The judges’ TOP TEN

Of the 43 whiskies blind tasted by our experts, 10 drams stood head and shoulders above the rest

2015 Judges Darren Leitch, Regional Manager Edinburgh, The Whisky Shop

Darren has been involved with the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge since its second year in 2001 and has always championed it as the ultimate whisky competition.

Charles Maclean, Whisky Consultant

Charles was elected Master of the Quaich in 2009 and in 2012 won the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ at the International Wines & Spirits Competition. He has been a Scottish Field Whisky Challenge judge for ten years.

Mike Lord, The Whisky Shop Dufftown

Mike is passionate about whisky and about promoting the industry. He genuinely relishes the opportunity the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge gives him to try new and different whiskies.

Robin Russell, Proprietor, Robbie’s Drams

Having spent his entire working life in the licensed trade – over 30 years – Robin has a real passion for whisky and it’s always an honour to have him on our panel.

Iain Forteath, Sales Manager, Robertsons of Pitlochry

Joining the judging panel for the first time this year, Iain loves the passion, romance and incredible flavours involved in whisky. His appreciation of a good dram started as a hobby at the age of 18 and he is delighted to bring his whisky knowledge to the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge.

Mark Angus, Retail Sales Manager, Gordon and MacPhail

This year’s Challenge is Mark’s third – he says that the most exciting part of the event is not knowing what flavours you are about to sample. Gordon & MacPhail has recently been awarded five stars by Visit - Scotland.

Douglas Wood, Owner, Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies

Owner of the award-winning wine and whisky retailer and wholesaler Woodwinters Wines and Whiskies, based in Stirling with retail in Bridge of Allan and Edinburgh, Douglas was a senior judge at the International Wine Challenge.

Matthew McFadyen, Owner, The Good Spirits Company

One of the co-founders of The Good Spirits Company, Glasgow’s leading independent spirits specialist, Matt is particularly interested in Scotch malt whisky. His first bottle of whisky was a Laphroaig 10yo.