ISC 2025: 8 Scotch Whiskies Awarded Double Gold

From Heritage to Craftsmanship: Analyzing the Excellence Behind ISC 2025 Double Gold Winners

In the 30th anniversary of the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2025, eight Scotch whiskies stood out for their exceptional quality, earning the prestigious Double Gold award. These winners showcase the confident and diverse face of modern Scotch whisky, with success rooted in both deep distillery heritage and meticulous decision-making at every stage of production.

A Peak of Quality Across Styles and Vintages

The winners list covers a wide spectrum of styles. Aberfeldy 16 Year Old demonstrated its single malt prowess, matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Sherry casks for a rich layer of flavor. Another standout, A’Glac Charrann 27 Year Old, offers immense rarity; sourced from the closed Imperial Distillery, it was released under Chivas Brothers' "Secret Speyside" series, highlighting the value of well-aged rare stocks.

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Year Old serves as a historic "technical snapshot." Distilled in 2000, it captures the unique character of Ardbeg's early revival using old-style stills, delivering intense peat, spice, and herbal notes—a top choice for peat enthusiasts.

Balblair 15 Year Old reaffirmed the brand's core fruity character through dual maturation in American and Spanish oak. Meanwhile, Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve showcased bold wood management, utilizing charred new American oak for its finish, making it a favorite for Bourbon lovers.

In the blended and island categories, Royal Salute 30 Year Old Key to the Kingdom focused on the balance and delicate fruitiness of long-term aging rather than raw power. From Orkney, Scapa 21 Year Old bloomed with unique tropical fruit and spice notes, a result of slow distillation and long-term maturation in first-fill American oak.

Finally, The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve proved that even subtle changes in oak—using French Limousin casks—can inject elegant complexity into the classic Speyside style.

Overall, these eight Double Gold winners illustrate the vibrant vitality of the Scotch whisky industry. From heritage to modern craftsmanship, every detail contributes to the final excellence, offering a wealth of choices for enthusiasts.

📅 Published Date: 2026-01-13

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-awards/the-best-scotches-according-to-the-international-spirits-challenge-2025/