Southwold-based brewer and distiller Adnams has scored a major victory at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for the second year running.

The company’s Longshore Vodka has won the overall Vodka Trophy at this year’s event, just 12 months after its Copper House Distilled Gin claimed the Gin Trophy in the 2013 contest.

It is thought to be the first time that the Vodka Trophy has been won by a distiller from outside of Russia, Poland and France.

Longshore, a three-grain artisan vodka, was described by the judges as an “outstanding example”, offering “a powerful and full flavour on the palate with an extremely long finish”.

It had already received a “Gold Outstanding” medal in the initial judging before being selected for the overall vodka title ? but that was not the only success for Adnams at the awards, with six of its other spirits receiving medals too.

Its Copper House Vodka, First Rate Gin, Copper House Gin and Single Malt Whisky all won silver medals while its Triple Grain Whisky and Spirit of Broadside, a unique “eau de vie de biere”, both won bronze.

Company chairman Jonathan Adnams said: “The IWSC competition is one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions so we are extremely proud to have won the Vodka Trophy this year, particularly after being awarded the Gin Trophy only last year.

“The trophy, along with our seven other medals, is a testament to Adnams’ commitment for crafting premium artisan spirits and we are overwhelmed to see them again rated so positively on the world’s stage.”

He added: “Our Longshore Vodka is a three-grain vodka using locally-grown barley, wheat and oats. It has been created using our brewing expertise whereby we add wheat and oats for added creaminess and smoothness, two qualities necessary for creating superior vodka.

“The premium spirit is also aged in barrels to become Northcove Oak-aged Vodka and forms the basis of our Limoncello Liqueur and our new Triple Sec Liqueur, launched only last month.”

Ewan Lacey, general manager at the IWSC, said: “At the International Wine and Spirit Competition we are excited by the surge in artisanal products, more than double 2013.

“This has been capped off by Adnams Longshore Vodka beating off all comers from all corners of the globe to win the coveted Vodka Trophy. It is an amazing achievement and a massive salute to Adnams’ skill and dedication.”

Adnams opened its Coppper House Distillery, housed within part of its brewery in Southwold, in 2010. Its first vodka and gin products were launched later that year which its first two whiskies following in December 2013, after the required minimum three-year maturation process.