Aberlour 13 Year Old Awarded Gold Outstanding at IWSC 2026

98 Points, Gold Outstanding: Our Aberlour 13 Year Old Judged Among the World's Best

Some bottles speak for themselves. Now the experts have spoken too.

We're proud to share that our Mythical Beasts Aberlour 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been awarded Gold Outstanding with a score of 98 points at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026. Across every Scotch whisky entered from around the world this year, from established distilleries to independent bottlers, only six reached the IWSC's highest distinction. Ours is one of them.

The International Wine and Spirits Competition

The IWSC is one of the most respected competitions in the global drinks industry, and the value of a result here comes down to who is doing the tasting. Our whisky was assessed during the 2026 Spirits Judging in London by the IWSC's expert Scotch panel, working under a Spirits Judging Committee that brings together some of the most authoritative figures in whisky and spirits, among them Dawn Davies MW and Richard Paterson OBE, who led much of this year's Scotch commentary.

This year, the panel rewarded balance, patience and precision. Dawn Davies praised producers who were "getting the basics right," while Richard Paterson reminded the category that while "the cask is king," the finest whiskies are those where the oak supports rather than overwhelms the spirit — and that nothing should be released until it is absolutely right. Our Aberlour 13 Year Old was recognised for exactly those qualities.

What the judges thought of our Aberlour 13 Year Old

Drawn from the heart of Speyside, Scotland, this single malt earns its score through depth and harmony rather than noise. The IWSC's own tasting note describes it perfectly:

"A beautifully complex aroma unfolds with tobacco leaves, cocoa nibs and subtle hints of coffee beans, all wrapped in honey. The palate is decadently rich, bursting with cinder toffee and stroopwafel sweetness, balanced by soft spices and creamy vanilla."

Thirteen years of patient maturation and considered cask selection, captured in a single dram.

Try this oustanding whisky for yourself

A 98-point, Gold Outstanding result is the kind of independent endorsement that money can't buy — but the whisky behind it, you can. This is a limited release, and once these bottles are gone, they're gone.

We'd love for you to pour a glass and form your own opinion. The judges have given theirs; now it's your turn. Try our Mythical Beasts Aberlour 13 Year Old or browse our full Mythical Beasts range.

Buy your own cask

Or, if you're interested in owning your own cask, we can help you. Register your details below and we'll help you find, mature, and develop your own outstanding whisky; perhaps even an award-winner.