The World’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky From The 2024 IWSC Judging

The International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) has announced the 2024 Scotch whisky judging results. Ten single malt Scotch whiskies won Gold Outstanding medals: two from Islay and four each from Speyside and the Highlands. Another 103 single malt Scotch whiskies won Gold medals. Below are the Single Malt Scotch Whisky Gold Outstanding winners, complete with the official tasting notes of the 2024 IWSC Scotch whisky judging.

The IWSC is an annual wine and spirits competition. Founded in 1969 by Anton Massel, it has grown to become one of the largest such competitions in the world. Spirits are evaluated on a 100-point scale, and awards are given out for Gold Outstanding (98-100 points), Gold (95-97 points), Silver (90-94 points), and Bronze (85-89 points).

The 2024 competition featured approximately 4,000 entries. One hundred and two entries took home Gold Outstanding medals. There were 589 entries in the Scotch whisky category, making the IWSC 2024 the world’s largest Scotch whisky competition. Approximately 2.2% of the entries won Gold Outstanding medals, and 17.3% won Gold medals, making the IWSC Scotch whisky judging among the most stringent of the world’s whisky competitions.

Loch Lomond, 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml was the top-rated peated single malt whisky from the highlands with 98/100 points.

The whisky, produced at the Loch Lomond Distillery on the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland, has been in operation since 1814.

This expression is crafted using a combination of traditional swan neck pot stills and unique straight neck pot stills and is matured in three types of American oak casks—bourbon, refill, and re-charred—which contributes to its complexity and depth of flavor. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is non-chill filtered to preserve its natural flavors and aromatic integrity.

The nose offers crisp green apple and ripe pear, refreshing citrus lemon notes, and a pervasive note of cooked cereal grains. The palate is dominated by orchard fruits and lemon meringue, complemented by vanilla meringue and light Graham cracker/biscuit sweetness. The finish is medium-length and fruity, featuring gentle wood smoke.

The official IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring:

A rounded, polished nose of summer fruit in a fog of peat smoke. Continuing to a lovely viscous texture on the palate with bright tropical fruit notes from melon, mango, peach, and grapefruit. Chewy with a wonderfully long and lingering finish.

The other Highlands gold medalists are Loch Lomond, 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml; Adelphi Distillery, Ad/ Core Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Loch Lomond, Levenside 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml; and Beam Suntory, The Ardmore Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Also winning a Gold Outstanding medal among peated whiskies, with 98/100 points was Bean Suntory, Bowmore Timeless Series 33 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 45.5% ABV, 750 ml.

The Bowmore Timeless Series 33 YO is a premium expression from the Bowmore Distillery, one of the oldest Isle of Islay distilleries dating to 1779. Known for its distinctive smoky and peaty character, Bowmore has a long history of producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky.

The Timeless Series is an ultra-aged range of whiskies that celebrates the meticulous craftsmanship and long maturation processes for which Bowmore is renowned. This particular expression is aged for 33 years, showcasing a perfect balance of rich flavors and complex aromas.

On the nose, it’s rich and aromatic, with notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoky peat. The palate has complex layers of sherry sweetness, tropical fruits, dark chocolate, roasted almonds, and a subtle smokiness. The finish is long, lingering, and slightly spicy, with a gentle smoky finish.

The Official IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring:

Expressive nose with florality and tropical fruit. Juicy mango leads to a burst of pineapple and sweet citrus that is complemented by the floral orange blossom notes. Gorgeous example with summer fruit and smoke to the finish.

The other whiskies from Islay winning Gold medals are Duncan Taylor, The Single Cask Collection Bunnahabhain Peated 9 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 54.1% ABV, 750 ml; Elixir Distillers, Port Askaig 8 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 45.8% ABV, 750 ml; Ardbeg, 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; and Marks & Spencer, Collection Loch Gruinart Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml.

Also winning a Gold medal are Bowmore 15 YO Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; Bunnahabhain, Fèis Ìle 2024 19 YO Moine Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 51.2% ABV, 750 ml; and Spiritfilled, Mythical Beasts 13 YO Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 54% ABV, 750 ml.

Five single malt Scotch whiskies from the islands scored Gold medals: Highland Park, 21 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Duncan Taylor, The Octave Premium Highland Park 2004 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 54.3% ABV, 750 ml; Ledaig, 18 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3% ABV, 750 ml; Ledaig, Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3% ABV, 750 ml; and Torabhaig, Allt Gleann Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml.

Three Speyside distilleries and one Lowland distillery won Gold medals for their peated expressions. The sole Lowland distillery was Holyrood Distillery, Embra Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43.6% ABV, 750 ml. The three Speyside region distilleries that won Gold medals were Meikle Tòir, The Sherry One 5 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 48% ABV, 750 ml; Benriach Distillery, The Sixteen 16 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; and Benriach Distillery, The Thirty 30 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml.

Three Highland distillers won Gold Outstanding medals for their non-peated whiskies. The three, each scoring 98/100 points, were Loch Lomond Whiskies, 12 YO Inchmurrin Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Ian MacLeod Distillers, Glengoyne 30 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.8% ABV; and Tomatin Distillery, Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

Inchmurrin 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky is named after Inchmurrin, the largest island in Loch Lomond. Known for its unique fruit-forward character, this single malt is celebrated for its light, fruity profile and well-balanced complexity.

On the nose, it’s fruity and floral with peach, pear, and vanilla notes. The palate is sweet and fruity with apricot, melon, and creamy caramel flavors. The finish is long, smooth, fruity, and slightly spicy, with a touch of oak.

The official IWSC Judging panel described the whisky as showing:

The nose offers a subtle whisper of peat with underlying white fruits and a palate of lingering sweet blackcurrant-citrus, soft peat, and an impressive long and elegantly sweet finish.

Ian MacLeod Distillers is a family-owned, independent Scottish spirits company founded in 1933. The company owns the Glengoyne and Tamdhu distilleries.

The Glengoyne 30 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a premium and highly acclaimed expression matured in hand-selected Sherry casks. The distillery is located in the Highlands, known for its unpeated malt and slow distillation process, which results in a distinctive and refined whisky.

The whisky’s nose is rich and complex, with aromas of caramel, dried fruits, and a hint of citrus. It’s deep and full-bodied on the palate with flavors of Sherry, dark chocolate, dried dark fruit, and roasted nuts, complemented by subtle notes of wood spices. The finish is exceptionally long and smooth, with lingering oak notes and sweet dried fruit.

The official IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring:

Aromas of bright fruits, of apple, pear, and peach, are balanced with a smooth and satiny mouthfeel. The finish lingers luxuriously with hints of fruitcake, sweet licorice, and blackcurrant.

The Tomatin Distillery, founded in 1897, is situated near the village of Tomatin, south of Inverness. It has a rich history of whisky production, evolving from its early days to become one of the largest distilleries in Scotland during the 1970s. It produces Tomatin Single Malt, Cù Bòcan, and various blended whiskies.

The whisky’s nose is fresh and inviting, with aromas of vanilla, marshmallow, and light citrus notes. It’s smooth and well-balanced on the palate, featuring flavors of sweet, cooked barley, pineapple, lemon sherbet, and a hint of spice. The finish is fruity and refreshing, with a lingering sweetness.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as:

Here we have succulent aromas of lychee, creamy vanilla, and warm cinnamon. A fabulously luscious flavor profile with a heavenly finish, defined by apricot sweetness.

Tomatin Legacy is matured in a combination of bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks.

Eight Highland distilleries won Gold medals for their unpeated whiskies. These included: Glencadam Distillery, 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Beam Suntory, Glen Garioch 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 48% ABV, 750 ml; The Glendronach, Allardice 18 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Ian MacLeod Distillers, Glengoyne 15 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; and Ian MacLeod Distillers, Glengoyne White Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 48% ABV, 750 ml.

Also winning Gold medals are Chapter 7 Whisky, Monologue 1998 Ben Nevis Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 49.8% ABV, 750 ml; The Glendronach, Parliament 21 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 48% ABV, 750 ml; and Glenglassaugh Distillery, Sandend Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml.

The sole Gold Outstanding Single Malt Scotch whisky from Speyside is Braeval, 26 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 52.1% ABV, 750 ml.

The Braeval Distillery, formerly known as Braes of Glenlivet, is not well known in North America. It was established in 1973 in the remote Braes of Glenlivet in the Speyside region of Scotland. The distillery, one of the highest in Scotland, produces whisky for blending purposes and is rarely bottled as a single malt.

Braeval 26 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rare and exceptional expression from the Braeval Distillery, showcasing the depth and complexity of extended aging.

The whisky is rich and aromatic on the nose, with notes of dried fruits, honey, vanilla, and a hint of floral heather. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, featuring flavors of ripe apples, caramel, toasted nuts, and subtle wood spice notes. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of oak, cooked cereal, and a touch of spice.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as:

Expressive on both nose and palate. Aromatic woods, orchard fruits, dark chocolate, and spices fill both the nose and palate. Incredible ripe fruits, apple, pear, melon, clove, and ginger. Minty aftertaste. Amazing, excellent.

The Gold medalists from Speyside include whiskies from two closed distilleries, Caperdonich, 27 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 49.2% ABV, 750 ml and Imperial, A’Glac Charrann 27 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 49.8% ABV, 750 ml. These whiskies are exceptionally rare and represent ultra-aged expressions from a rapidly diminishing inventory of whisky.

The other Gold medalists are John Dewar & Sons, Craigellachie 19 YO Special Reserve Single Malt, 46% ABV, 750 ml; William Grant & Sons, The Balvenie 12 YO Sweet Toast Of American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; Ballantine’s, The Glentauchers 17 YO Single Malt Whisky, 48% ABV, 750 ml; Aberlour, 14 YO Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml; Longmorn, 22 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 54.5% ABV, 750 ml; Miltonduff, 24 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 52.1% ABV, 750 ml; and Tomintoul Distillery, 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

Also winning Gold medals from Speyside are The Glenlivet 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; Glen Keith, 31 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 48.9% ABV, 750 ml; William Grant & Sons, Glenfiddich 18 YO Perpetual Collection Vat 04 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 47.8% ABV, 750 ml; Ian MacLeod Distillers, Tamdhu 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; Ian MacLeod Distillers, Tamdhu Ámbar 2008 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Ian MacLeod Distillers, Tamdhu Cigar Malt III Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 53.8% ABV, 750 ml; Gruppo Campari, The Glen Grant 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; Gruppo Campari, The Glen Grant 15 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 50% ABV, 750 ml; Gruppo Campari, The Glen Grant 18 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml; and Benriach Distillery, and The Twelve 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 750 ml.

Isle of Arran, Barrel Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml was the sole non-peated Gold Medalist from the Islands. The two Gold medalists from Islay, an area not known for producing non-peated whisky are Bunnahabhain, 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3% ABV, 750 ml; and Spiritfilled, Mythical Beasts 13 YO Bruichladdich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 54% ABV, 750 ml.

Two Lowland distillers also won Gold medals, William Grant & Sons, Aerstone Sea Cask 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml and Beam Suntory, Auchentoshan 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

The 10 Gold Outstanding medalists and the 103 Gold medalists represent the very best of the hundreds of single malt Scotch whiskies judged by the IWSC in 2024. The IWSC Scotch whisky judging is truly the world’s largest and most prestigious Scotch whisky judging. Pricewise, these whiskies range from relatively inexpensive, under $50/750 ml, to very expensive. There are plenty of whiskies to explore here, for any pocketbook.