The three Scotch whisky trophy winners at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) remind us that there is more than one path to an outstanding whisky.

East Asia Whisky Company’s Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain won the Single Malt Scotch Whisky Over 20 YO Trophy. Bowmore 9 YO won the Single Malt Scotch Whisky Under 20 YO Trophy. Chivas Brothers’ Royal Salute 21 YO Signature secured the Blended Scotch Whisky Trophy.

The story lies in the contrast, not merely in age statements. Three distinct propositions appeal to whisky drinkers: mature elegance, restrained Islay smoke, and the complexity of a carefully assembled blend. Below is a closer look at each winner, with my tasting notes and the 2026 IWSC judging panel’s assessments.

East Asia Whisky Company 35 YO Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 49.3% ABV, 700 ml. 98 Points

Single Malt Scotch Whisky Over 20 YO Trophy 2026

The East Asia Whisky Company is a Singapore-based specialty bottler of rare Scotch whiskies and has been a perennial medalist at IWSC competitions. Bunnahabhain was established in 1881 on Islay’s northeastern coast, with production beginning in 1883. The distillery’s signature style is unpeated, robust, and oily, with fruit, wood spice, and a subtle maritime influence, rather than the forceful smoke often associated with Islay.

That Manta Ray Genesis’ distinctiveness lies in the combination of substantial maturity and a remarkably bright set of aromas and flavors.

On the nose, the whisky offers aromas of fragrant lemon cake and delicate herbs that accentuate its citrus freshness, a gentle herbal lift, and the sweetness of baked pastry. It’s sweet and creamy on the palate, with delicate floral notes, pastry, and vibrant tropical fruit. The creaminess adds distinctive mouth weight and smoothness while still retaining the lightness suggested by the floral and citrus aromas.

The finish is long and elegant, with a distinctive freshness unusual for an aged expression and lingering notes of dried fruit and citrus.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as “Bright, fragrant notes of lemon biscuits and chamomile lead into a sweet, creamy palate rich with delicate floral notes and hints of Danish pastry. The distinctive tropical fruit carries through to a long, elegant finish, showing superb balance and depth.”

Bowmore 9 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml. 98 Points

Single Malt Scotch Whisky Under 20 YO Trophy 2026

Bowmore dates to 1779, making it Islay’s oldest distillery. Its 9YO expression offers a much younger perspective on the island, without making youth the central feature of the drinking experience.

The whisky matures in a combination of ex-bourbon American oak casks and Oloroso sherry butts made from European oak. That combination creates a profile built around fruit, sweetness, and a distinctive yet measured smoke.

On the nose, the whisky offers aromas of maritime air and sea salt, crème caramel, and light peat smoke, along with apple, raisins, and hints of milk chocolate. The texture is light rather than the dense, oily character typically found in older Bowmore whiskies.

The palate showcases grilled-peach and cold-smoke flavors, along with notes of cooked cereal, pumpkin pie, toasted nuts, and a slight savory character. Sherry cask maturation adds subtle sweetness, nicely offset by the cooked cereal and herbaceous notes.

The finish is long and warming, with persistent sweetness and a persistent yet subtle smoke. Its appeal is balance and, surprisingly for a young whisky, complexity rather than peat intensity. For a drinker curious about Islay but reluctant to start with its most aggressive smoky styles, this is the natural entry point among the three winners.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as “Aromas of delicate sea salt, crème caramel, and light peat smoke. On the palate, roasted peaches and soft bonfire smoke take center stage, beautifully balanced by notes of oats, roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh rhubarb, and a pinch of sea salt.”

Chivas Brothers Royal Salute 21 YO Signature Blended Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml. 96 Points

Blended Scotch Whisky Trophy 2026

Royal Salute was created in 1953 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Its name refers to the ceremonial 21-gun salute, linking the brand’s identity to the age of the blend’s youngest whisky. The whisky’s appeal rests in the complexity and sophistication of blending mature whiskies, rather than in a single distillery’s single-malt character.

On the nose, the whisky combines stone and tropical fruit with seasoned oak and a hint of savoriness, along with aromas of pear, citrus, floral potpourri, vanilla, subtle sherry notes, and a hint of peat smoke.

The mouthfeel is smooth, with a slightly oily texture and a distinctive palate weight that counterbalances the contrasting fruit, cereal, and spice notes. The whisky showcases orchard, tropical, and stone fruits; candied citrus; toasted nuts; coked cereal; digestive biscuits; and wood spices, with a hint of smoke. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering citrus and a trace of smoke.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as having “A layered nose of bright tropical fruits and polished oak with savory depth. The palate unfolds with a wisp of smoke over oatcakes, digestive biscuits, and subtle spice. Refreshing citrus and playful sherbet tones leave a vibrant, lasting impression.”

In each its own way, these three whiskies answer the question: what makes a whisky worth lingering over? The useful buying decision is not whether single malt outranks a blend, or whether older automatically means better. It is which balance of texture, fruit, smoke, and maturity best fits the way you like to drink Scotch whisky. These three whiskies range in price from expensive to very reasonable and, except for the East Asia Whisky Company expression, are relatively easy to find. All three are worth trying; all three are world-class; one is sure to hit the spot.