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Int'l Cricket Council
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Test: Women's High Performance workshop shines a spotlight on the growth areas of the women's game
The International Cricket Council (ICC) hosted a Women's High Performance workshop in Lahore, which coincided with the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier which took place in the same city. The forum was attended by High Performance Managers, heads of women's cricket, coaches and staff from Full and Associate Members of the ICC, including representatives from the teams participating in the Qualifier. The theme of the workshop was 'collaboration and competitiveness' with the aim to share knowledge, best practice and experience in various key areas of the women's game. The main focus areas were High Performance systems used by leading Members, strength and conditioning and the next ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup which will be staged in Bangladesh and Nepal. The workshop was a platform where Members were given the opportunity to learn from other Members, with the ultimate aim of improving competitiveness at ICC women's events, thereby raising the profile and commercial appeal of those events. Ayesha Ashhar, General Manager of International Women's Cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board said: 'This workshop was a great initiative, it has been very educational to all the people who attended it. We've been given insight on how to put together our plans for programmes, be it batting, bowling, fitness on the field of play or administratively off the field. 'It's been very helpful and also a lot of fun to attend it with everyone, getting different points of view, listening to everyone and the challenges they are overcoming in their different regions and how they have gone about it. 'It's a great initiative by the ICC and I'm grateful to have been a part of this workshop.' Craig Wallace, Head Coach of Scotland women said: 'I thought it was brilliant to get everyone in one room and speak about the different things that they are working on and going through in their separate regions. 'It's challenging sometimes as Associates to come up with ideas, programmes, structures and other things to help overcome certain issues, but having so many others going through similar challenges gives everyone the opportunity to learn from one another.' Sheena Gooding, Team Manager of the West Indies women said: 'It's been a really good experience, the presentation by Cricket South Africa was really interesting. What stood out for me was that they travel with an educator for their U19s programme. I thought that was brilliant. It's really helpful because every time we look at fixtures for our U19 teams, the topic of players missing out on school always comes up and I think this is a brilliant solution to that particular challenge. 'Also, the Talent Acceleration Camps that they do is something simple that we could also look into replicating in our different regions. There was a presentation on 'best practices' which was also very interesting, seeing how many full member nations play both 50-over and T20 cricket for their U19 teams has given us a lot to consider and hopefully we can get there someday soon.' ENDS
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The London Spirits Competition
A glass of single malt whisky and dried barley ears on malted barley grains Various single malt whiskeys worldwide took top honors in the single malt whisky category at the 8th annual International London Spirits Competition (ILSC). Not surprisingly, Scotch whiskies dominated the category, but there were other surprising winners. The 2025 competition saw several thousand submissions from more than 30 countries. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the world's top single malt whisky category winners. This year's judging panel, comprising over 70 top industry experts, including master distillers, master blenders, mixologists, and elite buyers, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. Notably, the panel featured names like Dr. Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker, and Craig Wallace, Whisky Creation Leader and Master Blender at Diageo, as highlighted by Sid Patel, CEO of the ILSC. Glen Moray, 15 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky was the Single Malt Scotch of the Year. The Glen Moray 15 YO is a Speyside expression from the Elgin Heritage range, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers a balanced profile highlighting both cask influences. The nose features caramel and spicy oak aromas, complemented by sweet sherry, dried fruits, and chocolate, reminiscent of milk chocolate-covered raisins. Chocolate and raisin flavors are featured on the palate, accompanied by toasted oak and spicy-savory notes. Hints of cooked cereal/malt, baking cocoa, and tropical fruit, especially mango, add complexity. The long and spicy finish features a harmonious blend of chocolate, oak, and cooked malt. This whisky is well-regarded for its rich and complex flavor profile, offering a flavorful experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Flight of Scottish whisky, tasting glasses with variety of single malts. Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky Winter Edition was the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year. Scallywag Winter Edition 2024 is a limited-release blended malt from Douglas Laing, crafted to capture what the distillery calls 'the essence of winter warmth and festivity.' This expression is exclusively matured in Spanish orange wine casks, imparting a distinctive citrus character that complements the rich Speyside malt profile. Bottled at a robust 53.9% ABV, it is presented at cask strength without chill filtration or added coloring, ensuring an authentic and full-bodied experience. The nose features distinctive aromas of ripe fruits and sweet jam, followed by fragrant spices that evoke mulled wines and spirits of the holiday season. The palate features candied orange slices, honey, and caramelized sugar, complemented by notes of chocolate-covered orange, candied fruits, and warm spices, with subtle undertones of black tea and oak adding depth and complexity. The finish is long and warming, with lingering cinnamon spice and vanilla notes. This Winter Edition is a harmonious blend of Speyside single malts, including contributions from renowned distilleries such as Macallan, Mortlach, and Glenrothes. The unique maturation in orange wine casks imparts a festive character, making it an ideal choice for the holiday season or cozy winter evenings. D'Yavol Vortex was the Blended Scotch of the Year. Vortex is a premium blended Scotch whisky introduced in 2024 by D'Yavol, a global luxury collective co-founded by Aryan Khan, Leti Blagoeva, and Bunty Singh. This expression reflects the brand's "Born-in-Origin" philosophy, emphasizing authenticity and regional character in its spirits. Vortex is crafted by blending carefully selected single malt and single grain whiskies from Scotland's Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, and Islay regions, resulting in a complex and layered profile. Bottled at 43.5% ABV and non-chill filtered, it retains its natural flavors and mouthfeel. The nose features classic Speyside aromas of orchard fruits, vanilla, and fudge, complemented by soft smoke. A harmonious blend of cooked cereal/malty sweetness and fruity notes is featured on the palate. A backdrop of rich, smoky peat provides depth and complexity. The finish is long and smooth, featuring lingering notes of subtle peat and seasoned oak. Although D'Yavol is a new company, it has already emerged as a consistent winner in international spirit competitions. Root Shoot Spirits, 4 YO Bonded American Single Malt Whiskey, was the Single Malt American Whiskey of the Year. Colorado's Root Shoot Spirits Single Malt Whiskey is a testament to the craft industry's commitment to sustainable, grain-to-glass distilling. Crafted entirely from 100% Colorado-grown and malted barley sourced from the fifth-generation Olander Farms in Loveland, this whiskey embodies a hyper-local ethos. Distilled in a traditional pot still, it matures for four years in first-use, medium-char American white oak barrels. It is bottled at 50% ABV under the Bottled-in-Bond Act. The nose features warm berry cobbler and honeyed granola aromas, complemented by hints of black cherry and brush/forest floor aromas. The palate features a harmonious blend of alpine florals, fresh mint, and cardamom, leading to ginger cookie flavors and candied citrus zest. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a slight heat that enhances its complexity. The finish is long and complex, featuring rich pastry notes, faint cocoa dust, and lingering baking spices, culminating in a bright yet spicy finale. This expression has already won several medals in international spirit competitions, including being named one of the Top 50 American Single Malt Whiskeys. Root Shoot Spirits' commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices makes it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Colorado whiskey terroir. Whiskey and Ice Callington Mill Distillery, Pedro Ximenez Single Malt Whisky was the Single Malt Whisky of the Year. Callington Single Malt Whisky is a distinguished expression from Tasmania's Callington Mill Distillery, located in the historic town of Oatlands. This whisky is matured in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain, which imparts a rich and complex character to the spirit. Bottled at 46% ABV, it has already won medals at several international spirit competitions. The whisky features cinnamon, almond, and toasted nuts aromas on the nose. The palate reveals complex layers of salty caramel, polished mahogany, dark chocolate, and chewy toffee, offering a rich and textured experience. The finish is long and fruity with lingering hints of dried dates and caramel. John Distilleries, Paul John Indian Single Malt Whiskey Brilliance, was the Single Malt Indian Whisky of the Year. Other standout whiskeys include Sazerac, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Blended Irish Whiskey of the Year, and Kiuchi Brewing and Distilling, Hinomaru Whisky Kome, Japanese Whisky of the Year. These single malt whiskies are all outstanding and compelling proof that single malt whisky is increasingly a global phenomenon. From Scotland to Australia, Colorado to India, a rich diversity of exceptional single malt whisky is waiting to be explored. If you are a fan of single malt whisky, it's time to expand your horizons and sample the world's best single malt whiskies, each offering a unique and exciting flavor profile. See also the World's Best Bourbon According to the London Spirits Competition.
STV News
21-04-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Craig Wallace seeks opportunities as Scotland face blank fixture schedule
Scotland head coach Craig Wallace has called for help in getting his team more opportunities to test themselves after their impressive performances in the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier. Scotland finished fourth in the six-team series and saw their qualification hopes dashed after going down to a one-wicket defeat by Ireland on Friday. But victory over the West Indies, close encounters against Pakistan and Bangladesh and a last-ball defeat by Ireland showed they belonged at that level. Captain Kathryn Bryce was named player of the tournament and Katherine Fraser joined her in the team of the tournament after taking 10 wickets. However, the team have limited scope to build on their displays with no fixtures scheduled for the rest of 2025. Wallace said: 'I think we played some really good cricket in an exciting and attacking style, and I'm just so proud of the whole squad. 'Looking ahead, it's actually quite challenging for us. It's disappointing that we currently don't have any fixtures in the diary as it stands. 'The squad has improved a lot over the last month and everyone has been playing some exceptional cricket, which we want to keep continuing. However, at this stage, the next step is unknown. 'It's really important that we receive more opportunities to play more international cricket as Scotland. 'It's tough to not have any fixtures coming up in the near future, given how well we've just played and in competing with and beating some of the best nations in the world – especially given the lack of support that we do get. 'We need to find a way organisationally, or more likely with external help, to get some fixtures, because other countries are going to keep improving so we need to do the same to stay with them. 'I know everyone at Cricket Scotland is working really hard behind the scenes to try and make things happen, but the budget pressures aligned with being an associate nation means it's very challenging for us. 'Obviously we now have to look forward to the T20 World Cup qualifiers and hopefully build towards that, but there's going to be a lot of cricket between now and then and the players will just have to go away and do that themselves. 'Hopefully they can all have a successful summer and do well with their clubs and counties and put in some match-winning performances.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
