Interliquer, a subsidiary of Drink International, announced on the 17th that Loch Lomond, a Scottish single malt whiskey known as the official whiskey of the world's four major golf tournaments, the Open Championship, was named 'Distillery of the Year' at the 2024 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
IWSC, which started in 1969 in the United Kingdom, is considered one of the world's top three spirits competitions. Each year, experts from over 100 countries gather to evaluate thousands of spirit products from around the world through blind tasting. Blind tasting involves concealing information about the whiskey and evaluating purely based on taste, aroma, and texture. This method is often used when a strict and fair assessment is required, allowing for the selection of quality whiskey without preconceived notions about price or region.
IWSC awards gold, silver, and bronze medals based on scores, as well as trophies for the best in each institutional sector, and separately selects the best distillery of the year.
Interliquer reported that Loch Lomond was not only named 'Distillery of the Year' at IWSC this year, but also received over 10 medals.
In particular, Loch Lomond 12 Inchmurrin won the trophy for the best in the 'Scotch Whiskey institutional sector under 15 years', while Loch Lomond 12 received a gold medal with a score of 98.
IWSC judges noted in their comments, 'Loch Lomond is a combination of exceptional whiskey quality and a clear vision and effort to elevate the brand to the next level.'
Loch Lomond won 16 medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), which took place prior to IWSC. At this competition, Loch Lomond 12 Inchmurrin received the Platinum Award.
A representative from Interliquer said, 'Recently, interest in single malt whiskey has been increasing, and a trend is emerging for seeking distinctive and differentiated whiskeys,' adding that 'Loch Lomond not only uses differentiated distillers but also owns its cooperage within the distillery, allowing skilled artisans to manage the oak barrels directly to maintain quality.'
More detailed information about Loch Lomond, including purchasing options, can be found on the official Loch Lomond Korea Instagram.