The Best Scotch Of 2025 According To The Whiskey Wash Awards

Recently, The Whiskey Wash announced the results of our inaugural Whiskey Wash Awards—an independent, no-fee competition where our expert panel reviewed and rated hundreds of spirits in 2024. After careful assessment, we awarded Double Gold, Gold, and Silver medals to the standout expressions.

Today, we’re diving into the scotch whisky category, highlighting a few exceptional winners and sharing everything you need to know. You’ll find the full list of scotch whisky medalists here.

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 

Medal: Double Gold, Category Winner
Score: 10
Category: Scotch
Official Tasting Notes: Soft oak, cinnamon, stewed fruits, Seville marmalade, red fruits, brown sugar, old leather
BUY NOW: $555
Original Review: Glengoyne 25 Year Old Review

This Glengoyne 25 Year Old was introduced as a Fine & Rare offering from Glengoyne Distillery, located just south of Loch Lomond, Scotland. Matured for a quarter-century exclusively in sherry casks, the expression was bottled at 48% ABV. Initially priced around $600, prices now start at around $555 on the secondary market and at retail. 

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, The Whiskey Wash Founder and former reviewer, awarded this expression a perfect 10 upon tasting in February 2024. Recently, we asked Nino what stood out about this expression. 

“The Glengoyne 25-Year-Old is a classic sherry bomb style, which is an approach I always love when done well under a solid cask management program,” says Nino. “For me, Scotch whisky doesn’t get any better than this.”

In his review, Nino noted the aromatics of fig, raisins, chocolate, and toffee pudding. About the palate, he noted “A quarter of a century in sherry oak makes this shine on the palate without breaking a sweat. It is all here – warm oak, rich fig, raisins galore, decadent chocolate, yummy hazelnut, and lovely butterscotch.” 

This 25 Year Old expression is an embodiment of Glengoyne’s slogan – “Unhurried since 1833” – demonstrating how patient sherry cask maturation can produce stunning results. 

Glengoyne Distillery is renowned for its slow distillation process, which enhances its signature smooth and complex character. Using unpeated malt and sherry cask maturation, Glengoyne produces rich, fruit-forward whiskies. Its picturesque setting and commitment to tradition make it a must-visit for whisky lovers. 

I visited Glengoyne Distillery in 2021 during a trip to Loch Lomond, which is a short drive away. The distillery is small and unassuming, but the magic produced there in the form of scotch whisky is anything but. Definitely give this place a visit if you find yourself in the Loch Lomond area. 

Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Argentinian Malbec Cask Finish 

Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: Scotch
Official Tasting Notes: Highland honey, blackcurrant, rose, violet, cinnamon, spice, vanilla
BUY NOW: $230
Original Review: Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Argentinian Malbec Cask Finish Review 

Aberfeldy Distillery has not been shy about exploring experimental cask finishes in recent years, and this Argentinian Malbec Cask Finish is no exception. The whisky was distilled on November 14th, 2001, and matured in a combination of refill barrels and hogsheads for 20 years. Then, the spirit was transferred to Malbec casks from the Finca Ambrosia Single Estate Winery for an 8-month finishing period before being bottled at 46% ABV. 

Nino sampled this whisky in May of 2024, and was struck by the complexity of the single malt. He said: “The depth and mature nature of the Aberfeldy 21-Year-Old Argentinian Malbec Cask Finish cannot be denied – it is true whisky mastery in a glass. A symphony of flavors that showcases once again this distillery’s ability to make use of unique red wine barrels from around the world to finish already exceptional Scotch.” 

Aberfeldy Distillery, located south of the Cairngorms National Park, is owned by John Dewar’s & Sons Ltd, and under the stewardship of multi-award-winning Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod. 

The distillery is renowned for the distinctive honey note that runs through almost all of its expressions, with cask finishes used to elevate the flavor and deepen the profile. 

Aberfeldy is also the brand home of Dewar’s, offering an immersive and interactive museum experience within the grounds. 

Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish

Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: Scotch
Official Tasting Notes: Sweet, clean, coconut, sandalwood, creamy vanilla
BUY NOW: $130
Original Review: Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish Review

Speaking of Dewar’s, it is hardly surprising that a Dewar’s expression won a medal at The Whiskey Wash Awards given the brand’s incredible track record for accolades. 

Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish was produced using Dewar’s four-stage aging process, introduced by Stephanie Macleod and named by the brand as ‘Double Double’. 

The aging process involves maturing single malt and single grain scotches destined for blends separately until they reach the desired age. Then, all single malts are married together and laid back down in a neutral cask. The single grain whiskies undergo the same treatment. Next, all whiskies are blended together and aged again in a neutral oak cask. Finally, the blended whisky undergoes a finishing period in Japanese Mizunara oak. 

Mizunara oak, native to Japan, is a rare and sought-after finishing wood in the whisky industry. Though difficult to work with, Mizunara imparts distinct notes of coconut, sandalwood, and incense to a whisky. Mizunara-finished whiskies are prized amongst both collectors and drinkers thank to their unique flavor and inherent rarity. 

Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish was reviewed by Nino in June 2024, after which it was awarded a score of 9 out of 10. He commented: “You’re gonna want find a bottle of this one if you can – it is really quite the nice sipper from start to finish and not something you want to rush through. The Mizunara finish, in particular, gives it something extra special above your typical Dewar’s expression.” 

Laphroaig Elements L2.0 

Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: Scotch
Official Tasting Notes: Stewed apples, vanilla custard, orange peel, peat, salt, honey, cream soda, smouldering bonfire, smoked seafood
BUY NOW: $160
Original Review: Laphroaig Elements L2.0 Review

L2.0 is the second release in Laphroaig’s Elements series, which experiments with distillation and fermentation techniques, producing unique expressions. 

Laphroaig Elements L.20 was subjected to a fermentation time of 115 hours – almost five full days. This is far longer than the industry standard, which is around 60-75 hours. During this long fermentation, the whisky was contained in a “specially aerated” mash tun, helping to maintain consistent conditions. According to the distillery, this process deepened the fruity notes in the liquid whilst maintaining Laphroaig’s typical smoky character. 

At the time of release, Distillery Manager Barry MacAffer said: “Our Laphroaig Elements Series is all about blending years of traditional whisky making with new, progressive techniques. There’s no whisky that encapsulates Islay quite like Laphroaig – but this hasn’t stopped us experimenting in a way that preserves our iconic character. 

“Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is an unexpected fruitier whisky with the same peaty character you’ve come to know and love – made possible by over double the typical fermentation period.” 

Whisky Wednesday’s Phil Dwyer sampled the Laphroaig Elements L.20 in October 2024, awarding it 9 points. He commented: “I love this! If you’re an Islay drinker then this is totally worth your time, especially as a long-term drinker to compare with other Islay releases over the next few years. This reminds me a lot of Torabhaig, who also prioritise a longer fermentation overall.” 

Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old

Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: Scotch
Official Tasting Notes: Stewed fruit, malty cereal, smoke, citrus, almonds, vanilla, tangerines
BUY NOW: $74
Original Review: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Review

Johnnie Walker is one of the biggest blended scotch whisky brands in the world. Renowned for its easy-drinking nature and global appeal, the brand has been at the forefront of blended whiskies for centuries. This expression, though, is something of a step up from Johnnie Walker’s entry level offerings such as Red Label and Black Label. 

The 18 Year Old is a blend of up to 18 different whiskies from distilleries such as Glen Elgin, Cardhu, and Blair Athol. Whilst the exact cask program is not specified, it is believed that the whisky is matured in a combination and European and American oak casks. 

Pete “Jeff Whisky” Jeffery sampled the Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old in December 2024, concluding: “Around half the price of the Blue Label this 18 Year Old release stands up and shows it is not a premium blend to be overlooked. There is plenty of citrus, honey and a soft smoke to be found in this easy to enjoy bottle.” 

The 18 Year Old is a fantastic example of a premium blended whisky that does not venture into extravagance. At a fairly affordable price tag, the whisky delivers complexity and is a heightened version of Johnnie Walker’s signature style.