The 2024 International Whisky Competition (IWC) recently concluded, with events held on the Isle of Raasay, Scotland, and in Louisville, Kentucky. This esteemed competition, dedicated exclusively to whiskies from around the world, has been a benchmark of excellence since 2015. The competition employs a rigorous double-blind tasting method without revealing categories or alcohol by volume (ABV) to the judges, ensuring impartiality and focus on the whisky's intrinsic qualities.
Since 2023, the tasting panel has expanded to include numerous members and graduates from the Council of Whiskey Masters, bringing expertise in Scotch, Bourbon, and other whiskies. This year's competition saw Bacardi's AULTMORE® Oloroso Sherry Cask Travel Retail Exclusive 25 Year Old clinch the prestigious Golden Barrel Trophy for Whisky of the Year with a score of 98.31 points. This accolade underscores Bacardi's commitment to excellence and innovation in whisky-making.
Under the guidance of Stephanie Macleod, Bacardi's Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky, the company has once again demonstrated superior craftsmanship. Macleod, honored as the Master Blender of the Year for the sixth consecutive year by the IWC, continues to push the boundaries of flavor and maturation. This is the second time Bacardi has received the Whisky of the Year award, a testament to its consistent quality and dedication to producing world-class whisky.
Master of Whisky Adam Edmonsond praised the AULTMORE® Oloroso Sherry Cask, noting its "stunning display of flavor complexity and integration." He described a gamut of orchard, citrus, tropical, and dried fruits, balanced with honied florals, ginger, butterscotch, and a leathery depth of maturity. This whisky's luxurious, full body and controlled warmth impressed the judges, making it a standout choice.
Bacardi also received the Distiller of the Year award, with an average score of 91.50 points across its entries. Other notable awards include Best Blended Scotch Whisky for DEWAR'S® Double Double 37 Years Old with 96.37 points, and Best American Whiskey for George T. Stagg, 2023, which scored 94.98 points. George T. Stagg also retained the title of Best Bourbon Whiskey for the second consecutive year.
In a notable achievement for Indian whisky, the Indri Founder's Reserve 11 Year Old Wine Cask from Piccadily Distilleries scored 95.09 points, highlighting its unique flavor profiles and exceptional quality. Kavalan Distillery from Taiwan secured the Best World Whisky award for the fifth consecutive year with its Distillery Reserve Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, scoring 94.39 points.
Bushmills 25 Year Old from Ireland earned the Best Irish Whiskey title with 92.40 points, showcasing the mastery involved in aging and blending older whiskies. The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Old Fashioned Ready to Serve Cocktail by Pernod Ricard was named Best Whisky Based RTD, impressing judges with its balance of classic Old Fashioned flavors and modern convenience.
The International Whisky Competition is recognized as one of the most influential whisky awards globally. A panel of whisky experts rigorously double-blind tastes each entry to identify the best expressions across various categories. The competition’s unique method ensures each whisky receives the proper attention, making it a significant event in the whisky industry. For a comprehensive list of winners and more details, please visit the IWC 2024 Results Page.
