Best Drinks in the World Named in Hong Kong
At the prestigious HK IWSC awards, Scotland’s Mortlach 16 YO took top honours, with winners exhibited alongside the world’s finest beverages.
The 16th Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition (HK IWSC), held alongside the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, showcased the pinnacle of global beverage excellence, with 54 prestigious trophies awarded across categories. The UK stood out with its stellar performance in Scotch whisky, while neighbouring countries also celebrated big wins across wine and spirits.
UK Highlights
- Best Scotch Whisky 2024: Scotland’s Mortlach 16 Year Old, renowned for its bold and complex flavour profile, took home the top honour in this fiercely competitive category.
Notable Wins from Neighbouring Countries
- France: Dominated with six trophies, including Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie N.V., which led the sparkling wine category, showcasing France’s ongoing mastery in champagne.
- Australia: Cemented its reputation with multiple wins, notably Grant Burge Meshach Shiraz 2014, which claimed Best Wine from Australia and Best Shiraz/Syrah 2024. Other notable wins included 2015 G+G Single Vineyard Riesling for Best Riesling from Australia, and Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin in the gin category.
- Austria: Surprised the judges with Best Wine from Austria, awarded to Neckenmarkt Herosus Blaufränkisch Reserve 2021, showcasing the potential of indigenous red varieties in a country famed for its whites.
About the HK IWSC
The competition is recognized as Asia’s premier platform for showcasing excellence in wine, spirits, and beer. This year, 758 medals were awarded across categories, with an additional 75 food-pairing awards for beverages complementing Asian cuisine. The event underscores the global diversity and innovation in the beverage industry, while also highlighting emerging trends, such as Asia’s rising profile in wine production.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
