Tamdhu 21 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been named Best Overall Scotch at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The Oloroso sherry cask-matured whisky also claimed the Best Single Malt Scotch title on its way to the top honor, little more than a year after its US launch.
Best Overall Scotch is the highest Scotch accolade awarded at the SFWSC, which bills itself as the oldest and largest blind-tasted spirits competition in the world.
Bottled at 47.5% ABV, Tamdhu 21 Year Old is fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks, as is every Tamdhu single malt. The expression is non-chill filtered and carries entirely natural color. The casks are made from Spanish and North American oak in family cooperages and bodegas in Jerez, Spain.
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READ THE STORYThe spirit itself is produced using the distillery’s own local spring water on the banks of the River Spey, where Tamdhu has distilled since 1897.
“To see Tamdhu 21 Year Old named as one of the world’s best Scotch whiskies is a proud moment for everyone at the distillery,” said Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu distillery manager. “Every drop reflects more than two decades of patience and the Spain-to-Speyside journey our casks make. Tamdhu has always held true to one idea: exceptional whisky from exceptional sherry casks, with no shortcuts. For that commitment to be recognized on the world stage is deeply rewarding.”
The whisky earned a Double Gold medal, a unanimous gold from the judging panel, before progressing through the Scotch categories to secure both single malt and overall titles.
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The SFWSC win rounds off a strong year for the whisky. It was also named Overall Winner at the 2026 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and Best of the Best Single Malt Scotch of 2026 by Robb Report.
According to official notes from the brand, the whisky shows a deep amber appearance, a nose of sherried oak with chocolate, sultanas and warm cinnamon, and a palate of sherry-soaked raisins, candied oranges and gentle oak, leading to a long, smooth finish. The octagonal bottle is presented in a Royal green cut-work gift case featuring a Spanish-Moorish design.
Tamdhu 21 Year Old is available in the US through Total Wine & More and specialist whisky retailers, with a recommended price of $399.99.
