Aultmore 21 voted best dram at Spirit of Speyside
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SOME of Scotland’s finest drams have been revealed after a vigorous blind tasting session at the 20th Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Benromach Whisky 10 took top honours in the 12 years old and under category, followed by Cardhu 12.
Glen Grant 15 lifted the top title in the 13 to 20 year old category, with Benromach 15 runner up.
The Glenlivet Archive 21 year old reigned supreme in the 21 years and over category, just piping Aultmore 21 into second place.
Tamdhu Dalbeallie was the best non-aged statement, with the runner-up being Glen Moray Distillery Classic Cabernet Finish.
Despite coming second in its own category, Aultmore 21 pooled the most individual votes to come out on top as the favourite spirit overall.
In a reversal of fortunes, it narrowly beat the Glenlivet Archive 21.
The awards, sponsored by Forsyths of Rothes were announced at the closing ceilidh at Glen Moray Distillery on Sunday.
Festival chairman James Campbell said: "The Scotch whisky sector can be justifiably proud of the unique flavoured whiskies produced in our region. These awards are a hallmark of our reputation as a global centre.
"What makes them special is that the winners are voted for by the whisky-drinking public, and not by a panel.
"In all, 907 people voted in 21 locations where tasting and voting events took place so we really do have a ‘people’s choice’."
New box office records were set when tickets went on sale for the 2019 festival, with 173 events completely selling out within 24 hours of being released to the public.
An all-time high of 710 events were on offer overall during the six-day festival which ends today.
