Scotch whisky finalists announced for 2025 international wine and spirit competition

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), one of the world’s most respected and long-standing spirits competitions, has released its 2025 results for Scotch whisky. The judging, which took place earlier this year in London, is recognized for its rigorous standards and global reach. This year’s top contenders for the coveted Scotch Whisky Trophy in the Blended Scotch Whisky category have been announced, with the winner set to be revealed at the IWSC Gala on November 12 in London.

Among the finalists is Black Bottle Captain’s Cask Blended Scotch Whisky, produced by CVH Spirits. This expression pays homage to Scotland’s maritime history, drawing inspiration from the tradition of shipping whisky casks across the seas. The blend features a pronounced smoky character, with a nose dominated by cold peat smoke. Underneath, there are notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruits such as raisins and figs. Roasted nuts and dark chocolate add further depth, while a subtle maritime note of iodine and seaweed hints at its coastal origins. On the palate, the whisky is full-bodied and smooth, balancing sweet caramel and dark chocolate with earthy undertones and a savory edge reminiscent of roasted coffee and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, with lingering peat smoke, honey, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice.

Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is another standout. Produced by John Dewar & Sons, this whisky undergoes a unique double maturation process in two different types of casks. The result is a lightly peated whisky with a complex nose featuring dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates alongside honey, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and floral notes. A gentle smokiness from the peated malt adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors. On tasting, it reveals a rich and creamy texture with caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The finish is long and sweet with caramel and vanilla persisting as the smokiness fades into a dry, slightly spicy aftertaste.

The third contender is Dewar’s Double Double 38 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. This unpeated blend showcases the art of combining multiple single malts matured in two different cask types. The nose is rich and aromatic with floral hints and dried fruit aromas such as dark cherries, figs, and raisins. Honey, caramel, vanilla, oak spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, roasted nuts, and a touch of light wood smoke round out the profile. On the palate, it offers a smooth yet weighty mouthfeel with roasted nuts, dark chocolate, oak-driven spice, leather, tobacco notes, and an underlying sweetness from caramel and dried fruits. The finish is long and complex with persistent dried fruit flavors and warming oak spice.

These three whiskies represent some of the finest examples of blended Scotch available today. Each brings its own character to the table: Black Bottle Captain’s Cask emphasizes bold peat smoke; Dewar’s Double Double 32 YO offers a balanced smoky profile; while Dewar’s Double Double 38 YO delivers maturity and complexity without peat influence. The IWSC judges praised all three for their craftsmanship and depth of flavor.

The announcement of these finalists highlights ongoing innovation within Scotland’s whisky industry as producers continue to refine traditional techniques while exploring new expressions. With anticipation building ahead of the November gala in London where the ultimate winner will be named, enthusiasts around the world are taking note of these exceptional blends that reflect both heritage and modernity in Scotch whisky making.