The International Wine and Spirit Competition has been held by distillers and winemakers since 1969. Here is a sample of some award winning scotch whiskeys from last year’s competition that are sure to satisfy even the most avid connoisseur.

 

Glenfiddich 125th Anniversary Edition Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Distiller: William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd

Judge’s comments: “Complex nose with ripe fruits and a fine oaky spiciness. A nice malty and biscuity texture, some pleasant barley sugars. A gentle smokiness in the end.”

 

Windsor XR Blended Scotch Whiskey

Distiller: Diageo Plc

Judge’s comments: “Nose leads with barley and malt and driven by smoky drafts along with rich spice and honey. Full entry into the mouth with full flow across the palate. Lots of spice and citrus with big oak support. Herbal and rose wood notes. Big and beautifully rounded mouth with chocolate and vanilla. Complex and charming.”

 

Chivas Regal Scotch Whiskey Deluxe Blend 18YO

Distiller: Chivas Brothers

Judge’s comments: “Stone fruits lead in very attractive nose with peach being most dominant. Nutmeg, cinnamon and sherry follow. Wonderfully warming in the mouth. Rich in sherry characters with raisins and plum. Vanilla is prominent in long, well sustained finish. Delightful.”

Laphroaig An Cuan Mor Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Distiller:Laphroaig Distillery

Judge’s comments: “Nose opens with briny, smoky notes along with marzipan, cinnamon and beeswax. Hints of coffee and dark chocolate. Well powered entry with waves of flavour crashing across the palate. Deep, rich and powerful giving lift to all the nose promised and more. Smooth but vigorous flow. Some sweetish notes of barley and liquorice arrive and add further interest. Long, full and well weighted finish.”

 

The Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 12YO

Distiller: William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd

Judge’s comments:““Fruity nose with tropical tones, peach and pear. Subtle vanilla. Super smooth entry into the mouth where a cornucopia of flavours are released. Honey, orange, lemon, caramel, chocolate and shortbread. Then a very unusual but attractive autumn leaf mould character. Then loads more honey and some cinnamon and ginger. Very complex and continually developing flavours. Long and full flavoured but obviously well matured finish.”

 

Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 25YO

Distiller: Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd

Judge’s comments: “Fine Old English marmalade and violet candy in a rich and complex bouquet of aromas. A lightly peated smoke, fine wood tannins. Long aftertaste; dried fruit, spicy oak and delicate peat.”

Charles House Blended Scotch Whiskey

Distiller:Quality Spirits International

Judge’s comments: “Inviting malty nose with green cereal notes and slight caramel note. Smooth entry with fairly lively passage across the palate. Flavours of barley sugar and golden syrup give way to more cereal notes and firm grip takes over. Good balance . Firm, crisp finish where a late arrival of malt comes into play. Good, full flavoured and easy to drink.”

Glenglassaugh Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 30YO

Distiller:The BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd

Judge’s comments:  “A complex fruity and spicy whisky with dried fruit and raisins, aromatic pipe tobacco and a spicy oaky mouth feel. Some fine vanilla toffee with a long spicy finish.”

Waitrose Scotch Whiskey Blended 8 YO

Distiller:Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd
Judge’s comments: “Very attractive nose filled with honey, heather and vanilla. Super smooth entry into the mouth and satin flow across the palate. Rich and full bodied mouth. Lots of complex flavours with good, clean oak support. Mellow and mature notes are balanced by some fresh and youthful notes that give good lift in the finish.”

Kingdom Blended Scotch Whiskey 17 YO

Distiller:The Hite Jinro

Judge’s comments: “Super attractive nose packed with floral notes with lavender and dark rose dominating. Followed by honey with hint of smoke and then a wave of rich malt. Some tropical fruits follow with banana and mango prominent. Soft smooth flow with satin texture. Great balance and long finish. Raisins, dried apricot, citrus rind and honey in long, sustained aftertaste.”