A glass of single malt Scotch whiskey above Glenfinnan in the West Highlands of Scotland.
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The three winners of the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) Scotch Whiskey Trophy remind us that there are many paths to exceptional whisky.
Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain from East Asia Whiskey Company won the Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Over 20 YO trophy. Bowmore 9 years old won the Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Under 20 YO Trophy. Chivas Brothers’ Royal Salute 21 YO Signature won the Blended Scotch Whiskey trophy.
The story is in the contrast, and not just in the statements about age. Three distinct offerings appeal to whiskey drinkers: mature elegance, restrained Islay smoke and the complexity of a carefully assembled blend. Below is a closer look at each winner, with my tasting notes and IWSC 2026 jury evaluations.
East Asia Whiskey Company 35 Year Old Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain, Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, 49.3% ABV, 700ml. 98 points
Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Trophy over 20 years old 2026
The East Asia Whiskey Company is a specialist bottler of rare Scotch whiskeys based in Singapore and has been a perennial medalist at the IWSC competitions. Bunnahabhain was founded in 1881 on the northeast coast of Islay, and production began in 1883. The distillery’s signature style is unpeated, robust and oily, with fruit, woody spices and a subtle maritime influence, rather than the powerful smoke often associated with Islay.
What makes Manta Ray Genesis special is its combination of substantial ripeness and a remarkably bright set of aromas and flavors.
On the nose, the whiskey offers aromas of fragrant lemon cake and delicate herbs that accentuate its citrus freshness, a gentle herbaceous touch and the sweetness of baked pastry. The soft and creamy palate reveals delicate floral, pastry and vibrant tropical fruit notes. The creaminess adds weight and softness on the palate while maintaining the lightness suggested by the floral and citrus aromas.
The finish is long and elegant, with a distinctive freshness unusual for an aged expression and lingering notes of dried fruit and citrus.
The IWSC jury described the whiskey as “bright, fragrant notes of lemon biscuits and chamomile lead into a smooth, creamy palate rich with delicate floral notes and hints of Danish pastry. Distinctive tropical fruits carry through to a long, elegant finish, showing superb balance and depth.”
A huge selection of different bottles of Scottish malt whiskey in a bar in London, UK.
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Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750ml. 98 points
Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Under 20 Trophy 2026
Bowmore dates back to 1779, making it the oldest distillery on Islay. Its 9 year old expression offers a much younger perspective on the island, without making youth the central element of the consumer experience.
The whiskey matures in a combination of ex-American oak bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks made from European oak. This combination creates a profile built around fruit, sweetness and a distinctive but measured smoke.
On the nose, the whiskey offers aromas of maritime air and sea salt, crème caramel and light peat smoke, as well as notes of apple, raisins and hints of milk chocolate. The texture is light rather than the dense, oily character typically found in older Bowmore whiskies.
The palate features flavors of grilled peach and cold smoke, along with notes of cooked cereal, pumpkin pie, toasted nuts and a slight savory character. Maturing in sherry casks adds a subtle sweetness, nicely offset by the cooked grain and herbaceous notes.
The finish is long and warm, with lingering sweetness and lingering but subtle smokiness. Its appeal lies in balance and, surprisingly for a young whisky, complexity rather than peaty intensity. For a drinker curious about Islay but reluctant to start with its more aggressive smoky styles, this is the natural entry point into the three winners.
The IWSC jury described the whiskey as “Aromas of delicate sea salt, crème caramel and light peat smoke. On the palate, roasted peaches and gentle bonfire smoke take center stage, beautifully balanced by notes of oats, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh rhubarb and a pinch of sea salt.”
Chivas Brothers Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750ml. 96 points
Blended Scotch Whiskey Trophy 2026
Royal Salute was established in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Its name refers to the ceremonial 21-gun salute, linking the brand’s identity to the age of the youngest whiskey in the blend. The appeal of whiskey lies in the complexity and sophistication of blending mature whiskies, rather than the single malt character of a single distillery.
On the nose, the whiskey combines stone and tropical fruits with seasoned oak and a touch of tang, along with aromas of pear, citrus, floral potpourri, vanilla, subtle sherry notes and a touch of peat smoke.
The palate is smooth, with a slightly oily texture and a distinctive weight on the palate that counterbalances the contrasting notes of fruit, grains and spices. The whiskey highlights orchard, tropical and stone fruits; candied citrus fruits; toasted nuts; coked cereals; digestive biscuits; and woody spices, with a hint of smoke. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering citrus and a trace of smoke.
The IWSC jury described the whiskey as having “A layered nose of bright tropical fruit and polished oak with savory depth. The palate unfolds with a touch of smoke over oatcakes, digestive biscuits and subtle spices. Tones of refreshing citrus and playful sherbet leave a vibrant and lasting impression.”
Each in their own way, these three whiskeys answer the question: what makes a whiskey worth paying attention to? The useful buying decision isn’t whether single malt outperforms a blend, or whether older automatically means better. It’s the balance of texture, fruit, smoke and maturity that best suits the way you like to drink Scotch whisky. These three whiskeys range in price from expensive to very reasonable and, with the exception of the East Asia Whiskey Company expression, are relatively easy to find. All three are worth trying; all three are world class; we are sure to find the right place.
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