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Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 191
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IWSC Awards Top Honors to Six Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
The IWSC awarded its Spirit Gold Outstanding medal to six single malt Scotch whiskies in 2026, selected from about 500 entries. The honorees include The GlenAllachie 18-Year-Old, Glengoyne 17-Year-Old, and Deanston 17-Year-Old, representing diverse regions and production styles. One of these will be named World’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the IWSC Gala in November.
Quick Facts
- awarded Spirit Gold Outstanding medals
- evaluated approximately 500 single malts
- named six whiskies as top honorees
- will crown one as World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky in November
- International Wine and Spirits Competition
The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) has awarded six single malt Scotch whiskies its highest accolade, the Spirit Gold Outstanding medal, following a comprehensive evaluation of approximately 500 submissions in 2026. The competition, widely recognized as the world's largest and most thorough assessment of single malt Scotch, reserves this top tier for whiskies that score at or above the level where judges cease discussion and begin meticulous note-taking.
The six honored whiskies originate from four distinct Scottish regions, span three decades of aging, and reflect a spectrum of production methods from traditional to experimental. Among the recipients are The GlenAllachie 18-Year-Old from Speyside, matured in a combination of Pedro Ximénez sherry puncheons, Oloroso sherry casks, and virgin oak, yielding a deep amber color and flavors of dark cherry, stewed plum, and roasted grain. Another standout is Glengoyne 17-Year-Old Scottish Oak Expression from the Highlands, aged in rare native oak casks and bottled at cask strength, offering a distinctive resinous and spicy character. Deanston 17-Year-Old from the Highlands also earned top marks, noted for its unconventional maturation process.
The IWSC has not yet named which of the six will be crowned the World’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky; that announcement is scheduled for the 2026 IWSC Gala in November. Tasting notes from IWSC judges describe these whiskies as showcasing remarkable depth, balance, and innovation, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Why This Matters
For whisky enthusiasts, investors, and industry professionals, this award signals which single malts are setting the current quality benchmarks. The shortlisted bottlings—especially those from lesser-known distilleries like Deanston or those using unconventional casks—may see increased demand and price appreciation. Additionally, the eventual 'World's Best' title can guide collectors and buyers before the year-end gala.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2026
WireIWSC conducts annual Scotch whisky judging, evaluates ~500 single malts
Jun 18, 2026
WireForbes publishes article revealing six Spirit Gold Outstanding recipients