The Best Scotch Whiskies of 2021

Published
07/17/2021 by

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited's strong portfolio of Scotch whiskies – through its strategic partnership with Pernod Ricard – got a big boost at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge.

Judges awarded 18 medals to Scotch labels distributed by Corby in Canada, including Double Golds for Aberlour 18 Year Old and Aberlour 16 Year Old.

"We are proud to offer Scotch drinkers some of the best Scotches on the market," says Maritza Noriega, Senior Brand Manager, Prestige Brands. "Nuanced and flavourful, Corby's portfolio of Scotch is the finest available in Canada."

Overall, four Scotch brands took home top medals. These spirits can be found in select stores across Canada:

  • Aberlour 
    • Two Double Golds: 18 Year Old and 16 Year Old
    • Two Golds: 12 Year Old and A'bunadh Alba (coming soon to Canada)
    • One Silver: A'bunadh

  • Ballantine
    • One Gold: Ballantine's Finest

  • Chivas Regal
    • Four Golds: 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, Aged 18 Years, Mizunara and XV Aged 15 years (coming soon to Canada)

  • The Glenlivet
    • Five Golds: 12 Years of Age, 15 Years of Age, 18 Years of Age, Captain's Reserve and Nadurra First Fill
    • Three Silvers: Caribbean Reserve, Founder's Reserve and Nadurra Olorosso

Within its worldwide portfolio of Scotch brands and labels, Pernod Ricard was awarded a total of 60 medals at the International Spirits Challenge.

Medals at the International Spirits Challenge are awarded following a rigorous judging process — a highly controlled operation held over 12 days of intense blind tastings by panels of more than 50 respected and experienced industry professionals.

Each entry is blind tasted and awarded a score for its aroma, appearance, taste and finish. Scores are collated and recorded by the category chairman before Trophy, Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded.