Distillery is raising a glass after accolade

Aberfeldy business picks up whisky challenge prize

A Perthshire distillery is celebrating after picking up awards at a prestigious whisky competition.

Aberfeldy Distillery picked up the award for the top summer bottling for its Aberfeldy cask number five at the annual Scottish Field whisky challenge awards ceremony at the Gillie Dhu in Edinburgh.

Noted for its sweet and spicy taste with hints of burnt sugar and salted caramel, Gary Ross and Simon Robinson from John Dewar and Sons were there on the night to pick up the coveted prize.

Not content with just one award, the Aberfeldy cask number five was also noted with a silver award in the over £80 category, presented by Ewan McIlwraith from Robertsons of Pitlochry, also based in Highland Perthshire.

Janice Johnston, project manager for the whisky challenge, said: “Whisky remains an important part of our editorial programme and the challenge too is going from strength to strength.

“I am delighted that we continue to be associated with such an exciting and passionate industry and am hugely grateful for the support and dedication that our judges bring to the table, giving so freely of their time and experience throughout the year. This year’s panel has been no exception, and I would like to thank each and every one of them.”

She continued: “This year we processed and decanted over 150 whiskies across three separate events - our summer challenge, readers’ challenge and grand final - in order to decide our ultimate winners. This was no easy task, so may I also take a moment to say a heartfelt thanks to all our judges and readers who have been involved - without you, this challenge wouldn’t exist.

“Our judging panels spent an entire day getting to know your whiskies intimately in a blind-tasting event of epic proportions. From knockout to final deliberations, our judges worked steadily throughout the day. Their final scores decided this year’s winners.”

Also among those attending the awards ceremony were representatives from The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery near Crieff.

John Laurie, general manager at The Famous Grouse Experience, added: “I am thrilled to reach the finals of the Scottish Field whisky challenge awards. It means a lot to be recognised for the work we are doing at The Famous Grouse Experience.

He added: “Our success is very much a team effort and I’m extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that my colleagues put in to ensure our visitor attraction remains the most visited in Scotland.”