Results are out for the 2019 Whiskies of the World awards with a few surprises.
Whiskies of the World have announced this year’s winners in the categories of Best in Show, Best in Class and the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards with American single malts leading the way.
As the number of small distilleries opening across the U.S. increases judges at this year’s competition have seen a rise in entries of American single malt whiskies with many surprised at the quality of the products. The American distilleries are shaping their own styles to create expressions using wheat, rye and corn malt grains.
28% of the Gold awards went to American single malt whiskies.
Whiskies of the World host tasting events in Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco and San Jose, offering whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals the chance to learn more about the different brands, sensory awareness and food and cigar pairing.
Their awards help to promote high quality brands and outstanding expressions. From hundreds of entries only 25% will receive a gold medal and there will only be one given the title of Best in Show.
This year the Best in Show award went to the Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery for their STR Cask Matured expression. The STR is their shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine cask which was put through this process to remove harsh tannins. According to the judges this resulted in a well-balanced peatiness with fruity and spicy notes and the sweetness of chocolate caramel.
Douglas Smith, Whiskies of the World Event Director said: “The judges are extremely talented with sensitive palates and work hard to evaluate each product. The evaluation of whiskies is taken very seriously by our judges, not only to taste and make notes, but also discuss and consider many angles. We are proud that our awards reflect the experience and integrity of our excellent judging panel.”
