The Isle of Skye 25 Year Old has been awarded Best Blended Scotch (16+ Years) and Best Overall Blended Scotch Whisky at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), cementing its reputation as one of the finest aged Scotch whiskies available today.
Often overlooked in the global Scotch whisky market, Isle of Skye has now claimed international recognition for its depth, complexity, and masterful blending. Judges at the SFWSC described the 25-Year-Old as “a beautifully crafted Scotch”, placing it ahead of leading global competitors.
Why the SFWSC Matters for Whisky Lovers
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most influential whisky competitions worldwide, with entries judged completely blind. In 2025, over 1,500 whiskies were evaluated, making Isle of Skye 25 Year Old’s double win a remarkable achievement. For collectors, enthusiasts, and casual whisky drinkers, an SFWSC medal is a trusted mark of quality.
Ian Macleod Distillers on Isle of Skye 25 Year Old
Leonard Russell, Chairman & Managing Director of Ian Macleod Distillers, shared his pride in the whisky’s success:
“As a family-owned Scotch whisky company, we have always focused on quality and long-term craft. Isle of Skye has been part of our business for generations. To have the 25-Year-Old recognised at this level, in a blind competition of such credibility, is meaningful. It reinforces the excellence of the whisky and supports our ambition to introduce Isle of Skye to more whisky drinkers around the world.”
Pictured: Tom Russell, Head of International Business Development, with Leonard Russell, Chairman & MD of Ian Macleod Distillers.
The Craft Behind Isle of Skye 25 Year Old
The award-winning Isle of Skye 25 Year Old is a blended Scotch whisky created from mature malts and grains sourced from Skye and mainland Scotland. Aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, the blend’s high malt content delivers richness, depth, and a subtly peated character—a signature of the Isle of Skye style.
The wider Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range, at 40% ABV, captures the unique landscapes and character of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, combining island and mainland whiskies to produce a complex, smooth, and balanced Scotch whisky.
Tasting Notes – Isle of Skye 25 Year Old
Nose: Rich oak, ginger, vanilla, red apple, and citrus. Palate: Rounded and fruity, with malt, apple, and light peat smoke. Finish: Long, balanced, with hints of apricot.
Price & Availability
RRP: £250 / $179 / €284 (70cl)
For Scotch whisky enthusiasts, collectors, and those looking to explore premium aged blended Scotch, the Isle of Skye 25 Year Old represents an exceptional investment in quality and taste. Its recognition at the 2025 SFWSC confirms its status as one of the world’s best blended Scotch whiskies and a must-try for discerning palates.
