In today’s saturated spirits market, there is an abundance of competitions aiming to judge and rank various alcoholic beverages. However, it was not always this way. Anthony Dias Blue, the founder of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) back in 2000, can be credited with creating what has now become a thriving industry. The prestigious reputation of SFWSC, built upon the expertise of the talented judges it attracts annually, has allowed it to maintain its esteemed status. Striving for expansion, Anthony’s daughter, Amanda Blue, established The Tasting Alliance in 2018, a parent company overseeing SFWSC and two other competitions held in Singapore and New York.
In an exciting development, The Tasting Alliance recently organized a best-of-the-best showdown, pitting the top contenders against each other to determine the supreme selection for each style of liquor. This inaugural global spirits olympics brought together judges who blindly sampled the entries. Surprisingly, the winner in the whisky category emerged as the first international gold-medalist – Tomatin 36 Year Old Highland Single Malt.
Renowned for its exceptional complexity, Tomatin 36 Year Old Highland Single Malt tantalizes the senses with its captivating flavor profile. Beginning with an intense tropical fruitiness on the nose, this whisky evolves into a delightful blend of leather and Christmas spices on the palate. Its copper-hued body contributes to its allure, offering a pleasing creaminess that glides effortlessly as each sip is savored. Bottled at a cask strength of 45.1% ABV, this remarkable expression exudes a festive and inviting character.
Expressing his delight at the recognition received from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023, Tomatin master distiller Graham Eunson revealed the secrets behind the whisky’s allure: “Our 36 Year Old single malt is a really special dram. A marriage of casks – a refill hogshead and an Oloroso sherry butt – gives us a remarkably smooth yet complex whisky that keeps you intrigued with lively top notes of peach, apricot, honeydew melon, and mango, which bring vibrancy to this rich and warming expression.”
What sets Tomatin 36 Year Old Highland Single Malt apart is not only its recent triumph but also its track record. Remarkably, this whisky had previously secured the “Best In Show” accolade at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017, reinforcing its position as one of the finest spirits available. Its consistent excellence is truly impressive. Furthermore, compared to some of its more renowned Scottish counterparts, this extraordinary whisky is relatively accessible to consumers in the United States. Priced around $1500 per bottle, it is possible to find this exceptional spirit on American shelves. Time will tell if this latest triumph will have any impact on its availability and prices.
The global spirits market is fiercely competitive, with countless competitions vying for recognition. However, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, established by Anthony Dias Blue, remains a pinnacle of quality judgment in the industry. The recent best-of-the-best showdown organized by The Tasting Alliance showcased the ultimate winner in the whisky category – Tomatin 36 Year Old Highland Single Malt – an outstanding expression lauded for its complex flavor profile and consistent superiority. As it stands on the highest podium, this scotch commands attention and exemplifies the heights that can be reached in the world of spirits.
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