The “Olympics of the Drinks Industry” Extends Entries until May 8

LONDON (April 27, 2026) — Spirits industry professionals from around the world will once again gather in Bardstown, Kentucky — the “Bourbon Capital of the World” — for the 3rd IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) in early June.  This year,in addition to judging North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits, the categories are expanding to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States, and the entry deadline has been extended to May 8th.

Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. The North American Spirits Judging marks the competition’s exclusive North American event, reinforcing Kentucky’s role as a global hub for whiskey and other spirits excellence.

The judges — representing the worldwide standard of beverage expertise — provide North American whiskey and other spirit producers a unique opportunity for international recognition from the competition, widely regarded and recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world. The 2026 Judging Panel of experts brings perspectives from distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation process.

Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, Commercial Buying Director, Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, the panel of judges will evaluate the entries using the same rigorous judging process as in the UK, which includes double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries judged per day to avoid palate fatigue, and panel discussions between the judges.

In addition to Davies, the other judges for the North American competition are:

• Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay
• Jack Beguedou, Spirits Industry Consultant
• Georgie Bell, Ambassador, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut
• Molly Horn, Total Wine & More
• Brad Japhe, Spirits Journalist
• Reece Sims, SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report
• Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock, London

Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the IWSC delivers its full London judging model through its Global Judging program. Entries are assessed to exactly the same standards, by the same caliber of international judging panels, and within the same rigorous framework as in London—ensuring complete consistency and credibility across all results.

As in London, the Kentucky event pairs these world-class tasting sessions with a program that celebrates the people, places, and spirits that define America’s whiskey culture. Crucially, all medal winners benefit from the IWSC’s global results campaign, receiving the same level of recognition, promotion and commercial opportunity as those judged in London.

Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London.

The IWSC is grateful for its 2026 partners: Heaven Hill, Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Total Wine & More, Kentucky Eagle, Glencairn, Buzick Construction, Mint Julep Experiences, and Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

How to Enter

Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page to submit entries.

Entry deadline: May 8th

Winners will be announced June 12, 2026

About the IWSC

Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, its offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks.

About the IWSC Competition Global Judging
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by
Strategy and Business Development Director Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today, wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.

Maltstock program announcements

Relaxedly but surely our program for 2026 is taking shape! We travelled to Leith and Groningen and spoke to many potential exhibitors. The first few we can now announce! Watch this space as we will start announcing our program in the next couple of weeks! Go on and read all about it.

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan and Teun

Buy your Maltstock ticket NOW!

Tasting the Distillery Team Single Cask

A dram with the team in Warehouse 1-1

TRIPLE CROWN AT THE ENGLISH WHISKY AWARDS 2026

To top off an incredible English Whisky Week last week, we are thrilled to announce that we took home three awards at the English Whisky Awards 2026 for both our whisky and distillery. Our Signature Single Malt Whisky was awarded Best English Whisky and Best Value English Whisky. We’re celebrating by offering 15% off 70cl bottles of Signature Single Malt Whisky online and in our three shops from now until Tuesday, 5th May 2026 at 11:59pm. Use the code EWAWARDS to redeem this offer online.

SHOP SIGNATURE WHISKY

AWARD-WINNING SCOTCH BOTTLER EXPANDS INTO CALIFORNIA AS US GROWTH CONTINUES

Scotland / California, April 2026; Award-winning independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt is strengthening its presence in the United States with two exclusive tasting events in California this spring, bringing its rare single cask Scotch whiskies to new audiences on the West Coast.

Named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, the Falkland-founded company will host back-to-back showcases in partnership with two respected California retailers – Hi-Lo Liquor Market and Vintage Wine & Spirits.

The events will introduce guests to a hand-selected range of ultra-rare single cask releases from some of Scotland’s most respected distilleries, offering Californian whisky lovers the opportunity to discover the diversity, craftsmanship and character of Scotland’s whisky regions.

Guests will explore a rotating collection of expressions from distilleries including Tormore, Ardmore, Dailuaine, Glenburgie, Linkwood, Benrinnes and Teaninich, alongside Falkland, Saltire Rare Malt’s sister Speyside single malt brand.

The California programme follows Saltire Rare Malt’s recent expansion into Texas and Louisiana last month, where a successful run of tastings introduced the brand to new US audiences. After strong demand in the South, California marks the next step in the company’s growing American presence.

Saltire Rare Malt Global Brand Ambassador David McCallum will travel over specially to host the evening, guiding guests through the collection and the stories behind each whisky. He will be joined by Laura Sol, Business Development Manager, with both in attendance making this a particularly special occasion as Saltire Rare Malt continues its growth in the US market.

The first event takes place at Hi-Lo Liquor Market, a popular independent California retailer known for its strong community spirit, quality-led range and carefully curated drinks selection. Its modern neighbourhood approach and focus on discovery make it a fitting partner for Saltire Rare Malt’s West Coast debut.

The second tasting will be held at Vintage Wine & Spirits in Los Angeles, a fast-growing specialist retailer that has built a reputation for premium spirits, fine wine and expert curation. Located in Lake Balboa, the store has quickly become a destination for enthusiasts seeking rare and distinctive bottles.

Keith Rennie, Co-Founder & Director of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “California is an exciting market for premium spirits and we’re delighted to bring Saltire Rare Malt to two fantastic independent retailers on the West Coast. These tastings are about sharing Scotland’s whisky heritage, the stories behind each cask and the remarkable diversity of flavour that single cask whisky can offer.”

Founded in Falkland – the historic birthplace of Scotch whisky more than 530 years ago – Saltire Rare Malt specialises in sourcing exceptional single casks from Scotland’s finest distilleries and bottling them only when the whisky has reached peak character.

Founded by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, the company continues to connect Scotland’s rarest whiskies with collectors, hospitality partners and enthusiasts around the world.

CALIFORNIA TASTING EVENTS

Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Hi-Lo Liquor Market
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST

Friday, 1st May 2026
Vintage Wine & Spirits
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PST

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky

Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie – the pair have collected fine and rare single malts over three decades. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

www.saltireraremalt.com
hwww.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/

Happy English Whisky Week! I’ve lost count of the number of times somebody has asked me, “Can you get whisky in England?” I resist the urge to roll my eyes and instead use it as the optimal time to list of some of the exceptional brands that are currently producing our favourite spirit as good as anybody else on the planet.

One of the first drams I ever tried when I joined the wonderful whisky world was one of the Whiskymaker’s Reserve expressions from the Lakes Distillery. I was blown away by its quality, and it’s the standard I’ve held English whisky to ever since.

Next time you’re looking for a new dram to try, give an English a look — you will be as amazed as I was. A select few are below — have a peruse and enjoy.

Bradley Weir, Whisky Magazine editor

Subscribe for £26.64 and receive six beautifully crafted issues — including two on us. That’s a 33 per cent saving across the year.

Spring sees Tomintoul Distillery reopen with rare visitor-only releases

Tomintoul Distillery has reopened its doors for the 2026 season, inviting visitors back to the heart of the Cairngorms National Park to experience the craft, heritage and warm hospitality behind its award-winning single malt.

Closed to the public over the winter months, the Speyside distillery now resumes its programme of guided tours, offering whisky lovers the chance to step behind the scenes and experience production in one of Scotland’s most quietly distinctive distilleries.

Set against the rugged landscape of the Cairngorms, Tomintoul has been producing single malt whisky since 1965, drawing on traditional methods that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

Guests can now return to explore behind the scenes of the production areas, meet the team and enjoy guided tastings that bring Tomintoul’s story to life – with the reopening arriving just ahead of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, when the region welcomes whisky enthusiasts from around the world.

To mark the reopening, Tomintoul has also unveiled two new limited-edition expressions, available exclusively to those visiting the distillery.

Tomintoul 11 Year Old, limited to just 1,009 bottles and priced at £79, showcases the carefully balanced marriage of Oloroso sherry and American oak casks, carefully selected for its depth and gentle complexity.

Alongside it, the Sauternes Barrique Single Cask – a rare release of only 318 individually numbered bottles priced at £225 – brings a rich, fruit-led profile, shaped by its distinctive cask influence while retaining Tomintoul’s signature smooth character.

Robert Fleming, Master Distiller at Tomintoul, said: “There’s something special about welcoming people back into the distillery each spring. It’s a chance to share not just the whisky, but the place, the process and the people behind it.

“These exclusive bottlings are a natural extension of that experience, something visitors can only discover and take away with them from our brand home in the heart of the Cairngorms.”

The 90-minute guided experience takes visitors through the full whisky-making journey, from raw ingredients to spirit, led by the distillery’s team. Tours conclude with a tutored tasting of three Tomintoul single malts, offering a deeper understanding of the smooth, approachable house style that defines the brand.

Robert Fleming added: “With the Spirit of Speyside Festival just around the corner, it’s an especially exciting time to visit the region, and we’re looking forward to welcoming both new and returning visitors through our doors.”

Tours run from 30th March to 1st November 2026, with advance booking essential. For more information or to book, visit www.TomintoulWhisky.com.

Tomintoul Distillery

Tomintoul Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, within the whisky producing region of Speyside. The distillery, established in 1965, is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland.

Tomintoul’s signature range includes the popular 10-Year-Old, 14-Year-Old and 16-Year-Old, as well as the multi-award-winning Cigar Malt and premium 21-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old.

The Hebridean Whisky Trail Welcomes Tobermory Distillery as its Newest Member

ISLE OF MULL, SCOTLAND – The Hebridean Whisky Trail is proud to announce that the historic Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull has officially joined the trail, marking a significant milestone in the route’s expansion. As one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland, Tobermory brings its world-renowned artisanal craftsmanship and dual-brand heritage—featuring both its namesake unpeated malt and the robust, peated Ledaig—to this premier island-hopping adventure.

Since its inception in August 2018, the Hebridean Whisky Trail has grown from a visionary collaboration of four founding distilleries into a sprawling odyssey across the Atlantic coast. Launched by Karen Betts, then CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, the trail was designed to showcase the rugged beauty, unique Gaelic culture, and diverse spirits of Scotland’s western isles.

With the addition of Tobermory, the trail now stretches across a spectacular 360-mile route by land and sea, connecting eight remarkable distilleries:

• Torabhaig Distillery (Isle of Skye)
• Talisker Distillery (Isle of Skye)
• Isle of Raasay Distillery (Isle of Raasay)
• Isle of Harris Distillery (Isle of Harris)
• Benbecula Distillery (Isle of Benbecula)
• North Uist Distillery (Isle of North Uist)
• Isle of Tiree Distillery (Isle of Tiree)
• Tobermory Distillery (Isle of Mull)

“We are thrilled to welcome Tobermory Distillery into our fold,” said Bill Dobbie, Chairman of the Hebridean Whisky Trail. “Tobermory’s rich history and colourful presence on Mull embody the very spirit of the Hebrides. Their inclusion not only extends the physical reach of the trail but also enriches the story we tell—one of resilience, community, and the incomparable character of island whisky. The trail has doubled in size since its inception in 2018, and adding such an iconic destination is a testament to the growing global passion for Hebridean spirits.”

The Hebridean Whisky Trail offers an unparalleled whisky adventure for enthusiasts and intrepid travellers alike. The trail is a journey through some of the world’s most iconic scenery—from the white sandy beaches of Harris to the volcanic peaks of Skye and the vibrant harbour of Tobermory.

For more information or to plan your journey, please visit www.hebrideanwhisky.com. 

About the Hebridean Whisky Trail:

The Hebridean Whisky Trail is a collaborative tourism initiative dedicated to promoting the distilleries of the Scottish Hebrides. Established in 2018, it highlights the heritage, people, and provenance of Hebridean spirits through a curated travel route and annual festival events.

The results of the World Whiskies Awards America are always one of my highlights of the awards season, not least of all because they put a spotlight on some of the most unique, innovative brands producing our favourite spirit today.

It’s also extremely exciting because of the announcement of the World’s Best Bourbon, a spectacular honour. Despite what have no doubt been turbulent conditions for many distilleries stateside, there’s been a real perseverance and industry-wide camaraderie that deserves celebrating. The result is incredible work that should be enough to get whisky enthusiasts worldwide excited.

These results take us one step closer to the much-anticipated announcement of the World’s Best whiskies next month. As chair of judges, I can’t wait to see where we’re headed as the awards cycle continues.

Bradley Weir,
Whisky Magazine editor