The International Whisky Competition 2026 crowned Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt as Best World Whisky and Whisky of the Year, scoring 96.97 points. In blind tastings, Nullaki’s Tawny Cask 0017 led Australia, Farthofer’s Schlägler Roggen Mostellofass topped Austria, and Laizhou’s Amontillado Sherry Cask won Best Chinese Whisky, highlighting diverse cask finishes and bold flavour profiles.
The world's best whisky 2026 awards were distributed at the International Whisky Competition 2026 recently. Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt claimed the coveted Best World Whisky title, while Farthofer's Single Grain Whisky Bio Schlagler Roggen, Mostellofass, Laizhou's Amontillado Sherry Cask, and Nullaki's Tawny Cask 0017 topped their country categories. Check out the award-winning bottles that stood out at IWC 2026, what sets each one apart, and why they're worth adding to every whisky lover's wishlist.
IWC is one of the industry's most respected blind-tasting contests. Every whisky is judged without tasters knowing its brand, distillery, or price, so results rest purely on what's in the glass. And that's what really gives heft to the IWC's world's best whisky 2026 awards. Check out the 5 winners below.
At the International Whisky Competition 2026, Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky earned 96.97 points, winning both Whisky of the Year and Best World Whisky. The expression is matured in a single Oloroso sherry cask and bottled at natural strength without chill filtration or added colouring. According to the distillery, it offers notes of gentle peat, tropical fruit, raisins, dark chocolate and warming spices. The Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky bottle retails for around US$133 (£130).
Representing Australia, Nullaki secured the country's top honour after its Single Malt – Tawny Cask 0017 received 91.83 points. Produced in Western Australia, the whisky is matured in French oak barriques previously seasoned with Tawny wine. Official tasting notes include caramel, blackcurrants, syrupy fruit and vanilla. The Nullaki Single Malt whisky bottle is priced at AUS$395.
For Austria, Destillerie Farthofer took the top spot with Single Grain Whisky Bio Schlägler Roggen, Mostellofass, which earned 89.60 points. Made from organic Schlägler rye, it spent eight years maturing in barriques that previously held the distillery's Mostello pear dessert wine. Bottled at 55% ABV without dilution, it carries tasting notes of dried pear, chocolate pudding and creamy cereal. The Single Grain Whisky Bio Schlagler Roggen whisky retails for €60.80.
China's highest-ranked whisky was Laizhou Amontillado Sherry Cask, which scored 93.87 points to win Best Chinese Whisky. Matured in first-fill Amontillado sherry casks sourced from Spain and bottled at 66% ABV, it features tasting notes of brown sugar, candied plum, dried apricot, roasted nuts and gourmet chocolate. The Laizhou Amontillado Sherry Cask whisky bottle is available for around US$86 (£75.50).