Demerara recently won top honors at the 1999 Vin Expo in Bordeaux, France. Vin Expo is the world's largest and most prestigious annual wine and spirits competition. Vying for recognition are entries that include hundreds of the best wines and spirits from vintners and distillers around the world.

Nevertheless, Demerara Distillers' top-of-the-line El Dorado is 15 Year Old Special Reserve was named "Gold Winner 1999" for placing among the top ten percent in its category.

El Dorado's 15 year old Special Reserve was named "Trophy Winner 1999" for being judged the very best of the Gold Winners in the premium rum category.