We don't normally report on the findings of the preliminary rounds of the World Whiskies Awards (WWA), but in the interests of A) supporting the underdog and B) proving that taste really does count more than marketing and packaging, we had to make an exception this time around!

Our European and American members might be familiar with Lidl Stiftung & Co, the German global discount supermarket chain that operates over 10 000 stores across Europe and the United States. Well, a bottle of whisky costing just £14.99 at Lidl has claimed the title of 'Best Scotch Whisky' in the '12 year old and under' category in the 'Blended' section at the first round of this year's WWA, as judged by 40 international whisky experts from various countries across the world, beating well-known brands like Johnnie Walker Black Label. Before you rush out to buy a case, be warned: there are still two further rounds of the competition which will determine the winners for the 'Best Overall Blended Whisky' and the 'Best Overall Whisky'. Those winners will then go head-to-head with whiskies from all over the world to contend for the title of World's Best Blended Whisky... And we'll be sure to publish the results as soon as they come out on 28 March.

For now, though, we felt that Lidl's Queen Margot Blend Scotch Whisky should have its moment in the sun!

Image credit - Lidl

So how do Whizzky members rate it? It came in with a 2.3 out of 5 with most tasting notes being posted by our members in the Netherlands... And most people saying it's more a whisky for a mixer.

Queen Margot Blended Scotch Whisky is produced using traditional whisky-making methods and matured for eight years in oak casks. On Lidl's website it's described as follows: "The unique, traditional whisky is a blend of the finest malt and grain whiskies. Beautifully balanced, smooth and mellow, its blend of delicate flavours adds complexity and depth, leaving a warm, lingering fnish. The taste is malty and nutty, with notes of brown bread and toasted mustard seed. On the palate we find just a suggestion of fruit to accompany the soft, smooth and vibrant flavour of youthful whisky." We'd love to read some of your tasting notes if you get your hands on a bottle.

Just like the store's slogan, it seems Queen Margot is big on quality and lidl on price!