The World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The London Spirits Competition

Forbes

22-04-2025

A glass of single malt whisky and dried barley ears on malted barley grains
Various single malt whiskeys worldwide took top honors in the single malt whisky category at the 8th annual International London Spirits Competition (ILSC). Not surprisingly, Scotch whiskies dominated the category, but there were other surprising winners. The 2025 competition saw several thousand submissions from more than 30 countries. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the world's top single malt whisky category winners.
This year's judging panel, comprising over 70 top industry experts, including master distillers, master blenders, mixologists, and elite buyers, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. Notably, the panel featured names like Dr. Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker, and Craig Wallace, Whisky Creation Leader and Master Blender at Diageo, as highlighted by Sid Patel, CEO of the ILSC.
Glen Moray, 15 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky was the Single Malt Scotch of the Year.
The Glen Moray 15 YO is a Speyside expression from the Elgin Heritage range, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers a balanced profile highlighting both cask influences.
The nose features caramel and spicy oak aromas, complemented by sweet sherry, dried fruits, and chocolate, reminiscent of milk chocolate-covered raisins. Chocolate and raisin flavors are featured on the palate, accompanied by toasted oak and spicy-savory notes. Hints of cooked cereal/malt, baking cocoa, and tropical fruit, especially mango, add complexity. The long and spicy finish features a harmonious blend of chocolate, oak, and cooked malt.
This whisky is well-regarded for its rich and complex flavor profile, offering a flavorful experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.
Flight of Scottish whisky, tasting glasses with variety of single malts.
Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky Winter Edition was the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year.
Scallywag Winter Edition 2024 is a limited-release blended malt from Douglas Laing, crafted to capture what the distillery calls 'the essence of winter warmth and festivity.' This expression is exclusively matured in Spanish orange wine casks, imparting a distinctive citrus character that complements the rich Speyside malt profile. Bottled at a robust 53.9% ABV, it is presented at cask strength without chill filtration or added coloring, ensuring an authentic and full-bodied experience.
The nose features distinctive aromas of ripe fruits and sweet jam, followed by fragrant spices that evoke mulled wines and spirits of the holiday season.
The palate features candied orange slices, honey, and caramelized sugar, complemented by notes of chocolate-covered orange, candied fruits, and warm spices, with subtle undertones of black tea and oak adding depth and complexity.
The finish is long and warming, with lingering cinnamon spice and vanilla notes.
This Winter Edition is a harmonious blend of Speyside single malts, including contributions from renowned distilleries such as Macallan, Mortlach, and Glenrothes. The unique maturation in orange wine casks imparts a festive character, making it an ideal choice for the holiday season or cozy winter evenings.
D'Yavol Vortex was the Blended Scotch of the Year.
Vortex is a premium blended Scotch whisky introduced in 2024 by D'Yavol, a global luxury collective co-founded by Aryan Khan, Leti Blagoeva, and Bunty Singh. This expression reflects the brand's "Born-in-Origin" philosophy, emphasizing authenticity and regional character in its spirits.
Vortex is crafted by blending carefully selected single malt and single grain whiskies from Scotland's Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, and Islay regions, resulting in a complex and layered profile. Bottled at 43.5% ABV and non-chill filtered, it retains its natural flavors and mouthfeel.
The nose features classic Speyside aromas of orchard fruits, vanilla, and fudge, complemented by soft smoke. A harmonious blend of cooked cereal/malty sweetness and fruity notes is featured on the palate. A backdrop of rich, smoky peat provides depth and complexity. The finish is long and smooth, featuring lingering notes of subtle peat and seasoned oak.
Although D'Yavol is a new company, it has already emerged as a consistent winner in international spirit competitions.
Root Shoot Spirits, 4 YO Bonded American Single Malt Whiskey, was the Single Malt American Whiskey of the Year.
Colorado's Root Shoot Spirits Single Malt Whiskey is a testament to the craft industry's commitment to sustainable, grain-to-glass distilling. Crafted entirely from 100% Colorado-grown and malted barley sourced from the fifth-generation Olander Farms in Loveland, this whiskey embodies a hyper-local ethos.
Distilled in a traditional pot still, it matures for four years in first-use, medium-char American white oak barrels. It is bottled at 50% ABV under the Bottled-in-Bond Act.
The nose features warm berry cobbler and honeyed granola aromas, complemented by hints of black cherry and brush/forest floor aromas. The palate features a harmonious blend of alpine florals, fresh mint, and cardamom, leading to ginger cookie flavors and candied citrus zest. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a slight heat that enhances its complexity.
The finish is long and complex, featuring rich pastry notes, faint cocoa dust, and lingering baking spices, culminating in a bright yet spicy finale.
This expression has already won several medals in international spirit competitions, including being named one of the Top 50 American Single Malt Whiskeys. Root Shoot Spirits' commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices makes it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Colorado whiskey terroir.
Whiskey and Ice
Callington Mill Distillery, Pedro Ximenez Single Malt Whisky was the Single Malt Whisky of the Year.
Callington Single Malt Whisky is a distinguished expression from Tasmania's Callington Mill Distillery, located in the historic town of Oatlands. This whisky is matured in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain, which imparts a rich and complex character to the spirit. Bottled at 46% ABV, it has already won medals at several international spirit competitions.
The whisky features cinnamon, almond, and toasted nuts aromas on the nose. The palate reveals complex layers of salty caramel, polished mahogany, dark chocolate, and chewy toffee, offering a rich and textured experience. The finish is long and fruity with lingering hints of dried dates and caramel.
John Distilleries, Paul John Indian Single Malt Whiskey Brilliance, was the Single Malt Indian Whisky of the Year.
Other standout whiskeys include Sazerac, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Blended Irish Whiskey of the Year, and Kiuchi Brewing and Distilling, Hinomaru Whisky Kome, Japanese Whisky of the Year.
These single malt whiskies are all outstanding and compelling proof that single malt whisky is increasingly a global phenomenon. From Scotland to Australia, Colorado to India, a rich diversity of exceptional single malt whisky is waiting to be explored. If you are a fan of single malt whisky, it's time to expand your horizons and sample the world's best single malt whiskies, each offering a unique and exciting flavor profile. See also the World's Best Bourbon According to the London Spirits Competition.