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Feature
The Luxury Masters 2024 results
At the upper end of the spirits market, consumers will pay a lot of money for high-quality expressions. In our annual Luxury Masters blind tasting, the judges put a wide selection of top-shelf drops to the test.
Financial concerns began to bite in 2023. Consumers started cutting back on how much they spent on alcohol as the cost-of-living crisis chipped away at their disposable income. Premiumisation was still evident in some key markets, such as India, China, and Taiwan, but Latin America, for example, moved significantly in the opposite direction, according to data from IWSR.
It paints a mixed picture for more expensive spirits. Consumers are increasingly seeking experiences over material objects, meaning brands are having to work harder than ever to persuade drinkers to buy into their products. Ensuring the liquid inside the bottle matches consumer expectations has never been so important. The Luxury Masters, sponsored by Talis, endeavoured to determine those super-premium-and-above spirits most deserving of their time, and money.
Introducing the judges
Expert judges were split into six panels, the first of which was led by Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business, and chair of The Global Spirits Masters Competitions (GSMC). She was joined by journalist and broadcaster Joe Wadsack, and Casey Small, consultancy director.
Matt Chambers, whisky writer and co-founder of the Whisky For Everyone blog, chaired a second team, which included Sara Jane Eichler, founder of Negroni Club, and Harrods assistant buyer Luke Williams.
Ruchira Neotia, drinks consultant and founder of Neo Margarita, Henry Thorogood, European representative of Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten, and Richard Legg, founder of Distilled Knowledge, were on the same panel as chair Antony Moss, independent sustainability consultant.
Anne Jones, owner and director of Limestone & Jones, led a team comprising Laurence Baker, restaurants and bar manager at the Treehouse Hotel, and James Bunting, founder of New Make Communications.
Sarah Miller, freelance drinks writer and founder of the Gin A Ding Ding blog, chaired a panel with At Sloan bar manager Emilia Wrelton, and spirits judge Rosie Milsom.
Meanwhile, Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis, wine and spirits judge and professional, chaired a group including Clinton Cawood, freelance drinks writer, and Tobias Gorn, co-founder and senior partner at International Drinks Specialists.
The judges started with a flight of super-premium gins, which uncovered five Gold medallists and one Silver. Among the Gold winners were Siginia Stella Notte, which had “bright yuzu notes” on the nose, and a “lovely oily mouthfeel”.
Highclere Castle Gin also secured a Gold medal, enjoyed for its “resinous juniper” aroma and “nutty, creamy palate and spiced finish”. “Significant variation across this flight,” said Williams. “It’s an interesting time in the gin category, with a focus on natural ingredients.”
In the upper price bracket, Gin – Ultra Premium, a Master medallist was celebrated: Cygnet 22. Moss described the gin as “deep and textured”. Legg praised the gin’s “harmonised aromas – delicate florals and spice”, and its “well-balanced palate”. The ultra-premium heat also produced five Golds – including “juniper-led, balanced” Palmaráe Gin Premier Cru – and four Silvers.
In the Vodka – Ultra Premium flight, a Gold medal was given to Antarktys Vodka, thanks to its “rich cereal” aroma and “elegant, long” aftertaste. A Silver medal was awarded to Royal Mash Vintage Vodka 2020.
A straight set of Gold medals were enjoyed in the Scotch Whisky: Blended – Ultra Premium flight. Five out of the six Gold medals that were awarded went to Johnnie Walker whiskies, with the brand’s Blue Label Ghost and Rare expression among the medallists. The Sassenach Whisky collected the sixth Gold, enjoyed for its “richness and ripe fruit” flavours.
The super-premium, single malt contingent of the Scotch category delivered one Silver, two Golds and a Master medal, the latter of which was bestowed upon a Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) bottling: 48.167 – Wham Bam Ginger Jam. “Rich, dark, well-balanced with lots of depth of flavour, some bitter chocolate,” noted Miller.
Two Master medals were awarded to SMWS bottlings in the Single Malt – Ultra Premium heat: 53.482 – Spellbound and 53.481 – Petals Serenading Seaweed. Four more whiskies also received the top Master award in this flight – demonstrating that the liquid inside the bottle lives up to price expectations. Diageo collected a Master medal for The Singleton of Dufftown 21 Years Old. Wrelton picked out notes of “oak, a touch of spice and pepper, moving to sweetness – depth and richness”.
The final three Masters of the flight were awarded to Glenmorangie whiskies – Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, Glenmorangie Signet, and Ardbeg Y2K. Signet made a lasting impression with its “lovely texture and flavours of warming spice, lots of vanilla, caramel and oak spice – keeps evolving and the finish lingers. A fabulous whisky,” said Kiely.
Nine Gold medals were also awarded in this flight – three of which were awarded to Glenmorangie Company products, including Ardbeg 25 Years Old. Additional Gold winners included Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Years Old – “smooth with a hint of smokiness” – and The Art of St Andrews 2024 from Eden Mill St Andrews – “sweet dried fruit and Christmas cake”. Three Silver medallists completed the flight. “If you were introducing someone to higher-end whiskies, this is what you’d give them,” said Small, praising the Master medallists in particular. “This is a very good representation of what’s out there; great variety.”
The Irish whiskeys gave the Scots a run for their money, also delivering an abundance of Master medals. In the super-premium flight, two of the top awards were given to Redbreast 21 Years Old, and Green Spot Château Montelena. Redbreast 21 Years Old offered “golden syrup, hints of peach, apricot jam, dried orange peel and warming spices”.
Six Gold medals were awarded to fellow Irish Distillers-made products, including Blue Spot and Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition. Four Silvers concluded the flight.
More top-quality Irish whiskeys generated excitement during the tasting in the Irish Whiskey – Ultra Premium heat. Five entries were found to be deserving of the top Master award. Four of these belonged to Irish Distillers: Knappogue Castle 16, Jameson Bow Street 18 Years, Method and Madness Micro Distilled 7 Years Old Single Malt, and Method and Madness Rye and Malt. The latter whiskey was described as having “great intensity and balance”, with notes of “baked apples, cinnamon, cloves and marzipan”. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co also collected a Master medal for The Taoscán, found to be “vibrant, with salted caramel, toffee, spice, anise and a herbal note, too”.
A whopping 10 Gold medals were also awarded in the ultra-premium flight, alongside a Silver. Gold winners included The Donn, Knappogue Castle 21 and Jameson 18 Years Old. “A very interesting flight with huge variety from a classic Irish pot still whiskey with bags of character to a gentle, muted whiskey,” said Bunting.
There was no stopping the influx of Master medals as the American contenders were put before the judges next. A trio of Masters were found in the American Whiskey – Super Premium flight. Sazerac Company gained two Masters, one for 1792 Single Barrel and one for Traveller. “Delicious caramel sweetness, warming baking spices, shortbread – great balance at 45% ABV,” noted Kiely of Traveller. 1792 was praised by Legg for its notes of “roasted pecans, caramel and toasted oak”.
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey also received a Master medal after impressing with its notes of “raisins, extra dark chocolate – utterly beguiling”, said Neotia. Ten Gold medals and one Silver completed the flight, all of which went to whiskeys from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey or the Sazerac Company. Gold-winning bottles included WL Weller Antique 107, 1792 Small Batch, and Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey.
“Some exceptional examples – a really good flight showing consistency, if not subtlety,” enthused Jones. “All big whiskeys made with high ABVs, but some very well-made samples, with impressive balance of elegance, richness, and personality. Some genuinely exceptional whiskeys.”
The standard continued into the ultra-premium round, where three Master medals were celebrated. Two gave an extra boost to Sazerac’s impressive medal haul – Thomas H Handy, and William Larue Weller. Thomas H Handy had a “lovely spicy character, elegant and rich at the same time”.
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey – Batch 905 also collected a Master medal for its “nice complexity”, with “grainy cereals, light citrus and smooth toffee”.
Eight Gold medallists included Eagle Rare 17 Years Old and Sazerac Rye 18 Years Old. Two Silver medals wrapped up the American heats.
Distinctive flight
Looking at world whiskies, those made outside of more established markets such as Scotland and Ireland, and two Gold medals were found in the super-premium flight. In the ultra-premium round, eight entries were rewarded with Gold medals, and four were given Silvers.
Gold winners included Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel, Archie Rose Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky, and 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky. “What a distinctive flight,” praised Jones. “So much character.”
Bunting agreed, and added: “Perhaps the most diverse flight of the day. Some standout flavours and aromas coming through and plenty of character and quality throughout.”
After whisky came a flight of Brandy – Ultra Premium, which resulted in a Master for Bhakta 1974 Armagnac, and Golds for Bhakta 1984 Armagnac and Brâncoveanu Vinars XO.
Rodriguez-Curtis hailed the Master winner for its “beautiful and rich” palate with “rich wine notes, almost Sherry-like, raisin, prunes and undergrowth. I love the complexity.”
The Cognac – Super Premium round generated a Silver for Courvoisier VSOP. Three more Golds were found in the ultra-premium Cognac flight, plus two Masters. One of these went to Rémy Martin XO, which was “rich and comforting” with “currants and winter spice”. Abecassis Cognac Grande Champagne XO also received a Master medal for its “rich, thick, luxurious” palate with “tropical fruits, mango, pineapple and lime”.
Smooth and slightly sweet
From Cognac, the panels moved to Tequila, where “full-bodied, vegetal, smooth and slightly sweet” Patrón El Cielo took a Gold medal in the ultra-premium blanco flight. Next came the Tequila: Reposado – Ultra Premium heat, where Patrón El Alto and Augusto Tequila Reposado received Silvers. Another Silver was handed to Emyla Tequila in the Tequila: Añejo – Ultra Premium flight. In addition, Patrón Cristalino received a Gold medal in the ultra-premium cristalino round.
Hailing from the Seychelles, Takamaka made a positive impression with Le Clos Napa Laz in the Rum: White – Ultra Premium round. “Classy shit!” exclaimed Wadsack. “Wow. Exceptional for the category. Fragrant and fruity without vigorous esters. Palate is full of grapefruit, Muscat and coconut water.” Zacapa No. 23 secured a Gold medal in the Rum: Gold/Dark – Super Premium round, while Santa Teresa 1796 won a Silver medal.
The ultra-premium portion of the gold/dark rum flight delivered six Gold medals – including Havana Club Añejo 15 Años, with “sweet dark chocolate and dates, balanced by spice”. Flor de Caña also took two Golds and a Silver in this round. Five Silver medals finished the flight.
Black Tears Rum received a Silver medal in the Rum – Spiced category.
In the Pre-Mixed/RTD heat, Mirror Margarita also received a respectable Silver.
The final flight of the day was Speciality Spirits, which rounded up the competition with a trio of Gold medals. These included: “jammy and bitter” BBB Apéritif Wine; Un Bitter, with “cracked black pepper aroma and sweet-bitter flavours”; and “rich, bitter” 721 Red Vermouth.
After the individual flights had concluded, the judges revisited the Master winners from the day. With such a broad selection of Master winners spanning multiple categories, it was far from an easy decision selecting The Luxury Taste Master 2024. After great consideration, the votes leaned towards Takamaka’s Le Clos Napa Laz, which received the coveted title. The rum is made with a blend of 100% unaged local sugarcane rums.
The medals show exactly why the global whisky category is so exciting at present, with stellar products coming from the US, Ireland and Scotland. Plus, with world whisky producers bringing their own unique styles into the mix, the future is looking especially bright for the category.
| Gin – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Siginia Stella Notte | Gold |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Siginia Sole Rosso | Gold |
| Highclere Castle Spirits | Highclere Castle Gin | Gold |
| Diageo | Tanqueray No. 10 | Gold |
| Dibaldo Spirits | Ag 107,86 Dry Gin | Gold |
| Tiger Gin | Tiger Gin | Silver |
| Gin – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Cygnet Distillery | Cygnet 22 | Master |
| Secret Garden Distillery | Pinot Noir Gin | Gold |
| Secret Garden Distillery | Winter | Gold |
| Spirit of the Oasis | Palmaráe Gin Premier Cru | Gold |
| Dibaldo Spirits | Gin Nostradamus | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling | Archie Rose Bone Dry Gin | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling | Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin | Silver |
| Secret Garden Distillery | Wild | Silver |
| Dibaldo Spirits | Gin AU 79 Saffron Gin | Silver |
| Dibaldo Spirits | Gin Paracelso | Silver |
| Vodka | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Antarktys Vodka | Gold |
| Royal Mash | Royal Mash Vintage Vodka 2020 | Silver |
| Scotch Whisky – Blended – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Sassenach Spirits | The Sassenach Whisky | Gold |
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Master’s Cut | Gold |
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare | Gold |
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Xordinaire | Gold |
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Blue Unami | Gold |
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Blue Label | Gold |
| Scotch Whisky – Single Malt – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 48.167 – Wham Bam Ginger Jam | Master |
| Diageo | The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old | Gold |
| Diageo | Lagavulin 16 Year Old | Gold |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Highland Peak Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year Old | Silver |
| Scotch Whisky – Single Malt – Ultra-Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 53.481 – Petals Serenading Seaweed | Master |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 53.482 – Spellbound | Master |
| Diageo | The Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old | Master |
| The Glenmorangie Company | Glenmorangie 18 Year Old | Master |
| The Glenmorangie Company | Glenmorangie Signet | Master |
| The Glenmorangie Company | Ardbeg Y2K | Master |
| The Glenmorangie Company | Glenmorangie Signet Reserve | Gold |
| The Glenmorangie Company | Ardbeg 19 Year Old Traigh Bhan Batch 6 | Gold |
| The Glenmorangie Company | Ardbeg 25 Year Old | Gold |
| Diageo | Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Year Old | Gold |
| Scotch Whisky – Single Malt – Ultra Premium, continued | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Whisky 1901 | Glenburgie 04/10/1988 | Gold |
| Eden Mill St Andrews | The Art of St Andrews 2024 | Gold |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 38.42 – Cigars in Sweetie Jars | Gold |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 76.153 – A Chair for Contemplation | Gold |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 12.82 – Sponge Cake on the Wine Lake | Gold |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | 115.29 – Visions of the Basque Country | Silver |
| Diageo | Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet | Silver |
| Diageo | Buchanan’s Red Seal | Silver |
| Irish Whiskey – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Irish Distillers | Redbreast 21 Year Old | Master |
| Irish Distillers | Green Spot Château Montelena | Master |
| Irish Distillers | Redbreast 27 Year Old | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Redbreast 12 Cask Strength | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Blue Spot | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Redbreast Lustau Edition | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Red Spot | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Powers John’s Lane | Silver |
| Irish Distillers | Redbreast 15 Year Old | Silver |
| Irish Distillers | Yellow Spot | Silver |
| The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | Batch 23 – Shimmering Silk | Silver |
| Irish Whiskey – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Irish Distillers | Knappogue Castle 16 | Master |
| Irish Distillers | Jameson Bow Street 18 Years | Master |
| Irish Distillers | Method and Madness Micro Distilled 7 Year Old Single Malt | Master |
| Irish Distillers | Method and Madness Rye and Malt | Master |
| The Craft Irish Whiskey Co | The Taoscán | Master |
| The Craft Irish Whiskey Co | The Donn | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Knappogue Castle 21 | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Green Spot Léoville Barton | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Jameson 18 Year Old | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Gold Spot The Generations Edition | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Method and Madness Single Pot Still | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Midleton Very Rare 2024 | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Knappogue Castle 14 | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Kilranelagh | Gold |
| Irish Distillers | Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength | Silver |
| American Whiskey – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Sazerac Company | 1792 Single Barrel | Master |
| Sazerac Company | Traveller | Master |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey | Master |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | WL Weller Special Reserve | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | 1792 Aged 12 Years | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | 1792 Sweet Wheat | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | 1792 Small Batch | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | WL Weller Antique 107 | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | EH Taylor Small Batch | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | WL Weller Full Proof | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | 1792 Full Proof | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | Eagle Rare | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | Buffalo Trace | Silver |
| American Whiskey – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey – Batch 905 | Master |
| Sazerac Company | Thomas H Handy | Master |
| Sazerac Company | William Larue Weller | Master |
| Sazerac Company | Thomas S Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | EH Taylor Single Barrel | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | Eagle Rare 17 Year Old | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | George T Stagg | Gold |
| Bhakta Spirits | Hogworth Bourbon | Gold |
| Bhakta Spirits | Bhakta 2014 Bourbon | Gold |
| Bhakta Spirits | Bhakta 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey, Calvados & Armagnac | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | 1792 Bottled in Bond | Silver |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 | Silver |
| World Whisky – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Vok Beverages | 23rd Street Australian Whisky | Gold |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | JA.AR Single Malt Whisky Oloroso Cask | Gold |
| World Whisky – Ultra-Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Copper and Grain Distilling | Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel | Gold |
| Copper and Grain Distilling | Morris Australian Single Malt Signature | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling | Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling | Archie Rose Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling | Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Vok Beverages | 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Bhakta Spirits | Bhakta 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| John Distilleries | Mithuna by Paul John | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling | Archie Rose Dry Grown Rye Malt Whisky Harvest 2019 | Silver |
| Broken Bones | Broken Bones Peated Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Carpathian Single Malt Whisky Barolo Cask Finish | Silver |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Carpathian Single Malt Whisky Amarone Cask Finish | Silver |
| Brandy – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Bhakta Spirits | Bhakta 1974 Armagnac | Master |
| Bhakta Spirits | Bhakta 1984 Armagnac | Gold |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Brâncoveanu Vinars XO | Gold |
| Cognac – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Courvoisier | Courvoisier VSOP | Silver |
| Cognac – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Rémy Martin | Rémy Martin XO | Master |
| Domaines Francis Abecassis | Abecassis Cognac Grande Champagne XO | Master |
| Domaines Francis Abecassis | Reviseur Cognac Petite Champagne XO Platinum | Gold |
| Courvoisier | Courvoisier XO Royal | Gold |
| Courvoisier | Courvoisier XO | Gold |
| Tequila – Blanco – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Patrón Tequila | Patrón El Cielo | Gold |
| Tequila – Reposado – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Patrón Tequila | Patrón El Alto | Silver |
| Augusto | Augusto Tequila Reposado | Silver |
| Tequila – Anejo – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Emyla Tequila | Emyla Tequila | Silver |
| Tequila – Cristalino – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Patrón Tequila | Patrón Cristalino | Gold |
| Rum – White – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Takamaka | Le Clos Napa Laz | Master & Taste Master |
| Rum – Gold/Dark – Super Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Zacapa Rum | Zacapa No. 23 | Gold |
| Ron Santa Teresa | Santa Teresa 1796 | Silver |
| Rum – Gold/Dark – Ultra Premium | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Vok Beverages | Beenleigh XO Rare Rum | Gold |
| Zacapa Rum | Zacapa XO | Gold |
| Havana Club | Havana Club Añejo 15 Años | Gold |
| Flor de Caña | Flor de Caña 18 Years | Gold |
| Flor de Caña | Flor de Caña 130th Anniversary | Gold |
| Havana Club | Havana Club Tributo 2023 | Gold |
| Flor de Caña | Flor de Caña 25 Years | Silver |
| Vok Beverages | Beenleigh Tawny Barrel Rum | Silver |
| The Island Rum Company | La Progresiva | Silver |
| Takamaka | Le Clos Ex Pineau | Silver |
| Island Company Rum | Island Company Rum | Silver |
| Rum – Spiced Rum | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| The Island Rum Company | Black Tears | Silver |
| Pre-Mixed/RTD | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Mirror Margarita | Mirror Margarita | Silver |
| Speciality Spirits | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Dibaldo Spirits | BBB Apéritif wine | Gold |
| Dibaldo Spirits | Un Bitter | Gold |
| Dibaldo Spirits | 721 Red Vermouth | Gold |
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