The best Single Malt Scotch in 2022! (by the IWSC)
IWSC 2022.
What is the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC)?
For those that are unaware, the IWSC is an international competition held annually since 1969 to recognize and reward excellence in drinks worldwide. They are also known to set the international benchmark for quality in the world of drinks!
This year, the IWSC gathered 85 of the world's leading spirit experts to assess over 4,000 spirits from over 90 countries!
Each spirit will be tasted and awarded a score and this score will be translated to a medal awarded to the whisky.
The different tiers of IWSC medals are:
- Gold Outstanding (98-100 points)
- Gold (95-97 points)
- Silver (90-94 points)
- Bronze (85-89 points)
Scotch Category
IWSC 2022 Gold Outstanding winners
This article will cover the results of the scotch whisky category.
The scotch whisky category is traditionally one of the competition's largest and most competitive segment. This year, a total of 38 single malt Scotch whiskies were awarded the much coveted Gold Outstanding medal!
This year, two of the top three Golden Outstanding medal winners are from Scotland's lesser-known distilleries: Tomatin and Deanston. All three scored 99 points and are without a doubt, 2022's top whiskies!
Before touching on the top 3, we'll cover some of the honorable mentions that also won Gold Outstanding medals:
Ardberg: the Arbeg 25 YO and the Arbeg Wee 5 YO Beastie both won Gold Outstanding medals
This year the Glendronach managed to clinch three medals from their range, namely: The Glendronach 16 YO Boynsmill, 18 YO Allardice and the 21 YO Parliament.
Another triple Gold Outstanding medalist is a lesser-known distillery- Balblair, which was a triple winner for its 12 YO, 18 YO and 25 YO. They are an up and coming distillery with amazing whisky that still remains under the radar.
Some other unusual winners are:
- Atom Brands, 10 YO Seaweed & Aeaons & Digging & Fire Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Lindores Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Loch Lomond's Inchmoan 12 YO & Glengarry 12 YO
- Glencadem's The Rather Dignified 15 YO, Reserva Andalusia Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish & American Oak Reserve Small Batch Malt Scotch Whisky
The other Gold Outstanding medals were claimed by notable brands like Highland Park for their 15 YO Viking Heart Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Aberfeldy for their 16 YO and 21 YO expressions. Glenmorangie also won a Gold Outstanding medal for its Finest Reserve 19 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Representing the Islay Distillers, Laphroiag won two Gold Outstanding medals for its 10 YO Sherry Oak Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the Select Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The other Islay distiller that won a medal is Kilchoman for its Machir Bay Scotch Whisky. Ballantine's Glenburgie 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Top 3 Winners
With each scoring 99 points, here are the top 3 winners of the Golden Outstanding medal for the scotch category
Tomatin 1976 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strong spices and wood aromas. Evolves to powerful red fruits with high alcohol. Adding water to the glass creates softer, sweeter notes of tropical fruit and vanilla spice. Sweet lengthy finish.
Tomatin Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Ripe honeyed lemons and sweet vanilla fudge characterise the nose, while a pleasant fresh grapefruit flavour comes through wonderfully on the palate creating a superb lift. Fragrant and complex, with a harmonious, lingering finish.
Deanston Virgin Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Splendidly extravagant with a rich flow of milk chocolate, smooth vanilla and sumptuous pears on the palate. The finish is long and weighty with a stunning flow of creamy nuttiness that keeps on going. Absolutely marvellous.
End note (& more!)
With that we have come to the end of the IWSC scotch whisky winners! Hopefully this blog was able to give you some suggestions if you are looking for expert-approved whiskies.
This year's top three are brands that are lesser known in the Singapore whisky community- Deanston and Tomatin. This shows that there are many hidden gems hidden away from the mainstream. Also, these are brands that we have recently brought into our portfolio as we strongly believe in their potential!
If you wish to taste award winning distillery Tomatin's whiskies, look no further! We are excited to announce that 3mk will be launching a Zoom tasting session where sample bottles will be sent straight to your doorstep. The tasting session will be guided by Tomatin's very own master blender, Lain Forteath! Stay tuned to our Instagram @3mk.liquor for more news on this.
Thank you for reading to the end, we hope to continue bringing more exciting whisky news to you!
-Three Musketeers Liquor Delivery, your trusted lifestyle drinking partner
