The best whiskies in Scotland have been named in a blind tasting competition.
Last week, the winners of the W Club Members’ Choice Awards 2024 were announced. The awards were decided by members of The Whisky Shop’s W Club, who took part in blind tastings to determine the nation’s top whiskies.
The winners announced by The Whisky Shop were all in the Single Malt (Non-Age Statement) Category of the W Club Members’ Choice Awards. A Single Malt Non-Age Statement whisky refers to a spirit that has been produced without a maturation age identified on the label.
The overall Single Malt (Non-Age Statement) Category winner at the W Club Members’ Choice Awards was revealed to be the Glen Scotia Double Cask. The single malt, which was matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before a finishing period spent in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, features notes of toffee.
The Whisky Shop commented: “Matured in the finest oak barrels and finished in a combination of first fill bourbon barrels and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, this Campbeltown Single Malt offers the perfect balance of rich spicy fruits with the Glen Scotia signature characteristics of sea spray and vanilla oak.”
The Glen Scotia Double Cask is available for £44 from The Whisky Shop. Elsewhere, it can also be purchased for £42.95 from Master of Malt.
Meanwhile, three other whiskies were announced as ‘Gold Medalists’ in the Single Malt (Non-age Statement) Category. Among these was the Glen Scotia Victoriana.
The Glen Scotia Victoriana is described by makers as a modern take on a classic Victorian-style single malt. The award-winning whisky is known for its powerful, intense, and spicy flavour profile, including notes of sweet caramel and ripe berries.
The Whisky Shop stated: “The nose is elegant with oak and creme brulee notes leading to caramelised fruit and polished oak. The palate is sweet and concentrated with blackcurrant jam, subtle wood and vanilla, while the finish is clean and sweet with cocoa tones.”
At the moment, the Glen Scotia Victoriana can be ordered through The Whisky Shop at a price of £86. It is also available directly from Glen Scotia for £75.
The third and final Scottish whisky to be named among the winners of the Single Malt (Non-Age Statement) Category at the W Club Members’ Choice Awards is the Talisker Port Ruighe. The whisky is produced at the Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye.
The Talisker Port Ruighe is double matured in port casks and is known for its rich and fruity sweetness. It has notes of raisins, biscuits, milk chocolate, and ginger.
The Whisky Shop wrote: “‘Port Ruighe’ (pronounced ‘Portree’) is the Gaelic spelling of the once bustling trading port on Skye. The Port finish combines Talisker’s powerful maritime character with succulent sweet notes of rich berry fruits for a superb contrasting taste experience.”
The whisky is available from The Whisky Shop for a price of £70. Meanwhile, you can also pick up the Talisker Port Ruighe from The Whisky Exchange for £61.75.
Elsewhere, the last gold medallist in the Single Malt (Non-Age Statement) Category is the Filey Bay Flagship from Yorkshire. The English whisky was noted for its notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and citrus.
To determine the overall winner and each category winner, the members of The Whisky Shops’s W Club were asked to score each dram out of 100. Four categories were considered: aroma, taste, finish, and overall impression.
See below for the full list of winners at the W Club Members’ Choice Awards 2024 in the Single Malt (Non-Age Statement) Category. For further information, visit The Whisky Shop website.
W Club Members’ Choice Awards 2024 winners
- Glen Scotia Double Cask — overall winner
- Glen Scotia Victoriana — gold medallist
- Talisker Port Ruighe — gold medallist
- Filey Bay Flagship — gold medallist