WHISKY AWARDS SEASON

 Cù Bòcan tops at World Whisky Awards Scotland 2024

Cù Bòcan and Tomatin have won Gold Awards at World Whisky Awards Scotland 2024, receiving the only Gold Awards to be presented in the ‘Scotch Highlands 12 Years and under’ category. This is a top accolade for Cù Bòcan, the experimental Highland single malt distilled at the award-winning Tomatin distillery, at the prestigious event in Scotland this year.

The Scottish regional judging panel announced Cù Bòcan, the recipient of the coveted title, ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years and under’, at the World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2024. Distilled in limited annual batches at the Tomatin distillery, Cù Bòcan focuses on unusual cask maturations.

12,000 bottles were released worldwide in May 2023, with the Cù Bòcan 12 Year Old Batch #1 promoted as a whisky of innovative complexity. Finished in Caribbean rum casks from Guyana and Barbados, this dram offers a fusion of fresh aromas including grilled pineapple, ginger and white chocolate.

Judges also awarded the brand and rhe Tomatin 12 Year Old with Gold awards respectively. Located in the heart of the Highlands, the Tomatin distillery is renowned for its elegant spirit and famous portfolio of brands, which has continued to captivate the industry and consumers. These latest acknowledgements further emphasise the distilleries growing credibility in crafting a remarkable range of premium single malt whiskies.

Tomatin Distillery felt honoured to receive this recognition for their efforts and the great teamwork at Tomatin distillery. In effect, Cù Bòcan’s triumph at the regional World Whiskies Awards reflected the essence of their pursuit of excellence.

Meticulously crafted with innovation at their Highland distillery, this award underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky craftsmanship as they look forward to the global stage at the upcoming finale in London.

The World Whisky Awards, a pinnacle event in the whisky industry, are a celebration of excellence. Cù Bòcan will now advance to the next stage, competing against those in other regions for global acclaim at the Global Finale, which will be announced in London on 20 March 2024.

Tomatin’s origins date back to the 15th century, with the first formal distillery established in 1897. Passing through generations of craftspeople working at Tomatin, many for their entire lives, the distillery is embedded in the community. Today Tomatin is renowned for its collection of smooth whiskies.

Whisky Magazine Awards Scotland 2024

A fortnight prior, the Scottish winners in the Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards were announced in Edinburgh on 07 December 2023.

In the Icons of Whisky, Diageo was named as distiller of the year and Stephen Woodcock, of Glen Moray owner La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, was announced as master distiller/master blender of the year. The sustainable distillery of the year title went to Ardnamurchan, and the newly renovated Single of Glen Ord Distillery was named visitor attraction of the year.

Meanwhile, in the World Whiskies Awards, the round one category winners for Scotland were announced. Among the winners in the single malt category were Ardbeg, Bowmore, GlenAllachie, Glen Scotia, Holyrood, Lagavulin, and That Boutique-y Whisky Company, while winners in the blended whisky categories included Adelphi, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, and Dewar's. Johnnie Walker was conspicuous by its absence.

It follows the announcement of the Irish regional results in the 2024 Icons of Whisky awards at an event in Dublin in November. The regional winners will now go forward to compete against those in other regions for the global titles in the Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards, which will be announced in London in March 2024.

The World Whiskies Awards

The World Whiskies Awards is a highly anticipated event in the spirit industry. It brings together whisky enthusiasts, industry professionals and distinguished experts to celebrate the diversity and craftsmanship of the whisky industry. Held annually, this prestigious competition recognises and honours whiskies from around the globe.

This year the celebration took place in the Signet Library in Edinburgh. The winners of the World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2024 as well as the Icons of Whisky Scotland and the two new Hall of Fame inductees were announced During the Whisky Magazine Awards 2024 gala.

THE WINNERS

Cask Noir “Hector’s Sound of Islay” (Caol Ila 12yo): Category Winner & Gold Medal - Single Cask Single Malt, Islay, 12yrs & Under.

Voodoo “Blood Moon” (North British 13yo): Category Winner & Gold Medal, Grain, 13 - 20yrs.

Ecosse G 12yo Single Grain 12yo: Silver Medal, Grain 12yrs & under.

Cask Noir “Take It To The Brig” (Cameronbridge 12yo): Silver Medal, Single Cask Single Grain, 12yrs & under.

Voodoo “High Priest” (Orkney 8yo): Bronze Medal, Small batch single malt, 12yrs & under.

The event offered an opportunity to explore and discover new flavours, learn about different distilleries and styles, and fuel the passion for the world's beloved amber elixir. It served as a platform for sharing knowledge, and fostering a deeper sense of community among whisky enthusiasts