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Single Malt Excellence Awards

The Single Malt Excellence Awards is an international competition dedicated to recognizing the craftsmanship and complexity of single malt whiskies from around the world. This competition highlights the finest distilleries, showcasing their dedication to producing single malts that expertly combine tradition and innovation.

 

At Whisky Discovery Journal, all whiskies featured in the Single Malt Excellence Awards are purchased and reviewed by our team of experts. We personally source and experience each whisky, ensuring that our reviews are based on a genuine, hands-on evaluation of the whisky’s quality.

 

Our team of specialists follows rigorous criteria when rating each whisky. Key factors such as balance, complexity, aroma, flavour profile, and finish are carefully assessed to provide a thorough and consistent review. These high standards ensure that only the most exceptional single malts receive recognition.

 

The Single Malt Excellence Awards celebrates the best in whisky-making. We are committed to offering whisky lovers an authentic guide to some of the world’s best single malts, based on our direct experiences with each bottle.

 

Craftsmanship celebrated. Excellence rewarded.

Castelo de Cochem

Single Malt Excellence Awards 2024: Top 10 Single Malts

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The Single Malt Excellence Awards 2024 recognises the finest single malts from leading distilleries around the world. Each whisky was rigorously reviewed based on its balance, complexity, aroma, flavour profile, and finish, resulting in a ranking that celebrates the exceptional artistry of whisky-making.

Detailed Descriptions

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Rank #1 - Highland Park 18 Year Old

Rating: 98

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Highland Park 18 Year Old is celebrated for its well-rounded balance and depth, reflecting Orkney’s unique character. With notes of honeyed malt, gentle smoke, and layers of spice, this whisky brings a captivating experience to the palate. It reveals hints of heather honey, dried fruit, and subtle peat smoke, leading to a long, smooth finish with warm spices, leaving a memorable impression.

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Rank #2 - The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old

Rating: 97.5

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Known for its rich complexity, The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old matures exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks, which impart signature deep flavours. The nose opens with dried fruits, cinnamon, and subtle wood smoke. On the palate, it delivers a luxurious blend of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and orange zest, creating a layered experience. The finish lingers with refined sweetness, embodying the quality expected of The Macallan.

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Rank #3 - The Kingsmalt Crownline Double Cask

Rating: 97

 

The Kingsmalt Crownline Double Cask combines craftsmanship and exclusivity, limited to only 10,000 bottles. This unique edition is aged in American oak bourbon barrels and finished in European oak wine casks, achieving an impressive balance. On the nose, it offers caramel and vanilla with hints of toasted oak and spice. The palate reveals a smooth blend of vanilla, delicate oak, and spice, adding depth. The finish is warm and elegant, making it a sought-after choice for collectors.

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Rank #4 - Glenfiddich 21 Year Rum Cask

Rating: 93.5

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Glenfiddich 21 Year Old introduces a tropical flair with its finishing in rum casks. Aromas of toffee, fig, and banana evolve into a palate filled with spice, vanilla, and oak richness. The smooth, lingering finish carries hints of exotic fruit, distinguishing this whisky within the lineup.

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Rank #5 - Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Rating: 92.5

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Known for its powerful peat character, Lagavulin 16 Year Old boasts a robust profile with layers of smoke and malt sweetness. The nose reveals sea salt and iodine, while the palate offers dried fruit, intense peat, and touches of vanilla, finishing with a bold, smoky taste that embodies Islay’s essence.

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Rank #6 - Ardbeg Uigeadail

Rating: 91

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A favourite among peat lovers, Ardbeg Uigeadail features an intense smoky profile with a balance of sherry sweetness. The aroma presents smoked meat, espresso, and dried fruit, while the palate combines dark chocolate, peat, and sherry notes. The finish is deep and smoky, offering a full-bodied experience.

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Rank #7 - Glenlivet 18 Year Old

Rating: 90.5

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Glenlivet 18 Year Old is known for its smooth and balanced profile, with notes of orchard fruits, toffee, and honey on the nose. The palate reveals creamy oak, caramel, and a touch of citrus, leading to a lingering finish with gentle spice that enhances its complexity.

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Rank #8 - Talisker 18 Year Old

Rating: 89

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Talisker 18 Year Old captures the maritime essence of the Isle of Skye, with hints of peat smoke and brine. The nose is peppery with seaweed and citrus, while the palate unfolds with honey, fruit, and pepper. Its warm, peaty finish offers a distinctive island experience.

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Rank #9 - Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year Old

Rating: 88.5

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This whisky is matured in both traditional oak and sherry casks, providing layered complexity. The nose offers dried fruit, vanilla, and spice, while the palate reveals rich oak, honey, and a touch of sherry sweetness. The finish is smooth and warm, leaving a lasting sweetness.

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GRank #10 - GlenDronach 18 Year Allardice

Rating: 87

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Aged in sherry casks, GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice showcases a rich, fruity profile. The nose features dark chocolate, figs, and nutty undertones, with the palate unveiling layers of raisins, warm spices, and sherry. Its long, smooth finish is richly sweet, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

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