The International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) has unveiled the results of its 2024 Scotch whisky judging, spotlighting the finest single malt Scotch whiskies from across Scotland. This year, ten whiskies received the top honor of Gold Outstanding medals, while an additional 103 single malt Scotch whiskies were awarded Gold medals. Let's delve into the winners and what makes these whiskies exceptional.
The IWSC: A Prestigious Competition
Founded in 1969 by Anton Massel, the IWSC has grown into one of the most esteemed competitions globally, evaluating wines and spirits on a 100-point scale. Awards range from Gold Outstanding (98-100 points) and Gold (95-97 points) to Silver (90-94 points) and Bronze (85-89 points). The 2024 competition saw around 4,000 entries, with 589 entries in the Scotch whisky category alone, underscoring its status as the world's largest Scotch whisky competition.
Highland Highlights
Among the Gold Outstanding winners from the Highlands, Loch Lomond's 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky stands out. Scoring 98/100 points, this peated whisky is celebrated for its complexity and depth, thanks to its maturation in three types of American oak casks. Tasting notes reveal crisp green apple, ripe pear, and citrus lemon on the nose, with a palate dominated by orchard fruits and lemon meringue. The finish is fruity with gentle wood smoke. The IWSC panel described it as having a "rounded, polished nose of summer fruit in a fog of peat smoke" and a "wonderfully long and lingering finish."
Other Gold Outstanding Highland winners include:
- Loch Lomond 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Adelphi Distillery's Ad/ Core Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Loch Lomond Levenside 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Suntory Global Spirits' The Ardmore Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Islay Excellence
From Islay, the Bowmore Timeless Series 33 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky received a Gold Outstanding medal. With a score of 98/100, this ultra-aged whisky boasts rich flavors and complex aromas developed over 33 years. On the nose, it features dried fruits, dark chocolate, and smoky peat, while the palate offers layers of sherry sweetness, tropical fruits, and roasted almonds. The IWSC panel highlighted its "expressive nose with florality and tropical fruit" and "summer fruit and smoke to the finish."
Other Gold winners from Islay include:
- Duncan Taylor's The Single Cask Collection Bunnahabhain Peated 9 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Elixir Distillers' Port Askaig 8 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Ardbeg 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Marks & Spencer's Collection Loch Gruinart Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Speyside Stars
The sole Gold Outstanding winner from Speyside is the Braeval 26 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, scoring 98/100. This rare whisky, known for its rich aromatic profile, offers notes of dried fruits, honey, and floral heather. The palate is full-bodied with flavors of ripe apples, caramel, and toasted nuts, finishing long and warm with lingering oak and spice. The IWSC panel praised its "incredible ripe fruits" and "amazing, excellent" overall character.
Gold medalists from Speyside include:
- John Dewar & Sons' Craigellachie 19 YO Special Reserve Single Malt
- William Grant & Sons' The Balvenie 12 YO Sweet Toast Of American Oak Single Malt
- Ballantine’s The Glentauchers 17 YO Single Malt Whisky
- Aberlour 14 YO Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Other Noteworthy Winners
Highland and Island distilleries also shone in the competition. Notable Gold Outstanding winners include:
- Loch Lomond Whiskies' 12 YO Inchmurrin Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Ian MacLeod Distillers' Glengoyne 30 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Tomatin Distillery's Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gold medalists from the islands feature:
- Highland Park 21 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Duncan Taylor's The Octave Premium Highland Park 2004 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Ledaig 18 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The diversity of these award-winning whiskies, from various regions and distilleries, highlights the richness and variety in the world of single malt Scotch whisky. The IWSC’s rigorous judging process ensures that these winners are truly among the best, offering a range of flavors and profiles to suit any whisky enthusiast’s palate.
A Toast to the Winners
The 2024 IWSC Scotch whisky judging has once again celebrated the artistry and tradition of Scotch whisky making. Whether you're a connoisseur seeking a rare find or a newcomer exploring the world of single malt Scotch whisky, these Gold Outstanding and Gold medalists represent the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. Cheers to discovering and savoring these exceptional whiskies!