A supermarket malt has beaten some of the world's most famous whiskies to take top prize in the drink industry's answer to the Oscars.

Tesco's 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt was judged to taste better than heavyweight names such as Laphroaig, Glenmorangie, Bowmore and Glenkinchie at the International Wine and Spirit Competition awards.

The Tesco tipple won the Anglo Overseas Trophy for the best malt whisky up to 15 years old in the whole competition.

The judges were impressed by its "very attractive nose, ripe fruit notes and vanilla and sweet spice following".

They praised the Tesco whisky as "smooth and mellow in the mouth, with hints of Christmas cake, marzipan, marmalade and almonds".

And they added that its "good dollop of malt balances the fruit notes and its soft floral backing throughout".

All wines, spirits and liqueurs in the annual contest are blind-tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage.

Tesco bosses say their malt is also a winner on price. At pounds 15.58 a bottle, it's around pounds 10 cheaper than many of its rivals.

Simon Dunn, Tesco's senior spirits buyer, said: "Our range of own-label whiskies are made for us by well-known distillers and are extremely popular with customers.

"This award will come as a real shock to the centuries-old whisky industry, which is not noted for its keen appreciation of supermarket varieties.

"To beat world-renowned whiskies such as Laphroaig and Glenmorangie is some achievement and will hopefully help encourage all malt lovers to try our brand.

"The award underlines what our customers already know-that our own-label offerings are more than a match for the world's leading single malt Scotch whiskies."

The Scotch Whisky Association--the trade body for Scotland's distillers--refused to comment on the award.

A spokesman said: "It would not be for us to talk about the merits of one whisky over another."