The gin category continues to expand, with different countries experimenting and producing a range of diverse styles. When looking at the high scorers across all countries, there are 6 countries and 5 styles represented. Below are the top 10 high scoring gins of the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
The mezcal category continues to grow, and while the vast majority of certified mezcal is still being produced in Oaxaca, other Mexican states have significantly increased production and international visibility. Durango, a state in northern Mexico, is the second largest producer of mezcal, with new brands entering the United States market in rapid succession.
Agave spirits continue to impress, and our entries continue to grow year after year. The 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge enjoyed a long list of top quality mezcal, with 6 spirits that our judges scored 95 Points or above. Below is our list of top scoring mezcal and sotol.
Ultimate Spirit Challenge results are now live, and among them 16 Chairman's Trophy winners across the whisk(e)y categories. The top scorer overall is Bowmore 25 Years Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a near perfect score of 99 Points! Here are the other Chairman Trophy winners, ranked by score.