Graham McTavish’s Bourbon Wins Dual Platinum at Ascot Wards
Actor’s spirit line scores top medals through U.S. Spirits Council of Tasters awards event
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Dual Platinum At Ascot Wards
In a milestone for celebrity-crafted spirits, Graham McTavish’s bourbons The Warchief and Legacy: The Hope and Honor each clinched platinum medals at this year’s Ascot Wards. The awards, organized by the American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT) and founded by bourbon authority Fred Minnick, recognize excellence across categories of American whiskey. On Instagram, McTavish wrote, “My leap into the world of bourbon has been a passion project that began less than two years ago. I’m so honoured that two of our whiskies (The Warchief and Legacy: The Hope and Honor) have been awarded platinum medals in this year’s Ascot Wards… Well done to our dedicated team @connor_whiskey @ivy_nk and everyone at McTavish Spirits. I’m so proud of you guys!” #bourbon #platinum
Actor-turned-distiller’s Journey
Best known for roles in The Hobbit films, Outlander and Netflix’s Preacher, McTavish swapped scripts for stills in mid-2021, diving headfirst into bourbon production. According to his Wikipedia profile, the 63-year-old Scottish actor began training in theater before earning acclaim for rugged characters like Dwalin and Dougal MacKenzie. His fascination with small-batch spirits led him to visit distilleries across Kentucky, pore over mash bills and research barrel char levels.
In an earlier Instagram teaser, McTavish reflected on his new craft: “Not all whiskey earns a second look. This one demands it.” That post, highlighting The Warchief as a high-rye, 95-proof expression, underscored his hands-on approach. Together with master distillers Connor Mitchell (@connor_whiskey) and Ivy Nk (@ivy_nk), he balanced filming commitments with blending sessions and tasting panels. McTavish Spirits officially launched in late 2022, marking a rapid rise from concept to award-winning release.
Meet The Award-winning Bourbons
The Warchief delivers robust notes of cinnamon spice, toasted oak and dark cherry, while Legacy: The Hope and Honor offers a wheated profile with caramel, vanilla and honeyed undertones. Each label features McTavish’s family crest and a nod to his Scottish roots, marrying cinematic flair with distilling precision.
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJEe41mRZeJ/
That Instagram snapshot teases tasting notes—caramel-vanilla nose, a hint of cracked pepper, and a long, smooth finish—while showcasing the polished bottle design. Both releases underwent blind evaluation by ASCOT’s panel of 50 certified judges, a process McTavish described as “humbling and exhilarating in equal measure.” His whiskey line now shares shelf space with established names, proving that a well-crafted spirit can earn respect regardless of its creator’s day job.
Industry Praise And Future Plans
Fred Minnick praised McTavish’s bourbons in a Spirits Business interview: “The Warchief stands out for its layered complexity, and Legacy brings refined elegance. Graham’s clear vision and his team’s execution deserve top honors.” McTavish Spirits is already teasing limited-edition cask-strength expressions and collaborating with cooperages for unique barrel finishes.
On the film front, McTavish will reprise his role in the upcoming Spartacus series while producing a documentary on whisky heritage for a major streaming service. His dual career path blends artistry with agriculture, showing how a celebrated actor can leverage passion into a serious spirits brand.
What’s Next For Mctavish Spirits
With dual platinum medals in hand, McTavish plans a fall tasting tour across the U.S., featuring pop-up masterclasses led by Connor Mitchell. He’s also exploring an Irish whiskey cask series to honor his Celtic lineage. Enthusiasts are encouraged to follow @mctavishspirits for limited-release drops, behind-the-scenes distillery footage and tasting event schedules.
From backlot commissaries to barrel warehouses, Graham McTavish’s bourbon journey is a testament to dedication, collaboration and the art of the pour. His next chapter promises more handcrafted expressions and cinematic storytelling—breadth both in glass and on screen.
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