Isle of Skye 25 Year Old has secured Best Blended Scotch (16+ Years) and Best Overall Blended Scotch Whisky at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The awards position the Ian Macleod Distillers-owned brand ahead of global competitors in one of the industry’s most influential blind tasting competitions.
Judges at SFWSC described the expression as “a beautifully crafted Scotch.”
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The competition featured more than 1,500 whisky entries judged blind in 2025.
Leonard Russell, Chairman & Managing Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “As a family-owned Scotch whisky company, we have always focused on quality and long-term craft. Isle of Skye has been part of our business for generations.”
He continued: “To have the 25-Year-Old recognised at this level, in a blind competition of such credibility, is meaningful. It reinforces the excellence of the whisky and supports our ambition to introduce Isle of Skye to more whisky drinkers around the world.”
The 25-year-old expression combines mature whiskies from Skye and mainland Scotland. These are aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks before blending with a high malt content.
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Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky draws on the landscapes of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. The range combines island and mainland malts and grains at 40% ABV.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe rich oak, ginger, vanilla, red apple and citrus on the nose. The palate offers rounded, fruity characteristics with malt, apple and light peat smoke. The finish is long and balanced with hints of apricot.
Isle of Skye 25 Year Old carries a recommended retail price of US$179 (£250).
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition ranks among the most prestigious spirits competitions globally. Founded in 2000, it has become a key benchmark for quality in the spirits industry.
Results from SFWSC carry significant weight with consumers, collectors and trade buyers internationally.
