World Whisky Awards 2014

The results of the 2014 World Whisky Awards have just been released, so I thought I would share the whiskies that we keep in stock that have prospered this year! Perhaps the most interesting result was the winner of the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky – Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask – a single cask, single malt whisky from Tasmania finished in French oak. However, I am led to believe you will be lucky to find any now!

You can see the full list of result at the World Whisky Awards Website.

World Whisky Awards – Awards Winners 2014

World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky & Best Japanese Blended Malt 2014

Nikka Taketsuru 17 year old 43% Blended 70cl

This 17 year old whisky is named after founder of Nikka himself. A tropical nose with a touch of cherries and baked apples and a little toffee and smoke. Starts sweetly on the palate but soon the spice and oak kick in with heavier emphasis. The balance is maintained by the roundness and the touches of vanilla and mocha on the finish. Rich, big, malty and smoky with oaky notes.

Best Scotch Blended Malt 2014

Compass Box Whisky Peat Monster Blended Malt 46% 70cl

Rich and loaded with flavour: a bacon-fat smokiness, full-blown peat, a maltiness, hints of fruit and spice. The finish is very long, echoing peat and smoke for several minutes. A fantastic late-night digestif malt whisky. Also suitable for taking the chill off a cold day. Excellent with blue vein cheeses.

The World’s Best Grain Whisky 2014

Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey, The Teeling Whiskey Company 46%

Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey is a small batch whiskey blend made from specially selected casks of grain whiskey. It undergoes a further maturation in old wine barrels which gives an extra sweet and fruity character to the whiskey.

Best European Rye Whisky 2014

Millstone 8 Year Old Rye Whisky, Baarle-Nassau, Zuidam Distillers 50%

Hand crafted in the traditional distillery that is owned and operated by the Zuidam Family. More than 50 years of experience in distilling of exclusive spirits and a constant search for perfection has led to the birth of this exquisite whisky.

The World’s Best Pot Still Whiskey and Best Irish Pot Still Whisky 2014

Jameson Redbreast 15 year old, Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 46% 70cl

Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2014

Teeling Vintage Reserve 21 Year Old Irish Whiskey, The Teeling Whiskey Company 46% – currently unavailable.

“Tangerine, satsuma and grapefruit. The fruit displays a lovely, natural pithy quality along with some dense, herbal honey, lightly dusty oak and a little fish oils and leafy herbs. Luscious palate, complex and juicy with candies lemon peel, orange, grapefruit, barley and lashing of manuka honey. Gentle if slightly bitter spices build towards the middle but the juicy fruit and honey keeps the balance amazingly well.” Chris Goodrum, WWA2014

World Whisky Awards – Gold Medal Winners 2014

Japanese Blended Malt Whisky 13 to 20 Years
Nikka Taketsuru 17 year old 43% Blended 70cl

Japanese Blended Whisky 12 Years and Under
Suntory Hibiki 12 Year Old Blended Whisky 50cl 43%

Japanese Blended Whisky No Age Statement
Nikka From The Barrel 51.4% Blended, Nikka 50cl

Irish Pot Still Whiskey 12 Years and Under
Redbreast 12 year old, Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Irish Single Malt 21 Years and Over
Teeling Vintage Reserve 21 Year Old Irish Whiskey, The Teeling Whiskey Company 46%

Irish Pot Still Whiskey 13 to 20 Years
Redbreast 15 year old, Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 46% 70cl

European Rye Whisky 8 Years and over
Millstone 8 Year Old Rye Whisky, Baarle-Nassau, Zuidam Distillers 50%

African Single Malt 12 Years and Under
Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt South African Whisky 43% 75cl, James Sedgewick Distillery

World Whisky Awards – Silver Medal Winners 2014

Grain Whisky
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky Single Grain South African Whiskey 43% 75cl, James Sedgewick Distillery

European Single Malt 12 Years and Under
Millstone 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, Baarle-Nassau, Zuidam Distillers 46% – see our Dutch Whiskies here.

Islay Single Malt 12 Years and Under
Ardbeg 10 Year Old, Islay Single Malt, Non Chill Filtered 46%

Speyside Single Malt No Age Statement
Aberlour A’bunadh, Single Speyside Malt, Cask Strength 60.2% – Batch No. 45 – Check the current batch here.

Islay Single Malt No Age Statement
Ardbeg Uigeadail, Islay Single Malt, Non Chill Filtered 54.2%