A Fife whisky bottler is celebrating after a standout single malt earned global recognition among the world’s finest whiskies.
Spiritfilled’s Mythical Beasts label won Gold Outstanding at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for its Aberlour 13-year-old single malt, finished in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask.
The whisky scored 98 points, placing it in the competition’s highest category and making it one of only six Scotch whiskies to achieve the top mark this year.
Judging was carried out blind by experts from 30 countries, with every Gold-awarded spirit retasted by an independent committee member before final approval.
The award comes as Spiritfilled marks its fifth anniversary, having launched five new Mythical Beasts expressions to celebrate the milestone.
Founded in 2021 by Russell Spratley and Ross Archer, the company has built its reputation through small-batch bottlings and distinctive releases.
The brand is also supported by ambassador Finn Russell, the Bath, Scotland and British & Irish Lions fly-half.
The IWSC, established in 1969, recognised nearly 550 Scotch whiskies this year, with judges highlighting balance, structure and innovation across the strongest entries.
Russell said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see Mythical Beasts recognised with such an outstanding score at the IWSC.
“To receive 98 points for our Aberlour 13-year-old PX cask finish, especially in such a competitive category, is a huge moment for Spiritfilled and a real testament to the quality of whisky we’re selecting and bottling.
“Mythical Beasts was created to showcase exceptional Scotch with a sense of character, story and craft, so to have one of our releases placed among the very best this year is incredibly rewarding.
“As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, this award gives us real confidence in the direction we’re taking and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.”
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