Billy Abbott revealed as Winner of the 2026 Spirits Communicator trophy

Following the shortlist announcement, the IWSC is delighted to reveal the winner of its 2026 Spirits Communicator Award, sponsored by Chivas Brothers.

Congratulations to Billy Abbott! The judging panel were particularly impressed with this year's entrants, finding it a difficult task to short through each of the amazing shortlisted candidates, and encourage those who didn't win to enter again next year.

This year’s judging panel brought together some of the most respected voices in spirits communication: Mark Gillespie and Melita Kiely (both previous winners of the award), David T. Smith, and Lauren Gimbel from Chivas Brothers, the award’s sponsor. Together, they considered an exceptional line-up of entries representing the best in global spirits storytelling.

Based in the UK, Billy Abbott is a whisky and spirits author, educator, and ambassador whose enthusiasm for sharing knowledge has made him one of the industry’s most engaging communicators. His career began in digital media before he transitioned full-time into the drinks world in 2011, joining The Whisky Exchange, where he has since become a leading voice in spirits education and culture.

A WSET Level 3 Spirits Educator and Armagnac Educator, Billy runs training for both trade and consumer audiences, teaching everyone from industry newcomers to seasoned professionals. He’s a frequent face at whisky and spirits festivals across the UK and beyond, where he leads masterclasses and tastings that balance deep technical insight with warmth and humour.

As a twice-published author, his book The Philosophy of Whisky has become a cult favourite among enthusiasts, praised for its wit and clarity. Alongside his writing for Whisky & Spirits Guides and Club Oenologique, Billy also contributes to podcasts such as The Drinking Hour and Whisky Sisters, and co-hosts the New Scientist “Science of Whisky” tours, where he brings both passion and precision to exploring the science behind spirits

His achievements over the past year include teaching dozens of WSET courses, expanding The Whisky Exchange’s training programmes, and judging whisky and Asian spirits for competitions including the IWSC. Billy also plays an active role in industry education initiatives through the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the Circle of Wine Writers, championing professional development for future communicators.

“Billy has such a broad knowledge and communicates it with real generosity. He can go as geeky as you like about spirits, but always keeps it approachable and friendly. His podcasts and talks are a joy to listen to, you can tell he knows his stuff inside out, yet he never makes it intimidating. That balance of depth and warmth is a rare skill.”

Celebrating Clarity, Curiosity and Connection

Billy Abbott embodies what it means to communicate about spirits with both expertise and accessibility. His work blends technical precision with enthusiasm, making complex topics engaging for all audiences, from first-time spirits drinkers to industry veterans. Through writing, teaching, and tireless advocacy, Billy has helped foster a more informed, inclusive, and curious spirits community.

As the 2026 IWSC Spirits Communicator Award winner, Billy will work with the IWSC and Chivas Brothers across the year, contributing to editorial and educational collaborations, and representing the IWSC’s ongoing commitment to excellence in global spirits communication.

Congratulations once again to Billy Abbott, the IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year 2026!