Global taste test for Speyside malts

WHISKY fans around the world will have the final say on the best of eight Speyside malt "shining examples" selected as award finalists.

Some of Speyside’s finest single malt whiskies have been shortlisted by a panel of whisky experts as finalists in the global Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards.

The initial judging process took place earlier this month in Speyside where 10 whisky writers, industry representatives and specialist retailers carried out a blind tasting of 41 entries, before scoring each whisky on its character and flavour.

Over the next six months, the two finalists in each category will be put forward for judging by whisky drinkers around the world, visiting destinations in the UK and Europe and as far afield as India and Canada. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards are the only industry awards in the world to give consumers the final say.

The winning malts will be unveiled at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in April.

This year’s finalists include: 12 Years Old and Under: Aberlour 10 Year Old and Cardhu 12 Year Old; 13 to 20 Years Old: Benromach 15 Year Old and Glenallachie 15 Year Old; 21 Years Old and Over: Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year Old and Glenfarclas 25 Year Old; Non Age Statement: Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition and Cardhu Amber Rock.

James Campbell, whisky festival chairman, said: "It was almost impossible to pick just two finalists in each awards category this year. The standard of whisky produced here in Speyside by our local craftsmen and women is truly exceptional.

"From Rome to Dublin, Amsterdam to Cologne and Oslo to New Brunswick in Canada, almost 1000 international whisky lovers cast their votes last year, in addition to the sessions held in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Speyside itself. We hope to increase this reach for the 2020 awards, are we’re very much looking forward to opening up the judging to consumers over the next six months before celebrating the winners at what we believe is the finest whisky festival in the world."

Annabel Meikle, director of Keepers of the Quaich, said: "I was particularly impressed with the calibre of entries this year which encompassed a broad spectrum of impressive aroma and flavour. As the first stage of the judging process is completely blind, it allows us as judges to remain impartial. It has been a privilege to take part again this year and I’m excited to find out how international whisky drinkers voted at the festival next year."

Dr Christopher White, whisky expert and editor at Edinburgh Whisky Blog, said: "Judging the Spirit of Speyside Awards is always a pleasure, as well as a real challenge, primarily due to the consistently high quality of whiskies across every category. Choosing the finalists was extremely tough but I think as a panel, we’ve selected whiskies which are shining examples of the Speyside region."

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