Aultmore 25 Reigns Again: Best Scotch at IWC 2025
For the second year running, a quiet Speyside standout has stunned the whisky world. Aultmore 25 Years Old 1st Fill Oloroso Finish has just taken the top Scotch prize at the 2025 International Whisky Competition (IWC), scoring an impressive 95.10 points.
What’s even more astonishing? This award-winning dram remains relatively unknown in the U.S.—a rare gem hiding in plain sight.
A Scotch That Silences the Room
Described by IWC judges as a “harmonious medley of fresh fig aromas, spiced pineapple palate, and brioche laced with Mānuka honey,” Aultmore 25 isn’t just good—it’s unforgettable. It belongs to the brand’s Cask Finish Collection, where refill cask-aged spirit is elevated in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks.
The result is a whisky that balances richness and elegance: floral, spicy, and silky smooth at 46% ABV.
A Brand Still Under the Radar
Despite being over 130 years old and owned by John Dewar & Sons (a subsidiary of Bacardi), Aultmore remains somewhat of a mystery to many. Most of its production goes into Dewar’s Blended Scotch, leaving little single malt available on shelves—especially in the U.S., where the most common sighting is the 12 Year Old expression.
And that’s a shame, because under the leadership of legendary Master Blender Stephanie Macleod—six-time IWC Master Blender of the Year—Aultmore has been turning out whiskies that rival Scotland’s most iconic names.
A Rare Find Worth the Hunt
The 25-Year-Old decanter isn’t easy to track down. With a suggested retail price of $500 for 50cl, it’s currently only available in global travel retail across Asia-Pacific. But if you’re passing through an international terminal soon, you’d be wise to keep an eye out.
As Macleod puts it, this cask finish series aims to “show Aultmore in a contrasting light,” while still letting its refined Speyside character shine. Clearly, the experiment is working—and winning.
Final Sip
Two years, two wins. Aultmore 25 has proven it’s not just a lucky bottle—it’s a world-class whisky that deserves a spotlight far beyond airport duty-free shops. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, this is one dram worth chasing.
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