A gold medal makes an impression. But in spirits competitions there is a distinction that is only awarded when the entire panel of judges is in agreement. In the 2026 edition of the two most important whisky industry competitions, our portfolio came back with eight medals. Five of them were precisely such unanimous verdicts.
What are the SFWSC and International Spirits Challenge?
These are two of the most recognisable spirits competitions in the world. Both judge their entries blind – with no labels, names or packaging – so all that matters is what is in the glass. Each year they receive thousands of entries from dozens of countries, and the medals become an independent confirmation of quality for producers.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
How the competition works
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has been running since 2000 and is one of the largest in the industry. A Double Gold medal is awarded only when every judge on the panel – without exception – rates the spirit as gold. A good average score is therefore not enough. Full, unanimous agreement is required.
2026 edition results – seven medals for whiskies from our portfolio
In the 2026 edition, no fewer than seven whiskies from our range were among the winners: five with a Double Gold medal and two with gold.
The highest-rated was the flagship single malt from the Benromach distillery in the Speyside region – the 10-year-old Benromach, with a score of 98 points and a Double Gold medal. The distillery, owned by the family firm Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin, thus adds another international accolade to its history.
The remaining six medals went to brands from the GlenAllachie house – one of the few independent Speyside distilleries. The estate was founded in 1967 and taken over in 2017 by Billy Walker, previously known for reviving the BenRiach and GlenDronach brands. Along with the distillery, Walker acquired the historic blends: MacNair's (the source of the Lum Reek line) and White Heather, and in 2023 he launched a new peated single malt – Meikle Tòir. In San Francisco, all four of the house's brands were among the winners, and four of their whiskies won Double Gold.
What does a Double Gold medal mean?
Double Gold is a distinction from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is awarded only when every judge on the panel – without exception – rates the spirit as gold. So it is not about a high average, but about the full agreement of the blind tasters.
International Spirits Challenge
How the competition works
The International Spirits Challenge is one of the most respected competitions in the industry. It has been organised since 1995 by the British magazine “Drinks International”, and the entire assessment is based solely on blind tasting. Scores are awarded by dozens of specialists during a series of tastings lasting several weeks. The 2026 edition was the 31st instalment of the competition.
2026 results – Benromach 21 YO with gold
In the 2026 edition, the gold medal went to Benromach 21 YO – the oldest single malt in the core range of this Scottish distillery.
Benromach is one of the smallest Speyside distilleries, operating in the town of Forres. It was established in 1898, but for most of the 20th century it changed hands. In 1993 it was taken over by the family firm Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin, and after a five-year restoration it reopened the plant exactly one hundred years after its founding, in 1998. Today Benromach represents the almost forgotten Speyside style from before the 1960s: gently peated, with a subtle note of smoke, created using traditional methods in small batches.
This is also the second medal for Benromach in this round-up – after the Double Gold for the 10-year-old version in San Francisco.
