Scotch Whisky Awards

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The world's biggest spirits category

The IWSC Scotch Whisky Awards is overseen by one of the most respected figures in the Scotch whisky industry, Richard Paterson OBE.

Scotch Categories

Scotch whisky is a diverse and esteemed category of spirits known for its quality, craftsmanship, and regional distinctiveness. The IWSC accepts entries across a range of Scotch categories:

  • Blendeda blend of single malt and single grain whiskies from multiple distilleries
  • Blended Maltmade from malted barley and it comprises a blend of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries
  • Blended Grain - a blend of two or more single grain whiskies from different distilleries
  • Single Grainmade from malted barley and other grains at a single distillery
  • Single Maltmade from 100% malted barley at a single distillery

Mixer add-on awards

Whisky highball awards

We're looking for the world's best whisky highball. The whisky highball will comprise one part whisky to three parts Franklin & Sons Soda Water; no ice or garnish is used, and the drink will be tasted blind in a Riedel glass.

Whisky & ginger ale awards

New to 2024, we have added Whisky & Ginger Ale to our mixer awards. A specialist judging panel will assess how well each whisky pairs with Franklin & Sons' Ginger AleThe Whisky & Ginger Ale will comprise one part whisky to three parts ginger ale; no ice or garnish is used, and the drink will be tasted blind.

Entry into the Mixer add-on Awards is £139 per whisky.

Also known as 'The Nose', Richard Paterson is one of the most respected figures in the Scotch whisky industry, and has held the position of master blender at Whyte & Mackay for over fifty years.

Paterson is a famous advocate for Scotch whisky; when not in Scotland, he spends his time travelling the globe educating and presenting to a wide-ranging audience.

Richard Paterson OBE, IWSC Scotch Whisky Judging Committee 

How to enter

How to enter

Entry deadline

Entry deadline

Shipping

Shipping

Our experts

Our experts