IWSC 2026 Spirits results announced

Spirit news

Fri 12 Jun 2026

By Ciaran Griffiths

With the conclusion of the 2026 Spirits Judging in London recently, the IWSC is happy to announce that results are now live. This year's results demostrate how quality isn't something found in just one place, but top spirits are being made across the globe, from both major operations and small, craft distilleries. 

Thank you to all of our judges for joining us for these sessions, and special thanks to the members of our Spirits Judging Committee members who led each panel to uncover the world's best spirits. The IWSC Spirits Judging Committee 2026 was comprised of: Dawn Davies MW, Ian Burrell, Richard Paterson OBE, Olivier Ward, David T Smith, Marie Cheong-Thong,Joel Harrison and Jesse Estes. 

This year's judging brought to light some intriguing and thought-provoking trends in almost every category and with medal results that reflect a growing demand for high-quality, yet accessible spirits.

Trends

  • Foursquare secured 5 Gold Outstanding medals in the rum category
  • Navy Gin from Clarity Distilling scored 99 points, the highest of any gin
  • With six entries scoring 99 points, 2026 was the strongest year for liqueurs yet
  • Irish Whiskey saw a strong performance with 4 bottles achieving top medals, including 33 Year Old Single Malt expression from Teeling Whiskey.
  • Of all agave spirits, Mezcal came out on top, with ancestral and Artesanal expressions awarded top medals.

Top-scoring Spirits

Rum

The rum category had one of its strongest performances in recent years during the 2026 judging, with Spirits Judging Committee member Ian Burrell expressing that "people have stepping up the products they're sending in, and the type of rums they're creating are much more balanced and much more flavorsome experience."

Some of the standout expressions included 5 top bottles from Foursquare (Penultimus 15 YO Rum,  Indomitas 15 YO Rum, Supernum 21 YO Rum, Mandamus 16 YO Rum, Epilogue 19 YO Rum), alongside Agricole/Cane sugar based rums such as 12 YO Rare Single Cask Strength Rum from St Nicholas Abbey that was described by judges as posessing "a well-balanced palate rich in coconut and fruitiness", and Le 55 Rhum from Distillerie Longueteau that won a gold outstanding medal.

This year also saw the rise of rums produced in less traditional rum-producing areas such as Japan, with the country earning a gold outstanding medal for The Wild & South C 2 YO Rum from Shinozaki Co. and five gold medals for their The Wild & South range. 

Burrell added: "I think some rums coming out of Asia as well are going to surprise to a lot of people, but it's great that people around the world are stepping up to make their style of rum and show a real, true representation of what the catergory can offer." 

Gin

The 2026 IWSC Gin results revealed a category that continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in technical excellence. Across Contemporary, Classic and Flavoured Gin, judges identified several notable trends, from the continued success of Navy Strength styles to an increasing focus on provenance-driven flavour profiles.

Contemporary Gin produced the largest number of Gold Outstanding medal winners, with Lao Gin from Lao Distilling Company, Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, Aureus Vita Gin from Krenngala Meurth Distilling Company and Taiwan Coriander Superb Craft Gin from Lungtien Distillery all receiving the competition's highest award. Despite their diverse origins, the leading Contemporary Gins shared a common thread: clarity of flavour and balance. Lao Gin impressed judges with a palate described as "silky and creamy, with zingy, zesty notes", while Tanqueray No. Ten Gin stood out for its bright citrus character, "complemented by hits of fresh citrus and coriander".

In the Classic Gin category, Spirits Judging Committee member Olivier Ward highlighted three qualities that consistently separated the highest-scoring entries from the rest: structure, sequence and intensity. Many of the category's strongest performers were Navy Strength Gins, including Gold Outstanding winner Juniper Freak Gin from Never Never Distilling. Ward noted that higher-strength gin leaves little room for error, meaning producers must approach every stage of production with greater precision. "The producers who go there and make overproof gin make every decision far more carefully," he explained. "That rigour shows in the balance, the way the journeys unfold, and the way the best hold their structure once cut."

The flavoured gin category also showed signs of maturation, with producers increasingly focusing on provenance and local ingredients rather than sweetness. Ward observed that many of the most successful entries "doubled down on their own geography", creating spirits that could only have been produced in their country or region of origin.

Among the standout examples was Haskap Gin from Black Fox Farm and Distillery, awarded Gold Outstanding for its distinctive profile of "vibrant red fruits and black tea, underpinned by warm cinnamon and dark cherry chocolate". Other notable medal winners included Mermaid Winter Gin and Mermaid Zest Gin from Isle of Wight Distillery, Gin-root from Yunnan Distillery, Dried Smoked Longan Gin from Nong Distillery Co. and Matcha Gin from SiCX Kyoto Distillery, each demonstrating how local botanicals and regional influences continue to shape the future of flavoured gin.

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Scotch

This year’s Scotch Whisky results point to a category placing renewed emphasis on balance, patience and precision. Across the judging, six Scotch whiskies were awarded Gold Outstanding, spanning established distillery releases and independent bottlings: Glengoyne 17 YO Scottish Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Ian Macleod Distillers, Deanston’s Orange Wine Cask 17 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, East Asia Whisky Company’s 35 YO Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The GlenAllachie 18 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Spiritfilled’s Mythical Beasts Aberlour 13 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Bowmore 9 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

For Spirits Judging Committee member Dawn Davies MW, one of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s Scotch judging was a move away from excessive experimentation and towards greater consistency. “It’s been really nice to see some good everyday drinking whiskies,” she explained, noting that the strongest entries showed producers “getting the basics right” at a time when the wider industry needs to focus on quality, accessibility and reliability.

Richard Paterson OBE also highlighted the continued importance of wood management, noting that while “the cask is king,” the best examples are those where oak supports rather than overwhelms the character of the distillate. For emerging distilleries in particular, his message was one of patience: “Don’t release it until you feel it’s absolutely right.”

With both mature, age-stated expressions and younger whiskies performing well, the results suggest a category that is recalibrating rather than standing still. The highest-scoring Scotch entries showed that innovation still has its place, but only when underpinned by structure, balance and the time needed for the whisky to fully come into its own.

Agave

Of all agave spirits entered into the 2026 IWSC, mezcal emerged as the standout performer. The category's highest-scoring entries were all ancestral or artisanal mezcals, reflecting growing appreciation for traditional production methods and spirits that express a strong sense of place.

Four mezcals were awarded Gold Outstanding medals: Ancestral Ensamble Joven Mezcal from Mezcal Reina, Vago Ensamble En Barro Joven Ancestral Mezcal from Heaven Hill Brands, Sepulto Ensamble Artesanal Mezcal from La Huaracha Vinata, and Pensador Ensamble Joven Artesanal Mezcal from Meanwhile Drinks. While each offered its own distinctive character, judges consistently praised their balance, complexity and integration of flavour.

The top-scoring Ancestral Ensamble Joven Mezcal from Mezcal Reina impressed judges with notes of "spice and guava" alongside "tangy tamarind and earthy sour fruits", while Sepulto Ensamble Artesanal Mezcal stood out for its mineral-driven profile, combining earthy beetroot, walnut and saline freshness.

Spirits Judging Committee member Jesse Estes highlighted the strength of the leading mezcals, noting that the category's best performers were "obviously very artisanal or ancestral mezcals". He explained that these spirits stood out because they were "full of flavour, very complex, but integrated and balanced" - qualities that consistently resonated with judges throughout the tasting.

While tequila also delivered strong results across Blanco, Reposado and Extra Añejo styles, the judging demonstrated that producers embracing traditional mezcal-making techniques continue to produce some of the most compelling agave spirits on the market today. The results suggest that authenticity, careful craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profiles remain key drivers of success within the category.

Worldwide Whiskey

Few categories showcase the diversity of modern whisky-making quite like Worldwide Whiskey. From innovative cask finishes and emerging whisky-producing nations to established producers refining their craft, the 2026 results demonstrated just how broad the category has become.

Spirits Judging Committee member Dawn Davies MW highlighted the variety encountered during judging as one of the category's greatest strengths. "You discover this entirely different world," she explained, pointing to the wide range of production styles, grains and cask influences represented throughout the tasting. "You get the best discussions on the World Whiskey panel. People get really excited, and they're really debating and thinking about the right score."

Irish whiskey delivered a particularly strong performance, claiming four Gold Outstanding medals. Among the standout expressions were Tullamore Dew Special Reserve 12 YO Blended Irish Whiskey, praised for its "tropical fruit and rich malt character" and The Donn Single Malt Irish Whiskey from Craft Irish Whiskey, which impressed judges with layers of treacle, raspberry, ginger and chocolate. Teeling Whiskey also secured two Gold Outstanding medals, including its Distillery Exclusive 20 YO Mongolian Oak Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey and 33 YO Very Rare Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

Beyond Ireland, the category's highest awards highlighted the growing strength of global whisky production. Denmark's Thy Whisky Distillery earned Gold Outstanding for Casks 1035+1036 Single Malt Whisky, while Taiwan's Wan Ja Shan Distillery was recognised for Dawu Malt Blended Whiskey, a whisky described by judges as displaying "a gorgeous blend of tropical and orchard fruits, with toffee and woody spice notes."

Davies was particularly encouraged by the progress being made across Asia, describing the region as one to watch. "I was really excited by China this year," she said. "We've definitely seen the progression of Chinese whiskies. I remember tasting them four years ago and now to see them achieving strong silvers and golds, for me that's exactly what this competition should be there for." She also highlighted Korea, Taiwan and the wider Asian whisky scene as producers continue to develop distinctive styles shaped by local climate, ingredients and maturation conditions.

The judging also revealed an appetite for innovation, with unusual cask influences and experimental maturation approaches appearing throughout the category. Yet despite the diversity of styles on display, the highest-scoring whiskies shared common traits: balance, thoughtful cask management and a clear sense of identity. As Worldwide Whiskey continues to expand, the 2026 results suggest that producers are increasingly succeeding not by imitating traditional whisky regions, but by embracing what makes their own spirits unique.

Vodka 

The 2026 IWSC Vodka results demonstrated the category's growing diversity, with high-scoring entries showcasing a wide range of base ingredients and production approaches. While grain remains the dominant raw material, this year's judging highlighted quality across wheat, mixed grain and alternative base spirits, reinforcing vodka's position as one of the most technically demanding categories in the competition.

Spirits Judging Committee member David T Smith noted the breadth of styles encountered during judging, with entries ranging from traditional grain vodkas to spirits distilled from rice and potato. Despite their differences, the strongest performers shared a common characteristic: exceptional balance and clarity of flavour. "We've had a good range of vodkas from around the world, and a range of different base spirits as well," he explained. "Grain is still the most popular for vodka, and I think that makes a lot of sense, because it just makes such a good base to make vodka from."

Three vodkas were awarded Gold Outstanding medals. Premium Vodka from 62Nordic Spirits impressed judges with its "smooth, creamy texture" and "silky, softly sour finish brimming with gentle warmth and lingering spice", while Premium Vodka from Doa Distilleria Orobica Autonoma stood out thanks to aromas of lemon verbena, fennel and pine needles, alongside a palate bursting with "sugarcane-like sweetness and lively spice". Alexander Vodka from Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 completed the trio, combining creamy texture with notes of pepper, aniseed, vanilla and a classic cereal backbone.

For Smith, the strength of the category reflects the increasingly international nature of vodka production. Once concentrated in a handful of regions, vodka is now produced and enjoyed around the world, with distillers continuing to explore how different raw materials and production techniques can influence character while maintaining the purity and elegance expected of the spirit. As this year's results demonstrated, the most successful vodkas were those that combined precision, texture and balance.

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Asian Spirits 

The 2026 IWSC Asian Spirits results highlighted both the remarkable diversity of the category and the continued rise in quality being achieved across Asia's traditional spirit styles. Judges assessed an extensive range of products, including Baijiu, Shochu, Soju, Awamori, Kaoliang and Huangjiu, with Gold Outstanding medals awarded across multiple categories.

For Spirits Judging Committee member Marie Cheong-Thong, the most striking trend was the consistent improvement in quality. "Every year the quality just increases, it gets better and better and better," she remarked, noting that this year's Gold and Gold Outstanding winners fully justified their scores. "They were all there, and I couldn't actually think of reasons why I should devalue them."

Baijiu delivered a particularly strong performance, accounting for four of the category's eight Gold Outstanding medals. Among the standout examples was Binhe 12 YO Baijiu from Gansu Binhe Nine-Grain Liquor Co., which impressed judges with "a vibrant burst of pineapple, melon and mango" balanced by savoury earthy complexity. Shi Rongxiao Liquor Secret Recipe 6 Baijiu from Guizhou Rongtaihe Shaofang Shirongxiao Winery Co. also earned top honours, showcasing layers of sesame, roasted peanuts, candied dates and dark chocolate.

Japan's traditional spirits were equally impressive. Iichiko Saiten Shochu from Sanwa Shurui and Misora Shochu from Kitaya Co. both achieved Gold Outstanding, while Chuko Awamori Distillery secured two further top awards with its 15 YO Awamori Koshu and 18 YO Pot Aged Koshu Shochu. The latter was praised by judges for its "outstanding harmony" and exceptionally complex profile of cereal, mushroom, roasted coffee and dried fruit.

The category's success extended beyond its traditional heartlands. Taiwan's Yushan Taiwan Kaoliang Liquor from Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation also achieved Gold Outstanding, demonstrating the growing strength and international appeal of Asian spirits.

Reflecting on the judging, Cheong-Thong highlighted the expertise of both the judging panels and producers entering the competition. "If you deserve a gold, you get a gold," she said. "Here, we don't cap the number of medals." The 2026 results suggest that as more producers continue to refine their craft, Asian spirits are increasingly earning recognition not simply for their heritage, but for their exceptional quality and complexity.

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Brandy

The 2026 IWSC Brandy results highlighted the remarkable diversity of the category, with top-scoring spirits emerging from a wide range of traditions and producing regions. From Cognac and French brandy to Grappa and Serbian grape brandy, judges rewarded producers who successfully balanced fruit character with thoughtful maturation.

For first-time IWSC judge Baptiste Loiseau, Cellar Master at Rémy Martin, one of the most striking aspects of the judging was the breadth of styles on display. The panel assessed everything from youthful VS Cognacs through to rare vintage releases and long-aged expressions, showcasing the versatility and complexity that can be achieved across the category. "You can really see the diversity we have in Cognac making and in Cognac's specificity," he explained.

Among the highest-scoring entries was Grappa Riserva Speciale Barolo Millesimata from Distilleria Sibona, awarded Gold Outstanding for its vibrant profile of dragon fruit, grapefruit and stone fruit balanced by rich oak and refreshing acidity. Serbia also secured a Gold Outstanding medal with Baraba Lozovaca from Podrum Palic 1896, which impressed judges with notes of peach, apricot, citrus peel and green tea. Two French brandies, De Moncy XO Brandy from Hawkins Distribution and XO French Brandy from M&S, completed the Gold Outstanding line-up.

While the category featured a number of mature and oak-influenced spirits, Loiseau noted that the most successful entries were those where maturation enhanced rather than dominated the spirit. "When the wood is overpowering the fruitiness and the essence of what is the typicality of Cognac, we noticed that it was not corresponding to the typicality we are looking for," he said. Producers whose spirits fell short of medal level were often encouraged to reconsider how oak was being used and integrated into the final blend.

The category's leading performers demonstrated that age alone is not enough to guarantee success. Instead, the highest-scoring brandies combined complexity, harmony and a clear expression of fruit character, with oak serving as a supporting element rather than the defining feature.

Liqueurs

With six entries awarded 99 points, 2026 proved to be one of the strongest year for liqueurs in recent IWSC history. The category delivered exceptional quality across an astonishing range of styles, from traditional fruit and nut liqueurs to herbal expressions, citrus classics and cream-based creations.

For Spirits Judging Committee member David T Smith, one of the most encouraging developments was the growing appreciation for liqueurs with a strong sense of heritage and identity. "People want to look at doing something a little bit different, looking at something that's got a bit of heritage, and often liqueurs fit that bill," he explained. "These are really exciting products, and we're getting flavours that otherwise you might not necessarily get to try."

Among the highest-scoring entries were Martin Albus Lješnjaka Liqueur from Orahovica and Pistacchio & White Chocolate Liqueur from Soplica, both awarded 99 points. The former impressed judges with its "intense toasty hazelnut aroma" and layers of nutty complexity, while Soplica's pistachio liqueur combined salted pistachio and white chocolate flavours with a luxurious creamy texture.

Citrus liqueurs also enjoyed an outstanding year. Pallini's Limoncello achieved 99 points thanks to its vibrant balance of fresh lemon juice, floral notes and zesty freshness, while additional Gold Outstanding medals were awarded to Macellaio Spirits' Limoncello, Morikawaraten's Orangecello and both Asuki Yuzu Liqueur and Yuzucello, highlighting the growing popularity of citrus-driven styles from across the globe.

Smith also singled out crème de cassis as a standout performer during judging. "The three of the ones I've tried this year, amazing," he said. "Everyone was just raving about them." Gold Outstanding medals for Joseph Cartron's Double Crème De Cassis Liqueur and Gabriel Boudier's Crème de Cassis reflected the category's ability to combine richness and sweetness with freshness, complexity and balance.

The breadth of this year's winners demonstrates that today's most successful liqueurs are not defined by a single flavour profile or production style. Instead, they succeed by delivering authenticity, character and a clear expression of their ingredients, whether through traditional recipes or contemporary interpretations of classic flavours.

Discover more

The 2026 IWSC Spirits results reflect a drinks industry that is more diverse, dynamic and quality-focused than ever before. From artisanal mezcal and innovative worldwide whiskies to heritage liqueurs, contemporary gin and exceptional rum, this year's medal winners demonstrate that great spirits are being produced in every corner of the globe.

To explore the full results, including medal winners and tasting notes from every category, visit the IWSC Results page and discover the bottles that impressed our judges throughout the 2026 Spirits Judging.
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