As long as humans have been distilling whisky, there has been an ongoing debate about which one reigns supreme. This innate desire to determine the best of the best has given rise to a flourishing awards industry, both on a local and global scale. However, with the sheer number of accolades being handed out each year, consumers are often left overwhelmed and struggling to distinguish between the truly exceptional whiskies and the rest.
Recognizing the need for a more streamlined and rigorous competition, the International Whisky Competition (IWC) was founded fifteen years ago. Setting itself apart from other events, the IWC focuses solely on whisky and awards just three medals in each category: gold, silver, and bronze. Referred to as “The Olympics of whisky competitions” by industry veteran Jim McEwan, the IWC’s main objective is to showcase the finest whiskies from around the world.
One of the distinguishing features of the IWC is its panel of experts, comprised of Masters of Bourbon, Masters of Scotch, Master Blenders, Certified Spirits Judges, Distillers, and Whisky Experts. This diverse group participates in a double-blind taste test, ensuring that each entry is evaluated solely on its merit without any biases. Moreover, the spirits are judged against fifteen specific criteria, with a final score being calculated out of 100 possible points.
In response to the growing popularity of American whisky and bourbon, this year’s competition was divided into two tastings held in Kentucky and Scotland respectively. This strategic move allowed for a more thorough evaluation of the entries and resulted in a total of 102 whiskies achieving an impressive score of 90 points or higher. Notably, 35 of these outstanding whiskies were of American origin, reflecting the rising quality and diversity within the American whisky industry.
Among the distinguished winners, George T. Stagg emerged as the undisputed champion, claiming the top spot in multiple categories. Garnering a remarkable score of 94.98 points, George T. Stagg solidified its reputation as the best American Whiskey across all categories. Complementing Stagg, NOCO Distillery’s Founders Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon and W. L. Weller Antique 107 secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the fiercely competitive field of bourbon whiskies.
In a landscape saturated with whisky awards, the International Whisky Competition stands out as a beacon of excellence and integrity. By adopting a meticulous judging process and a singular focus on whisky, the IWC provides a platform for the finest spirits to shine. As the global appreciation for whisky continues to rise, competitions like the IWC play a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating the craftsmanship of distillers worldwide. For whisky enthusiasts seeking the ultimate benchmark of quality, the IWC remains the definitive authority on exceptional whiskies.
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