ALDI’s exclusive label Scotch whisky has been recognised with six awards at the extremely competitive 2024 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) awards.
ALDI’s exclusive Highland Scotch Whisky range (from $36.99) was put to the ultimate test by more than 300 spirit enthusiasts, winning a remarkable Platinum medal and two Gold medals. Experts assessed more than 1300 spirits across various categories, meticulously judging them based on aroma, taste and finish.
ALDI’s Highland Earl Scotch Whisky ($36.99) received an impressive Platinum medal in the ‘Blended Scotch (up to 10 years)’ category, in good company with Highland Black 8YO Scotch Whisky ($42.99) receiving a Gold medal. Not to be outdone, Highland Green Blended Malt Scotch Whisky ($44.99) was also a recipient of a Gold medal in the ‘Blended Malt Scotch Whisky’ category.
Paul Handley, ALDI Whisky Connoisseur and Buying Director at ALDI Australia says: "We are thrilled to celebrate our exceptional range of whisky, with prestigious global award wins against top-shelf spirits.
"Delivering the highest quality liquor at the most affordable price point is our top priority when it comes to what we put on our shelves for our customers. Winning the consumer panel’s vote in the SIP Awards’ blind tasting is a testament to our promise of low-price, high-quality options for our shoppers.
"The multi-award-winning Highland Whisky range can be enjoyed neat, chilled, with ice, or within an Old-Fashioned cocktail. For me, there’s nothing better than a dram of our Highland Earl Scotch Whisky, on a cold Winter’s night, by the fire, bringing the essence of Scotland to my home to perfectly end the week. The Highland range also is always great to have in the whisky cabinet when a few friends come over for an after-dinner treat.”
All three bottles received an extra splash of recognition with the additional honour of the Consumers’ Choice Award. This award is only presented to brands who consistently impressed the panel of judges by winning in their respective categories for two consecutive years.
Tasting Notes:
PLATINUM MEDAL WINNER – Highland Earl Scotch Whisky, $36.99 – Available every day
The Highland Early Scotch Whisky is a well-balanced, approachable whisky, using a range of the highest quality Speyside and Highland malt whiskies, expertly blended with grain whisky from the picturesque Lowlands of Scotland.
GOLD MEDAL WINNER – Highland Black 8YO Scotch Whisky, $44.99 – Available every day
This whisky presents a rich and malty character with delightful notes of honey, toffee, caramel and oak wood smoky flavours, with a medium, sweet and smooth, fruit-filled finish.
GOLD MEDAL WINNER – Highland Green Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, $44.99 – Special Buy
This multi-award-winning Scotch is a unique blend of single malt whiskies from both the Highland and Speyside Regions of Scotland that is then aged in oak casks for five years.
Having won a triple crown of gold medals in 2023 (The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 – Gold Medal, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023 – Gold Medal and Spirits International Prestige Awards 2023 – Gold Medal), and now picking up another Gold medal in 2024, this is without doubt the best value blended malt in Australia.
It’s only in stores for a limited time, so enthusiasts should stock up while they can.
Judges at the International Wine & Spirits Competition described Highland Green as: "Beautiful in complexity with a richly fruit driven nose, uplifted by sweet spice, flowing into a well-balanced malt and cereal palate. Delicious and well-rounded with delightful soft fruit into the finish.”
