After blindly tasting countless entries, the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) judging panel has named both the Glenturret Triple Wood (2022 Release) and the Glenfairn Floral Highland Single Malt as equal-world’s best Scotch whisky.
While the mention of Glenturret won’t exactly raise any eyebrows, the fact Glenfairn has been rated so highly is rather surprising for several reasons.
For one, as pointed out by Brad Japhe of Forbes, Glenfairn Distillery doesn’t even exist. The Floral Highland Single Malt is essentially a white label product from Whyte & Mackey Group — which some of you may already be familiar with as the same folks behind Ben Wyvis and Fettercairn (in addition to high-end distilleries including Jura and The Dalmore).
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Secondly, relative to the likes of the Glenturret Triple Wood (2022 Release); the Glenfairn Floral Highland Single Malt is dirt cheap — available from UK supermarkets such as Tesco for about £22.
According to the IWSC judging panel, this 40% ABV non-age-statement, hailing from the Scottish Highlands is, “wonderfully fragrant on the nose with a tropical mango base and a creamy toffee palate that is sweet and unctuous with great balance that finishes with a rich floral character that lingers.”
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While there doesn’t seem to be a convenient way for Aussie dram lovers to cop any Glenfairn Floral Highland Single Malt locally at this stage; as previously mentioned, those of you near a Tesco or any other UK equivalent — or simply within the delivery range of British Hypermarket — can nab a 700ml bottle for the aforementioned £22.
The other world’s best Scotch whisky seems just as hard to acquire here in Australia. Although it’s worth noting Dan Murphy’s is currently selling The Glenturret Triple Wood (2020 Maiden Release) for $119.99 if you’re really desperate.
View all of the results from the 2023 IWSC below.
