The World’s Best Scotch – According to the 2024 World Whiskey Awards

As one of the oldest whiskey styles on the planet, Scotch has a place in the hearts of many whiskey lovers. First distilled in early 2015^th century, it helped introduce whiskey to the world market. That DNA can be found in bourbon, Japanese whiskey, and countless other styles. A highly complex spirit with a wide range of flavours, its success over the past few decades has started the current premiumization trend across the drinks industry.

So, for collectors and connoisseurs of fine liquor, finding the best bottles on the market can seem like a difficult task. There are many choices. Luckily, each year, the World Whiskey Awards has over 200 expert judges who take the guesswork out of consumer speculation and hand out the coveted Best of the Best and World’s Best awards. This year, they sifted through over 1,500 whiskeys from over 40 countries and awarded the title of World’s Best across 23 categories.

5 of them were for scotch

, and any or all of them would be an ideal addition to any drinking bar. Each winner defeated other regional winners to rise to the top. This is the ultimate King of the Hill contest that rewards Scotch lovers. Here are the World’s Best Scotches for 2024.

Dewar’s Double Double 37 Years

It’s no surprise that Dewar’s Scotch wins awards. Founded over 170 years ago, Dewar’s was one of the first Scotches exported outside the UK, bringing the pleasures of fine whiskey to many palates. Named the World’s Best Blended Malt, this beautiful limited edition Scotch is created through a unique four-stage maturation process, then ex-Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry, which once contained Aultmore Single Malt from Scotland’s Speyside region. Finished in barrels. .

Packaged in two Baccarat Massena crystal tumblers, this blended scotch exhibits the sweet flavors often found in aged whisky. It beat out seven other bottles to win the top prize. Here’s what the judges had to say about it:

Rich aromas of oak, leather, spice, caramel and burnt sugar. Aromas of dried and orchard fruit combine with a homely toffee sauce and nutty flavors to create a mouth-coating texture. Culminating with a long, gently dry finish.

ballantine 30 years

This is a Ballantine bottle, one of the symbols of the Scotch industry. Founded in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1827, the brand has grown to become the second largest Scotch whiskey in the world. Their product, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old, was named the World’s Best Blended Whiskey. Ballentine’s Finest, 12 YO, 17 YO, 21 YO Blend Made from his proprietary blend of Scotches, this whiskey has won awards over the years and seems to get even better every year.

It’s rich and sweet, and your mouth seems to open with every sip. Using a unique blend of Miltonduff and Glenburgie single malt grains, we highlight the skill and expertise the distillery brings to the table. It beat out 10 other bottles to win the top prize. Here is what the judges commented on this:

Warm meadow and hay aromas give way to cereal notes with a hint of licorice. The flavor is subtly sweet and creamy, reminiscent of cream soda with Demerara sugar and balanced grain and oak flavors. A lingering finish.

octave premium

Produced by family-run distillers Duncan Taylor in Huntly, Scotland, on the edge of the Speyside region, the Octave range of Scotches showcases the brand’s ability to produce exceptional aged whiskies, with a focus on specific regions. It is designed to. Aged in much smaller barrels than regular ones, these whiskeys are said to have greater wood-liquid interaction, resulting in an enhanced flavor profile. The Octave Premium has been named the world’s best single cask single grain whisky, so it must work.

Distilled at Strathclyde Distillery in 1990, Winner spent 32 years in oak barrels before being bottled in 2023. Full of deep, smoky flavor, it beat out two other bottles to earn that title. Here is what the judges commented on this:

Peaty aromas, porridge with golden syrup, honey, and dried driftwood. A sticky, oily texture. In the mouth, you can feel the aroma of grass and herbs, peppery spices, tobacco and ash. Smoke that lingers on the finish.

Glen Scotia, Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Cask 637, Refill Bourbon Barrel

Hailing from Campbeltown, Scotland’s smallest whisky-producing region, Glen Scotia is world-renowned for its exceptional Scotch. Founded in 1832, it was named Scottish Whiskey Distillery of the Year in 2021. Committed exclusively to fan-favorite single malt styles, the distillery focuses on producing whiskey according to traditional methods, avoiding the modernization embraced by other distilleries. By taking home the trophy for Best Single Cask Single Malt, they added another accolade to their already crowded trophy room.

It can be difficult to get your hands on this bottle. Only a limited number were made. But don’t worry. They have some great single malts on the market. If you find an award-winning bottle and give it a scoop, you won’t be disappointed. He beat 19 other people and came out on top. Here is what the judges commented on this:

Aromas of caramel, creamy porridge, candied lemon and honeysuckle. The palate is rich, with woody spices, butterscotch cream, citrus zest, especially orange, and a nice texture of honey. Water softens the spiciness and enhances the citrus and spice aromas.

english sherry cask

OK, this entry is a stretch since Winner is not technically a Scotch as it is made in England and not Scotland. Yes, that’s right. Founded in 2006 in Norfolk, England, English Distillery has made the impossible possible. It beat out 25 other bottles, including six Scottish Scotches, to win the coveted title of World’s Best Single Malt Whiskey. If you’re looking for the best, this is it. If you’re a purist, pick up a bottle of Glen Murray, Phoenix Rising. Voted the best Scotch single malt.

Back to the champion. English Sherry Cask Matured is his 17 year old whisky, which won this award on his first release. Enjoy a wide range of flavors with a smooth drinking experience. Here is what the judges commented on this: