Balvenie whisky takes out IWSC Trophy

Congratulations to William Grant & Sons on winning the IWSC Trophy for Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years & Under at the recent International Wine and Spirits Awards 2017.

The family-owned distiller took out the prize with The Balvenie Caribbean Cask Aged 14 Years.

The IWSC is one of the most respected and high profile blind tasting competitions in the industry, attracting entries from leading distilleries from around the world and being judged by masters of the craft, whisk(e)y makers themselves from across the world. 

There are only four trophies awarded in all of Single Malt Scotch Whisky and only one trophy awarded in this age category. Judges are presented with hundreds of malt whiskies divided into regions, abv (if over 46%), and age over several days. The highest scoring in each category IF above 90 points is awarded Gold Best in Class. Each Gold Best in Class winner is then put forward to further judging against its peers in four categories: NAS, 15 and Under, Over 15 Years, and Cask Strength.

Commenting on the outstanding recognition, The Balvenie Malt Master, David C Stewart MBE, remarked: “I am very humbled to be awarded this trophy again, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12yo won last year and at first I thought there must be a mistake! The Caribbean Cask Aged 14 Years is a relatively recent addition to The Balvenie family of expressions that have been so successful over the past 25 years so it’s wonderful to see them honoured by such a prestigious competition year after year. 

“The win is a true testament to the hard work of The Balvenie Distillery craftsmen, whose skills are essential to the crafting of The Balvenie Single Malt.  There will definitely be a dram or two raised in celebration of this win.”

Recently appointed Australian & New Zealand Brand Ambassador of The Balvenie, Ross Blainey (pictured above) said: “As Australia’s Scotch whisky experts, we are so delighted at the news that we have been bestowed this highly-regarded honour. This incredible achievement pays tribute to those practising their craft and giving their life’s work to this whisky in our distillery in Dufftown.  We’re certainly making it ‘The Balvenie Caribbean Christmas’ on our shores this year and will be promoting this incredible win both on and off premise.”