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Pendelton Midnight was particularly praised by Cheong Thong, who noted: “Apples and stone fruit. Rounded and deliciously fresh. Great complexity, with a long length.” Nose: Fruity notes come from tannic red apple skin, strawberry laces, apricot jam, orange peel, fresh raspberries and mango slices in juice. Alongside them is a dusting of cacao powder, oaky vanilla, ginger beer, a little charred chilli pepper. Then demerara sugar, maple syrup, nougat and milky coffee. Around the edges, toasted almonds and marzipan make an appearance, with some fresh nutmeg grated on top for good measure. Another Gold also went to Romania’s Carpathian Single Malt Whisky Cognac Cask Finish, enjoyed for its “nice maltiness” on the nose and hints of “chocolate, malt, cereal and some red fruits”. Sixteen Silver medals concluded the flight. Uresti was particularly positive about the European single malts: “You can see the whole category has a solid and consistent quality, and we see they’re getting better, replicating things done in Scotland and Ireland in a good way.”
Testing a range of whiskies from England, America, Canada, India and more, The Good Housekeeping Institute’s WSET-certified experts tasted 34 drams, from super-smooth and easy-drinking to full-bodied and spicy. Whiskybase B.V. (“Whiskybase”, “we” or “us”, company details below) offers a whisky enthusiasts online platform that provides its members access to the most comprehensive, transparent and trusted resource of whisky bottles and allows and stimulates its members to contribute information about whisky bottles to the platform (“Service”). The former had a “fruity, slightly nutty aroma with japaleño and chilli notes”, while the latter offered “pear drops” on the nose with a “deliciously fruity palate”. Chambers added: “Some lovely examples but also some that were a little mean and too woody. There also seems to be an obsession with bottling at high ABV. Some of these would benefit from being lower strength.”Street Distillery’s Australian Single Malt had a “sweet and complex nose” and was “light bodied and sweet on the aftertaste”. Six Silver medals brought the round to a close. Whisky is booming globally, too. It is expected to post an increase of 23% in volume and 29% in value by 2026, according to data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, with an increase in activity particularly in its largest global markets, India and the US. Earlier this week, we published results for The American Whiskey Masters and The Irish Whiskey Masters.
Next up, the panel assessed single malts being made in Europe, including England, Wales, France and Romania. You are responsible for all activities through your account. You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide to us in relation to your account, and for updating it where necessary. You are not allowed to create multiple accounts. We may terminate or temporarily suspend your account to protect you, ourselves or our partners from (suspected) identity theft or other (suspected) fraudulent (e.g. false, misleading, deceptive) activity. You have the obligation to keep your login credentials confidential. You shall not authorize any others to use or access your account.
The Taste Master award for the most impressive expression in the competition went to an Australian whisky, Starward Fortis, after the judges retasted all of the Master medallists. The final European flight, New Make, saw two Golds go to two English producers: Spirit of Manchester for its One Point Six, and Ellers Farm for The Bairn. Matt Chambers, whisky and spirits writer, and co-founder of the Whisky For Everyone blog, chaired a team consisting of: Renata Ma, of Grain & Glass, and a whisky specialist; and Herchelle Perez Terrado, founder of Drinks Partnership. Closures producer Talis was the official sponsor of The World Whisky Masters A lone entry from Japan, Small Batch Pure Malt Hatozaki, secured the top Master accolade. Chou found notes of “oat, bread, toast, porridge, raisin, plum, and vanilla”, with a “good balance of sweetness and spiciness” on the palate, and a “rich and rounded texture”. This week we turn our attention to Starward Left-Field, an Australian single malt with aspirations to woo us Europeans.
The final flight of the competition, South Africa, saw five Silver medals go to Heineken Beverages for its Bain’s and Three Ships brands. The Silver medallists were: Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, and Three Ships’ Bourbon Cask Whisky, 5 Year Old Premium Select, 6 Year Old Chenin Blanc Cask Finish, 12 Year Old, and 10 Year Old Single Malt.The second Master winner, Nestville Whisky Single Barrel from Slovakia, was lauded for its “strong bold malt flavours, with a lovely hint of spice and fruit at the end” by Greifer. Neotia added: “Toffee apple with cinnamon, clove and dark chocolate dusting. Round, sweet, and smooth.” And they’re doing something right, STARWARD Solera recently won gold at the 2016 World Whisky Awards with the other product in the STARWARD range, the Wine Cask Project being named as Best Craft Distilled Whisky in the World at the revered San Francisco International Spirits Competition. David Vitale, Starward Whisky co-founder, said: "We all have a 'special occasion' whisky cabinet which is overflowing with options, but the sharing cabinet is curated. We believe we have an opportunity to elbow out some space and create an alternative to the great whiskies from around the world with an Australian whisky, matured in Australian wine barrels." Interest in whisky being made in countries outside of the traditional nations of Scotland, Ireland, and America is flying high. As consumers face price hikes for well-known brands, and deal with tighter purse strings, there are boundless opportunities for drinkers to explore whiskies being made from Asia, Canada, and South Africa, to European countries such as Wales and Denmark. Concluding the trio was Forest Whisky from Cheshire in the UK. Gorn described it as “rich and sweet with some lovely toffee apples and floral notes” while Neotia enjoyed its “spicy tingle” and finish of “long-baked apple and walnut”.
Starward Fortis was matured in 100% American oak casks that previously held Australian red wines, mostly from Barossa Valley wineries.
No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service. The Starward Left-Field is a revelation. It tastes older than it undoubtedly is (all Starward's are released at a relatively young age due to the Melbourne climate) and is sweet, juicy and very easy going. We imagine that it will be amazingly versatile, which is exactly how Starward design their whiskies. It stands a chance of success. Tasting Starward Left Field without any ice or mixers is lightly biting into a juicy apple. The fruit flavours burst out from the beginning before leaving a lovely richer red wine feel afterwards. It is a whisky that I would enjoy on its own. It feels more 'English' than Starward's other offerings, reminding me a little of the heavy fruit from my choice for best whisky of 2023, Cotswolds. I can't really give it any higher compliment. Taking the top award was Wire Works Whisky Alter Ego from Derbyshire, UK. Chambers particularly enjoyed this: “Golden syrup and malty nose, drying ashy peat smoke on the palate, nice level of sweetness, golden syrup and milk chocolate, with a hint of cocoa and gingerbread.” Australian whisky maker Starward has announced a new addition to its range exclusively for the European market.
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