This $17.50 whisky has been named among the best in the world

Discount supermarket chain Aldi has a history of punching above its weight in the alcohol industry.

Last summer, its £10 ($13) gin was declared among the best in the world and its £6 ($8) rosé wine won silver at the International Wine Challenge.

Now, Aldi is ruffling feathers in the scotch whisky market. Two of Aldi’s own-label range were named the best in the world at an international spirits competition — for the second time this year.

Judges at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters awarded Aldi’s Highland Black Scotch Whisky (£12.99/$17.39) and Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£17.49/$23.42) gold medals in their categories.

Aldi’s Highland Black beat out Chivas Brothers’ Ballantine’s 12-year-old blended whisky, which retails at nearly3 times the price  of Aldi’s bottle at £38.32 ($51.33).

The whiskies also won six silver medals at the international Spirits Challenge earlier this year.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “It goes without saying that we are extremely proud of these results from the Spirits Business. This is the second year that our Highland Black Scotch Whisky has been voted best in the world and we are thrilled it has performed so well again!

“We are committed to bringing excellent value products to our shelves, and these results are further evidence of Aldi’s unwavering consistency in sourcing only the highest quality spirits for our shoppers.”

Aldi’s drinks range won an impressive 77 accolades for its spirits in 2017. The supermarket was also awarded the “Own Brand Spirits Range of the Year” title at the International Spirits Challenge last year.