Category winners

Our judges sampled and scored 62 whiskies in search of the best new expressions

Under £50 winners

1 Overall Judges Discovery score scores Miltonduff 4.25, 37.4 4.5, 4.75, 10YO 4.5, 3,2.4 – Gordon , 4.8, 3.6, & 5, MacPhail 4, 4 Tasting lovely long notes finish from Blair Very floral, slightly minty, granny smith apples, Tasting notes from Mandy Fruity on nose, shortbread, apples, stewed fruit from a summer pudding, long finish.

2Hipflask Series No9 – Eden Mill Judges scores 2.5, 4.4, 4.3, 3.5, 4, 3, 4, 2.8, 5, 4, 4.25 Overall score 34.25 Tasting notes from Matthew Fruity nose, reminiscent of good brandy, wood spice and just a touch of porridge in the background.

3 BenRiach Sherry Wood Aged 12 Years – Brown Forman Judges scores 3, 4.5, 3.95, 3.5, 3.5, 3.7, 3.2, 3.4, 3.75, 2.5, 4.5 Overall score 32.5

Tasting notes from Ewan The nose is bitter then sweet, angelica, rum and raisin. The taste is drying, spicy, bitter orange and chocolate. Oily and long finish.

£50-£100 winners

1Speyburn Judges scores 18YO 2.75, 36.2 – 4.7, Inverhouse 4.2, 3.75, 4.4, Distillers 3.2, 4.1, 4.6, 5, 3, 4.25 Overall Tasting notes score from Vince Baked stone fruits and pouring cream. Flavours of wood spice and creaminess resurfacing in the finish. Nice, easy dram.

2The Glendronach Revival Aged 15 Years – Brown Forman Judges scores 3.25, 4.8, 4.1, 3.25, 4, 2.9, 4.6, 4.4, 3, 4, 4.5 Overall score 35.1 Tasting notes from Robin Sweet creamy vanilla with hints of ginger and rich Dundee cake. Deep palate with a silky smoothness showing rich oak and sherry wine. Long and flavoursome finish.

3Balblair 15YO– Inverhouse Distillers Judges scores 3.75, 4.6, 4.95, 3.5, 4, 3.1, 4, 4.1, 3, 3, 4.75 Overall score 34.8

Tasting notes from Darren Caramel sweetness, caramelised banana and cola cubes offer an attractively sweet aroma. Quite delicate on the palate, peaches and fruit syrup wich carries on into the finish. Very easy drinking.