The 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition has crowned the 10 best Scotch Whiskies in the world. All the Whiskies scored 98 out of 100 points, the second highest score given out at the competition. Of the 10, three were bestowed even higher honors, as they were awarded the top Blended Scotch Whisky 2020, Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 25 Years and Under 2020, or Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 26 Years and Over 2020.
Here are the 10 Best Scotch Whiskies in the World According to the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition:
The Last Drop Distillers – 56 YO Blended Scotch Whisky
“Rich and mellow: warm and appealing aromas of madeira, leather and tropical fruit. Subtle smoke with gentle spice on the palate,” wrote the judges about the blend.
Chivas Brothers – Aberlour 14 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“Elegant and refined: toffee apple nose with a hint of honey, followed by slight tropical fruit on the palate along with bright barley. Well-judged mix of fruit and oak,” said the judges about the single malt.
John Dewar & Sons – Dewar’s 25 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
“Complex and intriguing; green tea leaves and gentle smoke aromas blend with sandal wood and sweet vanilla to create a heady mix. Nicely balanced with an elegant peat finish,” noted the judges.
William Grant & Sons Distillers – Glenfiddich Finest Solera Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“Spice on the nose with hints of white chocolate and fudge; nice balance of sweet and richness. Raisined sherry notes on the palate with dark chocolate and brown sugar coming through. Elegance personified,” said the judges.
Royal Salute – Royal Salute 23 YO Blended Scotch Whisky
“Beautifully crafted and refined; citrus marmalade on the nose with sweeter fudge character on the palate; then fresh oak and raisins on the finish,” wrote the judges.
Whyte & Mackay Ltd – Tamnavulin Vintage 1973 Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky
“Seville oranges and ripe apricots burst out of the glass and on the palate, refined oak and baked apple continue to please the senses.There’s an umami character with a toffee sweetness and red fruits on a deliciously unctuous finish,” noted the judges.
William Grant & Sons Distillers – The Balvenie Thirty Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“Old wood and furniture polish on the nose, with and explosion of tropical fruits, vanilla and marzipan on the palate. Wonderfully balanced,” said the judges.
Best Blended Scotch Whisky 2020
The Glory Leading Whisky – Company Glory Leading 1972 45 YO Blended Scotch Whisky
“Demerara sugar on the nose with hints of melted wax and honey. Some lovely freshness on the palate, considering it is a mature whisky. Pure class,” wrote the judges.
Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 25 Years and Under 2020
Distell Limited – Bunnahabhain 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“Well-balanced with finesse and elegance. Soft vanilla sponge, orange liquer and grapefruit zest on the nose. Spice and oak are integrated well, with fresh fruit and dried apricot on the palate,” noted the judges.
Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 26 Years and Over 2020
William Grant & Sons Distillers – Glenfiddich 40 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“Distinguished and decadent. Deep, dark wood aromas with hints of leather and old books. Complex, but well-balanced palate of apples and dried pears with a great sweet/spice balance,” said the judges.