The Top Scotch Whiskies According To The Whiskies Of The World Awards

Whiskies of the World (WOW) is an organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and enjoyment of whisky. They are best known for hosting a series of whisky shows across the United States. Now affiliated with the International Wines and Spirits Competition, WOW sponsors its own whisky competition. Here are the results of the 2024 Whiskies of the World Awards.

The Best in Class Scotch Whisky is Eden Mill, The Guard Bridge, 46% ABV, 750 ml.

Eden Mill is a Scottish distillery known for its innovative approach to traditional whisky-making, blending historical practices with modern techniques. Located in St. Andrews, Scotland, Eden Mill originally started as a brewery before expanding into distillation. The Guard Bridge is part of their Limited Release series and showcases their commitment to craft and quality.

The whisky, named after the historic village of Guardbridge, is a carefully crafted expression that reflects Eden Mill’s dedication to producing unique and flavorful spirits. Bottled at 46% ABV, this blended malt Scotch whisky is non-chill filtered, ensuring that all its natural flavors and characteristics are preserved, inviting you to explore its distinct qualities.

On the nose, The Guard Bridge offers a rich and inviting aroma with caramelized sugar, honey, and toasted oak notes. Subtle hints of dried fruits and vanilla add depth and complexity, promising a sensory journey that will engage and excite your palate.

On the palate, The Guard Bridge offers a smooth, medium-bodied texture. The flavor profile includes sweet malt, vanilla, and spice, with underlying citrus and dark chocolate tones. The oak influence is present but well-balanced, adding a layer of warmth and slight smokiness.

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of spice, oak, and a touch of sweetness. It leaves a warm, comforting aftertaste that invites another sip.

Eden Mill’s The Guard Bridge is a well-crafted blended malt whisky that combines traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with a contemporary twist, offering a rich and complex drinking experience.

The Best in Class Peated Malt Whisky is Lindores Abbey 1494 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml.

Lindores Abbey Distillery, located in Fife, Scotland, is celebrated as the birthplace of Scotch whisky. The date 1494 refers to the first recorded mention of whisky production in Scotland occurring at the abbey. The current distillery was established in 2017.

The Lindores Abbey 1494 Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the distillery’s flagship expression, honoring this rich heritage. It is crafted from locally grown barley and aged in a combination of bourbon, wine barrique, and Sherry casks, creating a well-balanced and complex whisky.

The aroma opens with rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey and subtle hints of dried fruits, citrus zest, and a touch of spice.

This whisky is smooth and well-rounded on the palate, offering flavors of toffee, malt, and orchard fruits of apple and pear. The influence of the Sherry cask adds layers of dried fruits and spices, while the bourbon cask contributes sweetness and oak notes.

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of spice, vanilla, and a gentle warmth from the oak, leaving a pleasant and lasting impression.

Lindores Abbey 1494 Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a beautifully balanced and flavorful expression that reflects the distillery’s deep historical roots and commitment to quality.

The Best in Class World Malt Whisky is Amrut Triparva, 50% ABV, 750 ml.

Amrut Triparva is a unique and innovative expression from Amrut Distilleries, an Indian distillery renowned for its high-quality single malts. Triparva is notable for being India’s first triple-distilled single malt whisky, a process that adds layers of complexity and smoothness to the final product.

The name “Triparva” reflects this three-stage distillation process, which results in a whisky that is both delicate and rich in character. Bottled at 50% ABV, this expression showcases Amrut’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of whisky production.

The aroma is light and fragrant, with a delicate interplay of floral notes, tropical fruits, and vanilla. Subtle hints of citrus and honey add brightness and sweetness.

Triparva is smooth and creamy on the palate, offering rich flavors of ripe mango, coconut, and vanilla notes. Layers of spice and oak add depth. The triple distillation gives it a silky texture and a refined balance.

The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of sweet fruits, vanilla, and a gentle spiciness that leaves a warm, satisfying aftertaste.

Amrut Triparva is a well-crafted and distinctive whisky that highlights the benefits of triple distillation. It offers a smooth, complex, and enjoyable drinking experience.

All three of these whiskies are readily available in the US. If you haven’t tried them yet, you certainly should.

See the Whiskies of the World Awards for a complete listing of all of the medalists.

Sláinte