San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025.
A respected yet often overlooked Scotch whisky has received major international recognition. Isle of Skye 25 Year Old has been awarded Best Blended Scotch (16+ Years) and Best Overall Blended Scotch Whisky at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the world’s most influential spirits competitions.
Judges described the whisky as “a beautifully crafted Scotch”, placing Isle of Skye ahead of global competitors and strengthening its position as one of Scotland’s most characterful blended Scotch whiskies. The SFWSC remains one of the industry’s most important quality marks. Judged blind and featuring more than 1,500 whisky entries in 2025, its results carry significant influence with consumers, collectors, and the trade.
Leonard Russell, Chairman & Managing Director, Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “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
Isle of Skye 25 Year Old is created from mature whiskies drawn from Skye and mainland Scotland, aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, and blended with a high malt content to deliver depth and character.
Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky (40% ABV) draws on the landscapes and character of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, combining island and mainland malts and grains to create blends known for richness, depth, and subtle peat influence.
Tasting notes
Nose: Rich oak, ginger, vanilla, red apple, citrus.
Palate: Rounded, fruity, with malt, apple, and light peat smoke.
Finish: Long, balanced, with hints of apricot.
RRP: £250 / $179 / €284 (70cl).