Latest news with #IWC
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Water review in England and Wales: seven key takeways
The biggest review into the water industry in England and Wales since firms were privatised in 1989 has said that the sector is 'broken' and requires fundamental reform. Sir John Cunliffe, the former Bank of England deputy governor who led the Independent Water Commission (IWC) review, has published a 465-page report to attempt to address an industry beset by underinvestment, rising pollution incidents, soaring customers bills and meaty shareholder payouts. The report makes 88 recommendations to government with significant ramifications for the industry and consumers. Here are some of the key takeaways. The report has said that a fundamental 'reset' of the water sector is needed with the proposed scrapping of existing regulators and replacing them with one body for England and one body for Wales. In England, this would lead to Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate being scrapped, and the removal of the environmental regulation functions for the Environment Agency and Natural England. Under the proposal a new combined, integrated regulator that would be 'less desk-based' would be set up. In Wales, Ofwat's economic responsibilities would be integrated into Natural Resources Wales. The government said on Monday it would adopt the plan. The IWC recommends that meters should be made compulsory for a 'wide range of circumstances', in a drive to force consumers to reduce household water consumption. That includes installing them for households in areas where there is not 'water stress'. It suggests that the water industry could look to the energy sector, where suppliers must install a smart meter if they are replacing a meter or installing a meter for the first time – unless there is a good reason not to. Proponents of smart meters argue they encourage households to use less water. However, larger households with high water usage would be at risk of paying more than a standard flat rate tariff. Water companies could be let off fines if the government accepts a recommendation to allow them 'regulatory forbearance'. The report argues that a regulatory regime should be established to improve the performance of struggling water companies, including tightening oversight of ownership and governance. However, as well as this 'enhanced power of direction' the regime should allow 'regulatory forbearance', which would see companies dodge some financial penalties potentially further enraging campaigners already furious about the rise in pollution incidents. In March, the Guardian revealed that troubled Thames Water – which could collapse into a temporary nationalisation – was asking to be spared billions of pounds of costs and fines over the next five years, claiming that potential investors would be scared off otherwise. The government will also adopt a recommendation to upgrade the existing Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to a fully fledged ombudsman for customers. It currently runs a voluntary ombudsman scheme. The report suggests a nationwide social tariff to help consumers who cannot afford their bills, which the CCW has campaigned for. The change would give customers a clearer route to resolving complaints, such as issues including sewage floods in their gardens and taps running dry because of burst pipes. The report says that the new water regulator would need to be able to offer 'suitable' remuneration, which would mean it would not have to follow 'public sector pay controls'. The argument runs that to be effective the regulator will need to be able to hire and develop 'high-calibre' engineers and staff with financial expertise to provide proper oversight of the infrastructure and funding operations of water companies. 'Attracting skilled staff will require the regulator to offer suitable remuneration, outside public sector pay controls,' the report says. The high pay of water company executives has long been a source of anger among critics of the industry, most recently reignited by Southern Water's chief executive receiving a doubled pay package. However, Cunliffe, said: 'We are not proposing the regulator should set pay scales for the industry. They do need to recruit, and you have to attract the best people. What really makes the public angry is when the pay is there but the performance is not.' The report said that the current metrics Ofwat uses to measure infrastructure resilience, such as sewer collapses, mains repairs and leaky pipes, is short-termist and 'backward-looking'. The report calls for new national resilience standards for infrastructure to help guarantee the maintenance of underground pipes and other water and water waste assets. It also says that the requirements for companies to map their assets should be strengthened. The commission suggests the new regulator should have the power to set minimum capital levels for water companies. That system could mirror the regime in the banking industry, where financial cushions meant to shock-proof the banking system from another 2008-style crash were introduced.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Scotch—According To The 2025 International Whisky Competition
Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask GTR 25 Years Old officially crowned the best whisky in the world Earlier this month we reported on the best bourbon from this year's International Whisky Competition. To better understand what makes these awards so significant, check out what we wrote here. Of course, as its name implies, IWC evaluates much more than just American juice. Indeed, it dishes out medals across all major global categories of our beloved brown spirit. When it comes to Scotch, the top-scoring entry for 2025 was an absolute shocker. Though not for the reasons you might suspect… Aultmore 25 Years Old 1st Fill Oloroso Finish earned the highest marks with an impressive showing of 95.10 points. It's a belter of a dram, dispensing a harmonious medley of fresh fig aromas, a spiced pineapple palate and a lingering thread of brioche smothered in Mānuka honey. No surprises that it garnered monumental praise from the expert sippers within the IWC tasting panel. The stunning thing here is that this marks the second year in a row that Aultmore 25 has taken home the top prize in the Scotch category. It would be an enviable feat for any brand, to be sure. But the achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that Aultmore remains a fairly esoteric label here in the US. If drinkers were more fully aware of its pedigree, they would probably be less inclined to sleep on its success. The 130-year-old distillery in the heart of Speyside is owned today by John Dewar and Sons (and its parent company, Bacardi). That means much of the 2.1 million liters per year pumping out of its pot stills is reserved for the enduringly popular Blended Scotch line. It also means that Dewar's master blender, Stephanie Macleod is the one in charge of overseeing production here. And she's nothing short of a legend in the industry. In fact, the IWC has named her 'Master Blender of the Year,' a total of six times–more than anyone else in the competition's 15-year history. Casual Scotch drinkers are well acquainted with her work in bringing Dewar's to market. But connoisseurs also ought to be well-versed in the single malts she crafts for Aberfeldy, Craigellachie and Royal Brackla. All of those whiskies enjoy wider distribution than Aultmore. At best, the only expression you're going to see of it on American shelves is a 12-year-old liquid defined by its dank and verdant nose. It typically retails for upwards of $60 a bottle. More recently, Aultmore introduced its Cask Finish Collection. The award winning 25-year-old in question is part of this ongoing series. And considering its unprecedented string of success at IWC, we sure hope it augurs well for more of this malt to make its way Stateside. 'Aultmore is usually all about heralding its spirit and the wood, with little intervention," explains Macleod. "This collection takes a different approach, and shows Aultmore in a contrasting light, while still allowing the distillery's character to shine through.' To achieve such, Macleod and her team took whisky from refill hogsheads and barrels – which had patiently matured for over two decades – and then entered it into first-fill sherry casks to impart that lasting spiced honey note to each sip. It holds heft and yet simultaneously flaunts a spring-like florality that goes down effortlessly at 46% ABV. If only there weren't so much effort required in finding a bottle. A spokesperson for the brand says that a 50cl decanter retails for a suggested $500. And for now it's only available in global travel retail in the Asian-Pacific market. If you happen to be passing through an airport in that region anytime soon, keep your eyes peeled. Alternatively, you could always apply to be a judge at next year's International Whisky Competition. They seem to have no trouble getting ahold of this precious nectar. Stephanie Macleod (right) master blender for John Dewar and Sons—parent company of Aultmore ... More Distillery (Photo by)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
The Indian single malt that topped its global rivals at the International Whisky Competition
DeVANS Modern Breweries ' newest single malt, GianChand Adambaraa , has been named both Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky 2025 at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas. The dual wins mark a significant recognition for the Jammu-based distiller, which has been expanding its footprint in India's growing premium spirits market. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science healthcare Public Policy Others Healthcare PGDM Cybersecurity Technology Product Management Digital Marketing Project Management Design Thinking Data Analytics Degree Management Finance Data Science Leadership Operations Management MCA CXO others MBA Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details 'This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation,' said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. 'GianChand Adambaraa represents decades of commitment reinterpreted for today's global palate.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hörspezialisten verlieren Kunden: Dieses 89€-Gerät spricht sich herum Top Trending News Today Mehr erfahren Undo The IWC is widely regarded as one of the world's most closely followed whisky-only competitions, notable for its blind-tasting format. Adambaraa, a non-peated single malt matured in American ex-bourbon casks, scored high marks for its complexity and balance. It features tasting notes of dried apricots, honey, toasted spice, and a caramel-laced finish. Renowned whisky critic Jim Murray offered strong praise for the expression, writing in his upcoming Whisky Bible 2025: Live Events 'I am as shocked as I am spellbound. This is by far the closest to a high-class Scottish malt I have found anywhere in the world, let alone in India. The intensity and purity of the barley is never for a moment compromised. A malt lover's dream of a whisky.' Murray reportedly responded with, "Can this really be an Indian whisky?" upon first tasting the spirit. Adambaraa builds on the success of DeVANS' earlier GianChand Indian Single Malt, which debuted to strong reviews in domestic markets. While Adambaraa is currently available only in duty-free outlets at Delhi and Hyderabad airports, the company plans to expand into wider retail distribution in the coming months. Named in honour of company founder Dewan Gian Chand, the GianChand range is distilled, matured, and bottled in Jammu. The line has been marketed as a reflection of Indian whisky-making tradition, adapted for international standards.
Globe and Mail
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Kavalan Blitzes IWC 2025 Taking Trio of Whisky, Distillery and Master Distiller of the Year Prizes
Judges say Kavalan's Solist Fino Sherry 'stunned' panel with balance and complexity TAIPEI , July 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- Kavalan has come away from the 16th edition of International Whisky Competition (IWC) garlanded with three top accolades, taking the distillery's performance in international contests to a new level. Taiwan's premier distillery clinched "Whisky of the Year", "Distillery of the Year", "Master Distiller of the Year" in Louisville, Kentucky and will be the custodian of the "Golden Barrel trophy" for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced. All entries were evaluated individually, one at a time, across 8 minutes for each tasting, using a strict double-blind tasting format, with no information provided about origin, category, or ABV. IWC Competition Director Max A. Solano said Whisky of the Year Solist Fino "stunned the panel with its balance and complexity." He summed it up: "A world-class expression that stood out from the rest." King Car Chairman Mr. YT Lee said Kavalan was honoured to be recognised at the U.S. contest known as the "Olympics of whisky competitions". "Of all competitions, IWC is considered one of the toughest because only one Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal is awarded for each category. We're humbled and grateful to receive top honours at this competition that has become a benchmark for whisky excellence around the world." Kavalan Solist Fino Tasting notes from Adam Edmondson , Master of Whisky: "On the nose, it bursts with mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate offers rich plum, brandied cherries, dark chocolate, and the dry finesse of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus." Of IWC's Top 15 Whiskies of 2025, Kavalan ranked as follows: No.1 –Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 97.04pts No.9 –Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.78pts No.11 –Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.68pts List of Kavalan awards: Whisky of the Year: Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky - 97.04 Pts Distillery of the Year: Kavalan Distillery - 92.78 Pts/Avg Master Distiller of the Year: Zerose Yang - Head of R&D Golden Barrel Trophy Kavalan will be the custodian of the Golden Barrel trophy for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced. About the Golden Barrel Trophy Designed in Switzerland and unveiled at Diageo Archive, the Golden Barrel Trophy represents the pinnacle of excellence in whisky making, showcasing two lions holding a whisky barrel. It is casted in bronze with 24K golden leaves on each side of the barrel. The Golden Barrel will be kept by the winner of the Whisky of the Year until next year's competition and the name of each winner will be engraved in its marble base to commemorate the history of each annual Whisky of the Year. Basically, the Golden Barrel is to whisky what the World Cup is to football. About International Whisky Competition (IWC) Established in 2010, the International Whisky Competition was created to offer a truly competitive and credible judging platform, awarding only three medals — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — in each category. With its rigorous standards and transparent methodology, the IWC has earned a reputation as the "Olympics of the whisky world." Whiskies are evaluated through a double blind tasting process, ensuring absolute impartiality. Judges are unaware of the producer, origin, or any identifying details about the whiskies they assess, other than whether the sample is cask strength. The judging panel is composed exclusively of whisky experts: Masters of Whisky, Scotch, or Bourbon, Master Distillers, Blenders, and seasoned industry experts. Each brings a depth of experience and precision to every evaluation. Each whisky is judged individually for up to 8 minutes, using a detailed scoring system based on four main segments and eleven subcategories: Sight • Colour (0 points) • Visual Appeal (5 points) Nose • Intensity and Complexity (15 points) • Distinctiveness of Aromas (10 points) • Balance of Aromas (10 points) Taste • Palate and Balance (10 points) • Alcohol, Body, and Complexity (10 points) • Distinctiveness of Flavours (10 points) • Balance Between Flavours (10 points) Finish • Length and Finish (10 points) • Quality of Finish (10 points) About Kavalan Whisky Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County's old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 960 gold awards or higher from the industry's most competitive contests. Britney Chen britneychen@
Cision Canada
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Kavalan Blitzes IWC 2025 Taking Trio of Whisky, Distillery and Master Distiller of the Year Prizes Français
Judges say Kavalan's Solist Fino Sherry 'stunned' panel with balance and complexity TAIPEI, July 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- Kavalan has come away from the 16th edition of International Whisky Competition (IWC) garlanded with three top accolades, taking the distillery's performance in international contests to a new level. Taiwan's premier distillery clinched "Whisky of the Year", "Distillery of the Year", "Master Distiller of the Year" in Louisville, Kentucky and will be the custodian of the "Golden Barrel trophy" for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced. All entries were evaluated individually, one at a time, across 8 minutes for each tasting, using a strict double-blind tasting format, with no information provided about origin, category, or ABV. IWC Competition Director Max A. Solano said Whisky of the Year Solist Fino "stunned the panel with its balance and complexity." He summed it up: "A world-class expression that stood out from the rest." King Car Chairman Mr. YT Lee said Kavalan was honoured to be recognised at the U.S. contest known as the "Olympics of whisky competitions". "Of all competitions, IWC is considered one of the toughest because only one Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal is awarded for each category. We're humbled and grateful to receive top honours at this competition that has become a benchmark for whisky excellence around the world." Kavalan Solist Fino Tasting notes from Adam Edmondson, Master of Whisky: "On the nose, it bursts with mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate offers rich plum, brandied cherries, dark chocolate, and the dry finesse of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus." Of IWC's Top 15 Whiskies of 2025, Kavalan ranked as follows: No.1 –Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 97.04pts No.9 –Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.78pts No.11 –Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.68pts List of Kavalan awards: Whisky of the Year: Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky - 97.04 Pts Distillery of the Year: Kavalan Distillery - 92.78 Pts/Avg Master Distiller of the Year: Zerose Yang - Head of R&D Golden Barrel Trophy Kavalan will be the custodian of the Golden Barrel trophy for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced. About the Golden Barrel Trophy Designed in Switzerland and unveiled at Diageo Archive, the Golden Barrel Trophy represents the pinnacle of excellence in whisky making, showcasing two lions holding a whisky barrel. It is casted in bronze with 24K golden leaves on each side of the barrel. The Golden Barrel will be kept by the winner of the Whisky of the Year until next year's competition and the name of each winner will be engraved in its marble base to commemorate the history of each annual Whisky of the Year. Basically, the Golden Barrel is to whisky what the World Cup is to football. Established in 2010, the International Whisky Competition was created to offer a truly competitive and credible judging platform, awarding only three medals — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — in each category. With its rigorous standards and transparent methodology, the IWC has earned a reputation as the "Olympics of the whisky world." Whiskies are evaluated through a double blind tasting process, ensuring absolute impartiality. Judges are unaware of the producer, origin, or any identifying details about the whiskies they assess, other than whether the sample is cask strength. The judging panel is composed exclusively of whisky experts: Masters of Whisky, Scotch, or Bourbon, Master Distillers, Blenders, and seasoned industry experts. Each brings a depth of experience and precision to every evaluation. Each whisky is judged individually for up to 8 minutes, using a detailed scoring system based on four main segments and eleven subcategories: Sight • Colour (0 points) • Visual Appeal (5 points) Nose • Intensity and Complexity (15 points) • Distinctiveness of Aromas (10 points) • Balance of Aromas (10 points) Taste • Palate and Balance (10 points) • Alcohol, Body, and Complexity (10 points) • Distinctiveness of Flavours (10 points) • Balance Between Flavours (10 points) Finish • Length and Finish (10 points) • Quality of Finish (10 points) About Kavalan Whisky Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County's old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 960 gold awards or higher from the industry's most competitive contests. Kaitlyn Tsai Britney Chen
