Earlier this month, we shared which bourbon won big at this year’s International Whisky Competition (IWC). But IWC isn’t just about American whiskey—it also gives awards to the best whiskies from around the world. And in 2025, the top Scotch was a surprise winner.

Aultmore 25 Years Old 1st Fill Oloroso Finish earned the highest score this year with 95.10 points. It’s a rich and smooth whisky, with flavors like fresh figs, spicy pineapple, and a hint of brioche with sweet Mānuka honey. It impressed the expert judges at the IWC.

What’s surprising is that this is the second year in a row Aultmore 25 won the top Scotch award. That’s a big achievement, especially since Aultmore is not a well-known brand in the U.S. If more people knew how good it is, it would likely be more popular.

Aultmore is a 130-year-old distillery in Speyside, Scotland. It’s owned by John Dewar and Sons, which is part of Bacardi. Most of the whisky made there is used in Dewar’s blended Scotch. Stephanie Macleod, Dewar’s master blender, oversees Aultmore’s production.

She’s a big name in the whisky world and has been named “Master Blender of the Year” six times by IWC—more than anyone else. She’s also behind other well-known single malts like Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, and Royal Brackla.

Unlike those, Aultmore isn’t widely sold. In the U.S., you might only find the 12-year-old version, which costs around $60. But recently, Aultmore launched its “Cask Finish Collection,” which includes the award-winning 25-year-old.

After two big wins, we hope more people get the chance to try this amazing Scotch in the future.

“Aultmore usually focuses on showing off its natural spirit and the barrels it’s aged in, without much extra influence,” says Macleod. “But this new collection takes a different path, giving us a new side of Aultmore while still keeping its true character.”

To make this special whisky, Macleod and her team took whisky that had aged for over 20 years in old barrels. Then, they moved it into fresh sherry casks to add a rich, spiced honey flavor. The result is a strong yet light and floral drink that’s easy to enjoy, with 46% alcohol by volume.

The only downside? It’s hard to find a bottle. A 50cl decanter sells for around $500, and for now, it’s only sold at airports in the Asia-Pacific region. So if you’re traveling through one of those airports, keep an eye out. Or, you might try becoming a judge at the next International Whisky Competition—they don’t seem to have any trouble getting this rare whisky!

Published: 21st July 2025

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