The 2024 International Whisky Competition: A Closer Look at the Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask
Highlights of the 2024 International Whisky Competition
The 2024 International Whisky Competition (IWC) recently concluded, showcasing some of the finest whiskies from around the world. This year’s event took place in both the picturesque Isle of Raasay, Scotland, and the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky. Among the standout winners was Aultmore, particularly recognized for its Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask.
Aultmore’s Triumph in the Competition
Aultmore took top honors, with Bacardi’s exceptional AULTMORE Oloroso Sherry Cask Travel Retail Exclusive 25 year Old receiving the prestigious Golden Barrel Trophy for Whisky of the Year. This prestigious accolade highlights Aultmore’s commitment to excellence and innovation in whisky-making.
What Makes Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask Special
The Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask is a testament to Bacardi’s craftsmanship, skillfully guided by Stephanie Macleod, the Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky. Stephanie has been honored as the Master Blender of the Year for six consecutive years by the IWC. Her ability to push the boundaries of flavor and maturation is evident in Aultmore’s award-winning whisky.
Expert Tasting Notes
Adam Edmonsond, Master of Whisky, described the Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask with great detail: “The Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask Travel Retail Exclusive 25 Year Old is a stunning display of flavor complexity and integration. A gamut of orchard, citrus, tropical, and dried fruits beam with clarity between honied and Sweet florals, ginger, butterscotch, and a leathery depth of maturity. The palate and finish more than fulfill the promises of the nose, gaining intensity at each stage. It has a luxuriously full, round body, and a controlled warmth. It was perfectly balanced along each dimension, and I would be hard-pressed to find something about it to improve.”
Other Recognitions and Awards
The IWC also saw George T. Stagg honored as the Best American Whiskey and Best Bourbon Whiskey for the second year in a row. The Indri Founder’s Reserve 11 Year Old Wine Cask from India emerged as a strong contender, gaining global recognition for its unique flavor profiles and exceptional quality. Additionally, Kavalan Distillery secured the Best World Whisky award for the fifth consecutive year.
Innovation in the Whisky Industry
The innovative tastes and exceptional quality demonstrated in the competition reflect the mastery involved in aging and blending these older whiskies. For instance, Bushmills’ dedication to preserving traditional methods while innovating with their older stock has solidified their reputation as a producer of world-class, premium Irish whiskey.
| Category | Winner | Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| Whisky of the Year | Bacardi | Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask |
| Best American Whiskey | George T. Stagg | N/A |
| Best World Whisky | Kavalan Distillery | N/A |
The Unique Tasting Method
The International Whisky Competition prides itself on its comprehensive tasting method. Unlike other competitions, judges only taste one whisky at a time, ensuring each whisky receives proper attention. Fifteen criteria are used to produce the tasting notes, aroma, and flavor profiles for each whisky.
Conclusion
The 2024 International Whisky Competition has once again highlighted the exceptional quality and craftsmanship in the whisky industry. The recognition of Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask with the Golden Barrel Trophy underscores Bacardi’s dedication to excellence in whisky-making.
