Nestled in Wellington, South Africa, far from the misty glens of Scotland or Kentucky’s rolling hills, the James Sedgwick Distillery is quietly crafting world-class whiskies. The distillery’s Three Ships brand recently secured an impressive trio of medals at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, challenging long-held notions about where exceptional whisky can be produced.

This achievement not only highlights South Africa’s emerging credentials in the spirits world but also reflects a broader shift in consumer curiosity. As whisky enthusiasts increasingly venture beyond familiar labels and storied distilleries, many are asking: who exactly is behind Three Ships, and how has this relatively unknown operation managed to produce multiple award-winning expressions whilst remaining largely beneath the global radar?