The 18 best Scotch whiskies according to the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2025 - including Glenfiddich and Bowmore

The 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) medals have been awarded, with 10 Scotch whiskies given a coveted double gold accolade.

Spirits at the awards are blind tasted by an expert and independent panel of judges selected by the organiser.

Bronze, Silver, Gold and Double Gold medals are awarded according to a consensus reached by the judging panel. 

This year 18 Scotch whisky brands took home a double gold medal including single cask bottlings from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and a special release from Ardbeg.

Here we take a look at all the double gold medal winners.

Single Malts up to 12 years old category

• Glenmorangie Lasanta

Single Malts between 13 and 20 years old

• Aberfeldy 16 Years Old
• Aberfeldy Madeira Cask 16 Years Old
• Balblair 15 Year Old
• Bowmore 19-Year Old Pinot Noir Cask Finish
• Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve
• Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Mizunara Oak - Aged 16 Years
• The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve

Single Malts non age statement

• Loch Lomond Remarkable Copper Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Malts 21 years old and over

• Scotch Malt Whisky Society 12.87 - Velvety smooth with a hint of spice (independent)
• A'Glac Charran 27 Year Old
• Glenfiddich 29 Year Old Grand Yozakura
• Scapa 21 Year Old
• Ardbeg Seann Chreag
• Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Years Old

Scotch Blends 21 years old and over

• Royal Salute 25 Year Old The Treasured Blend
• Royal Salute 30 Year Old Key to the Kingdom

Over 100 Scotch whiskies were awarded a gold, silver, bronze or double gold medal at this year’s tasting judging.

The International Wine and Spirits Competition was created by Anton Massel in 1969 in London with the first official competition taking place in 1970. Competition entries now regularly exceed 12,000 and cover, as the name suggests, wines and spirits.

You can find out more and see the full list at the IWSC website here.

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