Celebrating the Masters of Malt - The 2023 SFWSC’s Standouts
The 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has unveiled a dazzling array of Scotch whiskies, showcasing the mastery and tradition of distilleries from across Scotland. This year’s judging has revealed not only the time-honored favorites but also some surprising newcomers, affirming the dynamic and innovative spirit of Scotch whisky production.
Excellence from Islay to the Highlands
Islay and the Islands' Elegance: The smoky, peat-rich character of Islay whiskies was magnificently represented by Talisker 18 YO and Lagavulin 16 YO. These whiskies, renowned for their deep, oceanic flavors tinged with notes of seaweed, iodine, and robust peat smoke, continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Highland Park 18 YO from the Islands offers a harmonious blend of smoky and sweet, with hints of heather and honey beneath its peaty exterior, reflective of the Orkney Isles' unique terroir.
Highlands' Craftsmanship: The Highlands whiskies brought an impressive array of flavors to the fore. Tomatin 18 YO, an exceptional whisky known for its rich fruitiness and smooth finish, stood out, signifying the distillery’s revival and resurgence. The Glendronach's sherried whiskies, with their dense, raisiny sweetness, have garnered a loyal following, making the Revival 15 YO and Allardice 18 YO covetable choices for any whisky aficionado.
Find Glendronach Whiskies at WhiskeyD
Spotlight on Speyside: Benriach’s Mastery
Speyside, known for its elegant, smooth malts often rich with fruit and nut notes, was strikingly represented by Benriach. The distillery’s triumphant win with its 21 YO, 25 YO, and 30 YO expressions, illustrates its expertise in crafting whiskies that range from classic, polished profiles to innovative, cask-finished marvels. This triumph at the SFWSC not only cements Benriach's reputation but also highlights the diversity within Speyside itself.
Tomatin’s Crown Jewel
The star of the show was undoubtedly Tomatin's 36 YO. This ultra-aged whisky, lauded for its complexity and elegance, carries notes of fruit, wax, and a touch of vanilla — a symphony of flavors that evolve with each sip. Its accolade as Best Scotch Whisky and Best Overall Whisky at the SFWSC is a testament to the craftsmanship and enduring legacy of the Tomatin distillery, nestled in the Monadhliath Mountains.
What WhiskeyD has to offer:
Tomatin 14 Yr Port Wood Finish
Revolutionizing Blends: Dewar’s and Johnnie Walker
The blended Scotch category saw Dewar’s Double Double 20 YO win top honors. This unique blend uses a four-step aging process, an innovative method that
results in a whisky of unparalleled smoothness, with rich, sherry-influenced depth. It’s a brilliant example of how blended Scotch can rival even the most esteemed single malts in complexity and satisfaction.
Johnnie Walker, with its 18 YO Reserve, continues to uphold its reputation for producing high-quality blends. This whisky, which carries the legacy of the original Gold Label Reserve, delivers a balance of ripe fruit, almond, and a gentle waxy character — a nod to the classic Walker profile updated for contemporary palates.
Shop WhiskeyD Range of Dewars & Johnnie Walker Scotch:
Dewars Scotch 19year old Open Special Edition
Dewars Japanese Smooth Mizunara Oak Cask Finish
A Renaissance in Scotch Whisky Making
What the 2023 SFWSC judging results underscore is not just the high quality of these spirits but the continued renaissance in Scotch whisky making. Whether it’s the traditional, peat-driven malts of Islay, the fruit-forward, gentle drams of Speyside, or the innovation seen in the blended whisky category, Scotch whisky is enjoying a golden age.
Diversity in age, region, and style means there’s a Scotch whisky for every palate and occasion. Ultra-aged expressions like Tomatin 36 YO and Glen Scotia 25 YO represent the pinnacle of traditional ageing expertise, while innovative blends like Dewar’s Double Double showcase modern creativity in whisky crafting.
The Golden Age of Scotch Whisky
This era is also marked by accessibility. Despite the luxurious allure of premium, aged whiskies, many of the Double Gold winners at the SFWSC are available for under $100, making excellence in Scotch whisky reachable for a broader audience. The Glen Scotia 25 YO, for example, although a pricier choice, offers a glimpse into the storied heritage and evolving craftsmanship of the Campbeltown region, once known as the 'Whisky Capital of the World.'
A Journey Through Scotland in a Glass
As we explore these whiskies, we journey through Scotland's misty lochs, rolling hills, and ancient heritage. Each sip tells a story — of peat harvested from centuries-old bogs, of barley swaying in the Highland breeze, of waves crashing against the rocky shores of the Islands. The 2023 SFWSC whiskies aren't just drinks; they're narrations of Scotland's heart and soul, distilled into liquid gold.
In this golden age of Scotch whisky, there's an adventure for every enthusiast. Whether you're savoring the peaty intensity of a Talisker 18 YO, the sherry-soaked richness of a Glendronach, or the complex harmony of a Dewar’s blend, you're experiencing the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship. This year's SFWSC winners are a testament to the timeless allure and continuous evolution of Scotch whisky — a journey worth exploring in every glass.
