2024 International Whisky Competition Announces Winners: Bacardi Takes Top Honors

The 2024 International Whisky Competition (IWC) has revealed its results after events held on the Isle of Raasay, Scotland, and in Louisville, Kentucky. This competition, a significant benchmark in the whisky industry since its reformatting in 2015, is dedicated exclusively to whiskies from around the globe. Utilizing double-blind tasting methods, the IWC ensures unbiased and comprehensive evaluations of each entry.

This year's competition featured a tasting panel largely comprised of members from the Council of Whiskey Masters, bringing deep expertise in Scotch, Bourbon, and Whiskey to the judging process.

Bacardi's AULTMORE® Oloroso Sherry Cask Travel Retail Exclusive 25 Year Old was awarded the prestigious Golden Barrel Trophy for Whisky of the Year, scoring 98.31 points. Under the expert guidance of Stephanie Macleod, Bacardi's Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky, this accolade underscores the company's commitment to excellence and innovation in whisky-making. Macleod, honored as Master Blender of the Year for the sixth consecutive year by the IWC, continues to push the boundaries of flavor and maturation, marking this the second time Bacardi has received the Whisky of the Year award.

Adam Edmonsond, Master of Whisky, provided tasting notes for the winning whisky: "The AULTMORE® Oloroso Sherry Cask Travel Retail Exclusive 25 Year Old is a stunning display of flavor complexity and integration. A gamut of orchard, citrus, tropical, and dried fruits beam with clarity between honied and sweet florals, ginger, butterscotch, and a leathery depth of maturity. The palate and finish more than fulfill the promises of the nose, gaining intensity at each stage. It has a luxuriously full, round body, and a controlled warmth. It was perfectly balanced along each dimension, and I would be hard-pressed to find something about it to improve."

Other notable awards included Bacardi being named Distiller of the Year with an average score of 91.50 points across combined entries. DEWAR'S® Double Double 37 Years Old was recognized as the Best Blended Scotch Whisky with 96.37 points. George T. Stagg, 2023 from Buffalo Trace Distillery, USA, secured the Best American Whiskey and Best Bourbon Whiskey titles with 94.98 points.

The Indri Founder's Reserve 11 Year Old Wine Cask from Piccadily Distilleries in India was celebrated as the Best Indian Whisky, scoring 95.09 points. Kavalan Distillery's Reserve Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky from Taiwan received the Best World Whisky award for the fifth consecutive year with a score of 94.39 points. Bushmills 25 Year Old from Bushmill Distillery, Ireland, was honored as the Best Irish Whiskey with 92.40 points, highlighting its complexity, smoothness, and rich flavor profile.

In the rapidly growing Ready-to-Drink (RTD) market, The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Old Fashioned Ready to Serve Cocktail by Pernod Ricard impressed judges and was named the Best Whisky Based RTD. Francesco Lafranconi, Master Mixologist, praised it: "Rich and smooth whisky base from The Glenlivet, providing a deep and complex flavor profile with subtle notes of orange peel for citrus brightness. Warm baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting feel. The velvety mouthfeel enhances the overall drinking experience, complemented by a well-balanced sweetness. An aromatic finish leaves a lasting warmth on the palate."

For a comprehensive list of winners and more details, please visit the IWC 2024 Results Page.

The International Whisky Competition, held annually, is recognized as one of the most influential whisky awards globally. Utilizing a rigorous double-blind tasting method, the competition's panel of experts thoroughly evaluates each whisky. Only three medals (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) are awarded per category, with the Whisky of the Year receiving the Golden Barrel Trophy. For more information about the competition, visit whiskycompetition.com.