in the spirits industry. This recognition places Hensol Castle Distillery firmly on the radar of tastemakers, retailers, and whisky lovers alike.
The awarded spirit is a barley-based new make, bottled at 50% ABV and produced sustainably in Wales. It marks the first major award for the distillery's whisky programme and hints at the potential of future aged releases.
To mark the success and share the whisky-making journey, Hensol Castle Distillery is offering an exclusive 'Age at Home' experience for whisky enthusiasts.
Distilled on-site at Hensol Castle, the unaged single malt is made from a bespoke 100% malted barley beer wash, contract brewed by Tiny Rebel to a recipe developed by Master Distiller Dai Wakely and Tiny Rebel's Head Brewer Mark Gammons. With only 150 kits available, each cask is individually signed and comes with guidance to help users craft a whisky entirely unique to them. This hands-on experience offers fans the chance to engage directly with the ageing process ahead of the wider release of Hensol Castle's aged whisky range in 2026.
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Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business News Wales
Hensol Castle Distillery Whisky Wins Silver at Prestigious IWSC Awards
Hensol Castle Distillery is celebrating a major milestone after being awarded a Silver Medal at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) for its Single Malt New Make Spirit. Scoring an impressive 92 points out of a possible 100, the unaged whisky from the South Wales distillery was praised for its complexity, mouthfeel and aromatic profile. The award is a significant achievement for the team at Hensol Castle, who have spent the past three years perfecting their new make spirit; the foundational liquid that will become their hotly anticipated 3-Year-Old Aged Single Cask Collection, due for release in March 2026. The spirit was created under the guidance of Head Distiller Kyle Jones, who led extensive trials in distillation techniques and liquid cuts to craft a product that stands out even before maturation. Kyle Jones Head Distiller at Hensol Castle Distillery said: 'We set out to create a new make spirit that's not just a step toward great whisky, but a great spirit in its own right. To have that work recognised by such a prestigious body is an incredible honour.' The IWSC judging panel, which includes leading buyers and industry experts from across the global spirits sector, praised the spirit's vibrant and layered profile. Dawn Davies MW, Head Buyer at Speciality Drinks, described the entry as: 'Vibrant aromas of tropical fruits transition seamlessly into a creamy palate that offers a velvety mouthfeel. The finish is complex, featuring a delightful green citrus note, which lingers beautifully.' What makes this accolade even more significant is the calibre of the IWSC judging panel, with 90% of judges being active buyers and decision-makers in the spirits industry. This recognition places Hensol Castle Distillery firmly on the radar of tastemakers, retailers, and whisky lovers alike. The awarded spirit is a barley-based new make, bottled at 50% ABV and produced sustainably in Wales. It marks the first major award for the distillery's whisky programme and hints at the potential of future aged releases. To mark the success and share the whisky-making journey, Hensol Castle Distillery is offering an exclusive 'Age at Home' experience for whisky enthusiasts. Distilled on-site at Hensol Castle, the unaged single malt is made from a bespoke 100% malted barley beer wash, contract brewed by Tiny Rebel to a recipe developed by Master Distiller Dai Wakely and Tiny Rebel's Head Brewer Mark Gammons. With only 150 kits available, each cask is individually signed and comes with guidance to help users craft a whisky entirely unique to them. This hands-on experience offers fans the chance to engage directly with the ageing process ahead of the wider release of Hensol Castle's aged whisky range in 2026.
Scottish Sun
24-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Top cider brand pulled from UK supermarket shelves, pubs & restaurants forever in ‘huge loss'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR cider brand based in the UK has officially ceased operations. The company made the announcement after just eight years in business. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Jaspels has officially ceased operation, with the owners detailing the main reasons for closure Credit: Instagram Jaspels was set up on the Welsh island of Anglesey in 2017 by Janet and Adrian Percival, a trained bio-chemist. The pair initially put out a call on social media for apple donors to help launch the business. Jaspels went on to thrive, with the company taking on a production unit in Amlwch. Their cider was served up at pubs, restaurants, and stores on Anglesey and mainland Britain. Company statement In a recent statement, the company cited seasonality challenges, lease issues, and a change in personal circumstances as the main reasons for closure. "Jaspels has closed for a number of reasons," Janet wrote in a Facebook post. She went on to discuss the "unfair lease conditions" her company had encountered. "The estate went back on the initial agreement terms and we were only offered 12 months lease," she said. "This made a significant impact on the future planning of the business and impossible to make the cider on those terms." After already changing locations once, Janet explained they "could not possibly move the business again". Scotland Lifts 44-Year Football Booze Ban: Inside Ayr United's Historic Pilot Scheme She continued to say "seasonality challenges made it unviable in the end". "A change of personal circumstances also meant we could not continue as myself and Ade separated due to stress," Janet added. While she left the business in November 2024, it officially ceased operation this month. She closed out her message by thanking Jaspels' loyal patrons over the years. "I would like to say that we loved every moment of Jaspels and will miss the barn and bar massively," Janet said. NHS guidelines on drinking alcohol According to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks: men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week if you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week If you're pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. You read more on the NHS website. "It is very sad for the island and ourselves." Jaspels Anglesey Craft Cider is an award-winning brand, with a Sustainable Business Award, a Silver Medal, and the Best Newcomer award at the Welsh Perry and Cider Society Championships among the accolades. Customer reaction Customers shared their sadness at the news, with locals offering fond farewells to the location. "That is sad news, as quite often I'd cycle past and pick up a bottle or have a refreshing glass of cider there. I hope they reopen somewhere," wrote one fan. "Very sad news indeed. A lovely venue on a sunny day," said another person. A third commenter described the news as a "huge loss" to the island and drinks industry. More on drinks Plus, the supermarket own-brand prosecco that's been dubbed "better than Selfridges". And Tesco has slashed the price of a popular and award-winning liqueur. A round-up of the 24 best acohol-free drinks currently available. Plus, an award-winning Caribbean rum that makes the perfect cocktails. And the best rose deals you can nab for the perfect summer treat.
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Want to wow with your wines at your summer gatherings? Whatever your taste, we round up some high quality, award-winning bottles that are sure to impress your guests (and these options are all UNDER £15!)
From garden BBQs and dinner parties to picnics in the park, summer is the perfect time for a gathering. And when it's your turn to host, it's nice to be able to pull out a great bottle of wine... Asda is the UK's most awarded supermarket for wine across three of the most prestigious industry awards: the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), and the Decanter World Wine Awards. In fact, across the three major wine competitions, Asda has received more awards than Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury's, Aldi and Waitrose. Below, we delve into their range to reveal some of our favourite award-winning bottles. And to help keep things affordable, all the ones we've picked are under £15! There's an option for every taste, from a classic Burgundy and an outstanding Aussie shiraz to one absolutely mouthwatering Rioja. Cheers! Exceptional White Burgundy 2023 Price: £11.13 Chardonnay grapes thrive in the chalky, limestone soils of Burgundy, which in turn influence the unique taste and character of local wines. In this case, the result is a wine that combines hints of citrus and apple tart with the subtle aroma of toasted almonds. Crisp and moreish, it's delicious served chilled at any summer gathering, and like other whites will work well with delicate flavours, like white fish. The wine received a silver medal from the IWSC and Decanter judges. Clive Donaldson, Asda's Senior Manager for Wine Sourcing, said the plaudits were evidence of the supermarket's 'quality of suppliers and breadth of knowledge' in the region of Burgundy. Add it to your Asda basket HERE. Exceptional Great Western Shiraz 2022 Price: £7.98 Despite originating in France, the shiraz grape has found a hospitable climate in the cooler vineyards of western Victoria in Australia. This graces wines with a full-bodied, lively character that makes them a delightful companion to rich, highly flavoured foods like dry-aged steak, aged cheese or roast duck. The Exceptional Great Western Shiraz 2022 - obtained exclusively for Asda - marries fruity blueberry and blackberry flavours with a hint of sweet spice. And as yet another gold medal winner for the supermarket at the IWC 2025, it comes with a ringing endorsement from some of the world's most respected wine experts. Add it to your Asda basket HERE. Exceptional Gavi di Gavi 2024 Price: £10.27 Another gold medal winner exclusive to Asda, this bottle hails from southern Piedmont, a picturesque region of Italy known for its rolling hills, historic villages. And of course, it's absolutely spectacular wines! The wine is made using the cortese grape, which is known for its light flavour and moderate acidity. The result is a dry white incorporating lemony and floral notes with the expressive aromas of pear and peach fruit - followed up by a crisp, nutty finish. It's well worth keeping a bottle or two in the fridge for your next garden gathering or dinner party. Add it to your Asda basket HERE. Asda Extra Special Marques del Norte Rioja Reserva 2019 Price: £8.07 Named by the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 as one of its Top 30 Value Golds, this wine was awarded 95 points out of a possible 100. Judges were blown away by the taste, which they described as combining 'plump red cherry, cranberry and redcurrant with a moreish espresso, dark chocolate edge'. They also noted its 'mouth-watering fruit driven length' - a term that refers to the way a wine's aromas linger on the palate. Hailing from the famous Rioja region of Spain, it's perfect for pairing with roast lamb or Mexican dishes - so start rolling up those tortillas! Add it to your Asda basket HERE. Lugana 2024 Price: £11.42 (currently on Rollback at £9.96 until July 2, 2025) The Lugana 2024 is an Italian white made from grapes grown around the southern shores of Lake Garda. This particular bottle is produced exclusively for Asda by a small artisanal producer who uses a local grape variety known as Turbiana. The result is a satisfying palate combining refreshing green apple, pear and pineapple flavours with a twist of Italian herbs. Expect a crisp clean white wine that pairs brilliantly with lighter Italian flavours – basil, mozzarella, tomatoes and pesto. It's no surprise this is yet another gold medal winner for Asda! Add it to your Asda basket HERE. With 395 awards across the International Wine Challenge Awards 2025, The International Wine and Spirit Challenge Awards 2025 and the Decanter World Wine awards 2025. For verification visit All results available to see on Includes Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Co-op, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer. Selected stores and lines. Subject to availability. If you look under 25 and want to buy alcohol you will need to prove your age. Challenge 25. No I.D. No sale. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol. Alcohol available to purchase from 10am in Scotland. Wines featured: Exceptional Gavi di Gavi 2024 £10.27 per 75cl. Awarded Gold at the International Wine Challenge 2025 Awards (IWC), Awarded Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025. Asda Extra Special Marques del Norte Rioja Reserva £8.07 per 75cl . Awarded Sliver at the International Wine Challenge 2025 Awards (IWC), Awarded Silver at the International Wine and Spirit Competition Awards 2025 (IWSC), Awarded Gold and the top value award at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025. Lugana 2024 £11.42 per 75cl. Awarded Sliver at the International Wine Challenge 2025 Awards (IWC), Awarded Bronze at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2025 (IWSC), Awarded Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025. Exceptional Great Western Shiraz 2022 £7.98 per 75cl. Awarded Gold at the International Wine Challenge 2025 Awards (IWC), Awarded Silver at the International Wine and Spirit Competition Awards 2025 (IWSC). Awarded Bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025. Exceptional White Burgundy 2023 £11.13 per 75cl. Awarded Bronze at the International Wine Challenge 2025 Awards. Awarded Silver at the International Wine and Spirit Competition Awards 2025. Awarded Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025. May exclude Asda Express and Small Stores, see stores.
