Here Are The World’s Very Best Whiskies For 2021

The results are in for the International Whisky Competition, highlighting the best whiskies for 2021 from all around the world. Hosted in Estes Park, Colorado this year where an entire panel of professionals blind tasted every single entrant before scoring based on a 100-point scale system, Scotland’s Ardbeg Uigeadail has officially been crowned the King of the Casks – racking up an impressive 95.9 points.

In terms of overall rankings, Scotland has – unsurprisingly – managed to lock out the Top 3 spots with the Glenmorangie Vintage 1997 in second place (95.1 points), followed by Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old in third (95 points). But that isn’t to say it’s a completely domination. Taiwan has been staking their claim, placing fourth with the Kavalan Artist Series: Paul Chiang Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (94.6 points), and placing in three other spots within the Top 15.

Check out the best whiskies for 2021 below.

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International Whisky Competition Judging Criteria

• Sight: Colour (0 points), Visual Appeal (5 points)
• Nose: Intensity & Complexity (15 points), Distinctiveness of Aromas (10 points), Balance of Aromas (10 points)
• Taste/Mouth Feel: Palate & Balance (10 points), Alcohol, Body & Complexity (10 points), Distinctiveness of Flavours (10 points), Balance Between Flavours (10 points)
• Finish: Length & Finish (10 points), Quality of Finish (10 points)

Total allotted judging time per entrant: 8 minutes

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International Whisky Competition Winners – Best Whiskies 2021

Whisky of the Year

Ardbeg Uigeadail (Islay, Scotland)

Master Distiller of the Year

Dr Bill Lumsden (Glenmorangie & Ardbeg Distillery)

Golden Barrel Trophy

Ardbeg Distillery (Scotland)

Distillery of the Year

Kavalan Distillery (Taiwan)

Master Blender of the Year

Stephanie Macleod (John Dewar & Sons)

15 Best Whiskies In The World

1. Ardbeg Uigeadail – 95.9 points
   (Islay, Scotland)
2. Glenmorangie Vintage 1997 – 95.1 points
   (Highland, Scotland)
3. Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old – 95 points
   (Scotland)
4. Kavalan Artist Series: Paul Chiang Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 94.6 points
   (Taiwan)
5. King Car 40th Anniversary Selected Wine Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky – 94 points
   (Taiwan)
6. Black Bourbon Society’s Maker’s Mark Private Selection: Recipe 2. – 93.8 points
   (Kentucky, USA)
7. Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 93.7 points
   (Taiwan)
8. Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old – 93.6 points
   (Scotland)
9. Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old (Batch 2) – 93.4 points
   (Islay, Scotland)
10. Glenmorangie Signet – 93.1 points
    (Highland, Scotland)
11. Kavalan Solist (Oloroso) Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 93 points
    (Taiwan)
12. Kilchoman Machir Bay – 92.97 points
    (Islay, Scotland)
13. Ardbeg An Oa – 92.87 points
    (Islay, Scotland)
14. Aberlour A’Bundah – 92.73 points
    (Speyside, Scotland)
15. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old – 92.67 Pts
    (Highland, Scotland)

Find out the complete results in each category below.