In the realm of whisky awards, the quest to determine the best of the best has been ongoing for centuries. This pursuit is deeply ingrained in human nature, where the desire to crown a champion reigns supreme. However, this relentless quest has given rise to a proliferation of awards both locally and globally, leading to a cacophony of recognition that can often be overwhelming for consumers.
Enter the International Whisky Competition (IWC), a game-changer in the world of whisky awards. Established fifteen years ago, the IWC stands out from the crowd by focusing solely on whisky and awarding only three medals in each category: gold, silver, and bronze. Dubbed as “The Olympics of whisky competitions” by industry stalwart Jim McEwan, the IWC sets out to showcase the finest whiskies from around the world.
What sets the IWC apart is its unique judging process. A panel of esteemed whisky experts, including Masters of Bourbon, Masters of Scotch, Master Blenders, Certified Spirits Judges, Distillers, and Whisky Experts, conduct double-blind taste tests on each entry. This blind-tasting method ensures that spirits are evaluated solely on their merit, free from biases or preconceptions.
Unlike other competitions, the IWC assesses all types of whisky – from peated scotches to Irish whiskies and bourbons – under one roof. Each spirit is meticulously judged against fifteen criteria and assigned a final score out of 100 points. With the growing popularity of American whisky and bourbon, this year’s competition saw a split in tastings between Kentucky and Scotland, reflecting the global reach of the competition.
The IWC prides itself on its rigorous standards, aiming to highlight only the crème de la crème of the whisky world. Out of the hundreds of entries, only 102 whiskies scored 90 points or above, with a notable 35 hailing from American distilleries. This selectivity ensures that only the most exceptional whiskies receive recognition, making the competition a true test of quality.
For those seeking the pinnacle of bourbon excellence, the IWC’s medal winners in the bourbon categories reveal a clear standout. George T. Stagg emerged as the undisputed champion, securing the top spot with an impressive score of 94.98 points. Followed closely by NOCO Distillery and W. L. Weller Antique 107, George T. Stagg solidified its position as the best of the best in the world of American whiskey.
The International Whisky Competition serves as a beacon of excellence in the competitive landscape of whisky awards. By upholding stringent judging criteria and a commitment to showcasing the finest spirits, the IWC sets a new standard for recognizing the world’s top whiskies. With George T. Stagg leading the pack, the IWC reaffirms its status as the ultimate arbiter of whisky excellence.