Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival - the whisky awards

3 Oct

A total of 350 whiskies were entered into the competition this year. Here are the winners of the Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival 2014 awards: Best Whisky (highest score across all categories): Glenlivet Nadurra 16 YO (see review) Best Distillery (minimum 3 gold medals): Mackmyra Distillery

Peaty Malt up to 8 YO: Mackmyra Rök Bourbon Peaty Malt 9 - 12 YO: Ardbeg 10 YO (Silver Medal - no Gold awarded) Peaty Malt 13+ YO: Laphroaig 18 YO (see review)

Scotch Malt Whisky OB up to 8 YO: Glenfarclas Heritage Scotch Malt Whisky OB 9 - 12 YO: Glenlivet 12 YO (see review) Scotch Malt Whisky OB 13 - 20 YO: Glenlivet Nadurra 16 YO Scotch Malt Whisky OB 21+ YO: Aberfeldy 21 YO

Scotch Malt Whisky OB NAS: Talisker Port Ruighe (see review)

Scotch Blended Whisky up to 8 YO: Compass Box Asyla Scotch Blended Whisky 9+ YO: Chivas regal 18 YO (see review)

Swedish Whisky 3 - 4 YO: Mackmyra Midnattsol (Midnight Sun) Swedish Whisky 5+ YO: Mackmyra Elegant Förlagrad Bourbon

Japanese Whisky up to 8 YO: Nikka From the Barrel (see review) Japanese Whisky 9 -12 YO: Miyagikyo 12 YO Japanese Whisky 13+ YO: Miyagikyo 15 YO

Irish Whisky up to 10 YO: Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky 11+ YO: Knappogue Castle 1995

American Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel (see review) American other (Rye, Wheat etc): High West Rendezvous Rye

Canadian Whisky: Black Velvet 5 YO (see review)

World Wide Whisky (other countries) up to 8 YO: Kavalan Solist Bourbon (see review) World Wide Whisky (other countries) 9 - 12 YO: Hellyers Road Original 10 YO (Silver Medal - no Gold awarded) World Wide Whisky (other countries) 13 + YO: not awarded

I am afraid I have nothing on the categories for Scotch Malt Whisky from Independent Bottlers and limited editions. A rather drunk beer enthusiast was screaming in my ear at this point, and the guy presenting the awards fumbled and made a snafu.

I propose they present all the facts on the winners on a big screen next year. That way there is no doubt, and I can get all my facts straight. I do like to get all my facts straight.

It would also be a good idea if all the winners were told before the ceremony, giving them a fair chance to prepare and actually be present. As it was nearly one third of all the winners did not show up to accept their award, which is a pity I think.

But never mind all that now! Congratulations to all the winners!