are now available to view. Click
for a downloadable PDF of all the winners.
The World Whiskies Awards 2025 is now closed for entries, make sure you check the awards diary dates below or keep an eye on our social channels for upcoming awards news.
While judging for the World Whiskies Awards is currently underway, the World Drinks Awards France 2025 has just announced the
. Click
and medal winners of the World Gin and Whisky Awards.
- Entries Deadline – 1 September 2024
- Shipping Deadline – 29 September 2024
- Icons of Whisky Deadline – 21 October 2024
- Winners Announced: 26 March 2025
What are the World Whiskies Awards?
The World Whiskies Awards are the global awards selecting the very best internationally recognised whisky styles. Our annual tasting selects, awards and promotes the best whiskies to consumers and the trade throughout the world. Whiskies must be generally available and for sale, which can be on and off trade, local or international.
Whether you're a seasoned distiller or just starting out, participating in the World Whiskies Awards is an exciting way to gain exposure for your brand and connect with other whisky lovers, regionally and from across the globe. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get noticed in the ever-expanding world of whisky!
Who should enter the World Whiskies Awards?
The World Whiskies Awards are for any passionate blenders, agents, importers, wholesalers, retailers or distilleries, who believe they have an exceptional product that the world needs to taste.
Why enter the World Whiskies Awards?
1. Demonstrate your product's quality with individual assessments from our esteemed global judging panel, each expertly chosen for their proficiency in your specific drinks category. Taste and quality are the sole criteria that hold significance in our blind evaluation process.
2. Claim victory and empower consumers in their purchasing journey. Amidst the overwhelming array of products on shelves, being an award winner sets you apart, helping consumers to make informed choices.
3. Unlock exclusive benefits at no cost – receive complimentary logos and certificates to showcase your triumph and boost your brand image. All winning assets remain accessible on your online profile. Explore a diverse array of tailor-made promotional materials, curated specifically for your win.
4. Garner global recognition as every winner earns a dedicated profile and a direct link to their website on www.worlddrinksawards.com, a platform frequented by thousands monthly
5. Amplify your brand's visibility with coverage of award winners across our influential social media channels, ensuring your success reaches a vast global audience.
How to enter the World Whiskies Awards
1. Head on over to www.worlddrinksawards.com and log in to your account, or register if this is your first time entering.
2. Tell us about you, your brand and the award-worthy product you want to submit.
3. Go to the checkout and pay the entrance fee to finish your registration.
4. Ship your product to us and we’ll take it from there!
Get in touch if you have any questions: info@worlddrinksawards.com +44 (0)1603 633 808
Icons of Whisky
Welcome to the Icons of Whisky
We are delighted to say that the Icons of Whisky Awards are now open for entries and we are introducing our new online entry system. You can simply make your applications through your customer profile.
The Icons of Whisky Awards are a celebration of the years of hard work that go into every bottle. From the distillers themselves and brand ambassadors, to visitor centre managers, bars, bar tenders and the industry’s communicators – a great deal of craftsmanship, skill and knowledge are imparted at each stage of the process.
This is our way of saying thank you to the individuals and producers for their dedication to each innovative release, visitor experience or expert retail service, delivered in a tireless fashion.
Taste categories
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A Blended whisk(e)y is produced by vatting together at least two whiskies of different styles (e.g. Single malt and Single grain or Wheat and Rye) produced at the same distillery or two or more whiskies of the same or different style(s), produced at different distilleries, but excluding blended malt. To qualify for the Blended category, a product should not be a Blended Limited Release. To qualify for this category, the constituent whiskies in the blend must comply with other category definitions listed in this document. To qualify for this category, a Blended whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above. Blended whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). Please note that this does not prohibit the addition of enzymes during mashing of any whisk(e)y in the blend. If a Blended whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Blended whisk(e)y), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label. Furthermore, the majority (>50%) of the blend’s constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A release of Blended whisk(e)y that is limited to 3600 bottles or less.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A Blended Malt whisk(e)y is produced using a combination of Single Malt whiskies distilled at different distilleries and may also be referred to on packaging as a ‘vatted malt’ or ‘pure malt’. To qualify for this category, a Blended Malt must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and its constituent single malts must comply with the definition of Single Malt whisk(e)y outlined in this definition document. Blended Malt whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). If a blended malt carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Blended Malt), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label. Furthermore, the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry. If less is present, the entry should be placed into the 'World' region.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A Canadian whisky is a blend of mature whiskies, each usually distilled from a single grain type. Generally, some of this spirit is distilled to high abv and matured in used barrels to maximize flavours that develop from long exposure to air in the barrel. Other spirit, distilled to low abv in short columns or pot stills is matured in new or once-used barrels to emphasize the flavours derived from the grain, fermentation and wood. Canadian whisky must be aged for at least three years and must have been distilled and matured in Canada.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
Corn whisk(e)y is the product of distilling a mash made up of at least 51% corn. Whiskies containing corn that do not meet this minimum are instead categorised as Grain whiskies. Corn whisk(e)y may be produced using a copper pot, column or hybrid still. To qualify for this category, a Corn whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and have been aged for a minimum of two years in wooden barrels. A Corn whisk(e)y may be described as Single Corn (the product of one distillery), Blended Corn (a blend of Corn whiskies produced at more than one distillery) or simply as Corn. Corn whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). Please note that this does not prohibit the addition of enzymes during mashing. If a Corn whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Corn whisk(e)y), it must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label. If a Blended Corn whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Blended Corn whiskey), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label and the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
Flavoured whisk(e)y is a spirit drink containing whisk(e)y as its sole constituent spirit, with added ingredients which augment the final flavour of the product. Flavourings may be added by means of one or more of the following processes: addition, infusion, maceration, alcoholic fermentation and distillation. To qualify as a flavoured whisk(e)y, no distilled spirits other than whisk(e)y (as outlined in other category definitions in this document) or products containing distilled spirits other than whisk(e)y may be added to the final product. Examples of flavourings include sweetening products such as honey or agave nectar (for further examples, see the definitions below) and foodstuffs including, but not limited to, herbs, spices, hops and fruits. In this category, artificial flavourings are permitted. A Flavoured whisky can be distinguished from a liqueur by its sugar content, which will be below 100g/litre. Products containing sugar levels in excess of 100g/litre will instead be considered liqueurs and qualify for entry to the World Liqueur Awards. To qualify for this category, a flavoured whisk(e)y must be bottled at >35% ABV. If a flavoured whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Flavoured Whiskey), the product must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label. Furthermore, the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry.
Grain whisky is the product of distilling a mash bill made up of a one or more cereal grain(s). This includes, but is not limited to, wheat, maize (corn), barley, millet, spelt, rice, oats and rye. Grain whisk(e)y may be produced using a copper pot, column or hybrid still. To qualify for this category, a grain whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and have been aged for a minimum of two years in wodden casks. A grain whisk(e)y may be Single Grain (the product of one distillery) or Blended Grain (a blend of grain whiskies produced at more than one distillery). Grain whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). Please note that this does not prohibit the addition of enzymes during mashing. If a Single Grain whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Single Grain whiskey), it must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label. If a Blended Grain whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Blended Grain whiskey), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label. Furthermore, the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
New-Make Spirit is the unaged product of distilling fermented cereal mash in a copper pot, column or hybrid still. It can be labelled variably as ‘Moonshine’, ‘White Dog’ and ‘Clearac’, with other local terminology used around the world. Young Spirit is New-Make Spirit that has been matured for more than six months but under two years in a wooden cask. If a New-Make or Young Spirit carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Moonshine or Irish New-Make Spirit), it must have been distilled in the country identified on the label. To qualify for this category, a New-Make or Young Spirit must be bottled at >40% ABV and, if it were matured further to a minimum of two years, must have the potential to become a category of whisk(e)y described in this document.
New Make
Young Spirit
Flavoured Spirit
A Flavoured Spirit is a product created by flavouring New-Make or Young Spirit with added ingredients which augment the final flavour of the product. Flavourings may be added by means of one or more of the following processes: addition, infusion, maceration, alcoholic fermentation and distillation. Examples of flavourings include sweetening products such as honey or agave nectar (for further examples, see the definitions below) and foodstuffs including, but not limited to, herbs, spices, hops and fruits. In this category, artificial flavourings are permitted. A Flavoured Spirit can be distinguished from a liqueur by its sugar content, which will be below 100g/litre. Products containing sugar levels in excess of 100g/litre will instead be considered liqueurs and qualify for entry to the World Liqueur Awards. To qualify for this category, a Flavoured Spirit must be bottled at >35% ABV. If a Flavoured Spirit carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Flavoured Spirit), the product must have been distilled, flavoured and bottled in the country identified on the label.
Speciality
Pot Still whisk(e)y is produced using a mash bill containing a mix of both malted and unmalted barley, and must be distilled at least twice in a copper pot still. To qualify for this category, a Pot Still whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and have been aged for a minimum of two years in wodden casks. A Pot Still whisk(e)y may be Single Pot Still (the product of one distillery) or blended Pot Still (a blend of Pot Still whiskies produced at more than one distillery). Pot Still whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). If a Single Pot Still whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Single Pot Still whiskey), it must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label. Please note that Pot Still whisk(e)y may be produced in any country – its production is not limited to Ireland. If a Blended Pot Still whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Blended Pot Still whiskey), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label. Furthermore, the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
Rye whisky is the product of distilling a mash made up of at least 51% rye. Whiskies containing rye that do not meet this minimum are instead categorised as grain whiskies. Rye whisk(e)y may be produced using a copper pot, column or hybrid still. To qualify for this category, a rye whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and have been aged for a minimum of two years in wooden casks. A Rye whisk(e)y may be described as Single Rye (the product of one distillery), Blended Rye (a blend of Rye whiskies produced at more than one distillery) or simply as Rye. Rye whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). Please note that this does not prohibit the addition of enzymes during mashing. If a Rye whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Rye whiskey), it must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label. If a Blended Rye whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Blended Rye whiskey), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label and the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A Single Cask Single Grain whisk(e)y is defined as the contents of a single cask of Single Grain whisk(e)y, as defined in this document. It is understood that a single cask is an enclosed maturation vessel made of wood that is no more than 750 litres in capacity. To qualify, a Single Cask Single Grain whisk(e)y must have been disgorged and bottled without addition of any substance except water (for dilution to bottling strength) and/or spirit caramel (E150A). The vatting of two or more casks is not permitted at any point in the production process of a Single Cask Single Grain.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A Single Cask Single Malt whisk(e)y is defined as the contents of a single cask of Single Malt whisk(e)y, as defined in this document. It is understood that a single cask is an enclosed maturation vessel made of wooden that is no more than 750 litres in capacity. To qualify, a Single Cask Single Malt whisk(e)y must have been disgorged and bottled without addition of any substance except water (for dilution to bottling strength) and/or spirit caramel (E150A). The vatting of two or more casks is not permitted at any point in the production process of a Single Cask Single Malt.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
Single Malt whisk(e)y is produced using a mash of 100% malted barley and must be distilled at least twice using a copper pot still. Though more than one cask may be vatted to create a single malt whisk(e)y, it must be solely the product of a single distillery. To qualify for this category, a single malt whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and have been aged for a minimum of two years in wooden casks. Single Malt whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). If a Single Malt whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. Irish Single Malt whiskey), it must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label. The same applies for the country/region of production which needs to be complete when entering the product.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
A Bourbon Small Batch whisky is defined as a Bourbon whiskey produced using no more than 100 barrels. The product must otherwise comply with the Bourbon Whisky definition.
Non Kentucky
Kentucky
A Single Malt Small Batch whisky is defined as a Single Malt whiskey produced using the contents of no more than 100 casks. The product must otherwise comply with this document’s definition of single malt.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
Age Statement
No Age Statement
Wheat whisk(e)y is the product of distilling a mash made up of at least 51% wheat. Whiskies containing wheat that do not meet this minimum are instead categorised as Grain whiskies. Wheat whisk(e)y may be produced using a copper pot, column or hybrid still. To qualify for this category, a Wheat whisk(e)y must be bottled at 40% ABV or above and have been aged for a minimum of two years in wooden casks. A Wheat whisk(e)y may be described as Single Wheat (the product of one distillery), Blended Wheat (a blend of Wheat whiskies produced at more than one distillery) or simply as Wheat. Wheat whisk(e)y may contain no additional flavourings or additives, with the exception of spirit caramel (E150a). Please note that this does not prohibit the addition of enzymes during mashing. If a Wheat whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Wheat whisk(e)y), it must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label. If a Blended Wheat whisk(e)y carries a geographical indication (e.g. American Blended Wheat whiskey), the blend must have been vatted and bottled in the country identified on the label and the majority (>50%) of its constituent whiskies must have been distilled and matured in the country identified on the label to qualify for entry.
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
No Age Statement
Design categories
This design category includes only singular bottles without outer packaging. It does include any decorative items such as neck tags or collars. The overall design, including closure, of the glass or PET bottle: shape, colour, functionality and any embossing, decorative finishes, coatings, or direct printed elements as well as visual appeal will be assessed in this category.
This category is designed to cater for all on shelf gift packs. These can be either gift packs containing individual bottles with packaging and accessories (such as glassware) or multi-product sets, including miniatures.
This includes all aspects of on-bottle brand/product communication, including the application of any direct printing onto bottle, capsule or closure, as well as paper and film labels and sleeves. This will be judged on the overall design and quality of materials, print, decoration and application.
This category applies to designs where the number produced was limited, such as for a special production, occasion or season. This can include individual bottles as well as bottles with outer packaging. This does not include gift packs, travel retail exclusives or special edition designs, which should be entered separately.
Packaging for a new product launched after February 1, 2023. This must be a new product, not a re-design of an existing product. Redesigns, please see the redesign/relaunch category.
This is a packaging design that carries through and unites a range or ‘family’ of different products from one producer or brand. To enter this category a minimum of three expressions need to be provided in order to assess the range design.
This category refers to a new or refreshed packaging design created for an existing product and introduced to the market after February 1, 2023. A picture or sample of the previous packaging must be supplied along with a description of what changes have been made and why
This applies to the secondary, outer, presentation packaging, such as cartons, boxes, cases, plinths, chests etc. The presentation will be judged on the overall effect with the bottle in place. This does not include gift packs or speciality designs, which should be entered separately.
This category is for speciality designs or ‘one off’ productions which have been exclusively designed for a very special occasion, are very limited and mostly in a higher price range. Must contain outer packaging. Sale is extremely selected and not generally available.
Products created specifically and only for sale in the duty-free / travel retail market. This can either individual bottles or products with outer packaging.
The judging process
The taste judging is held in three rounds.
Taste
Round One
Each whisky is tasted in its relevant style to identify and select the style winners. Judges making up the World Whiskies Awards panel include international, leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers and industry experts. Those who excel in round 1 and are awarded Style Winners proceed to round 2.
Rounds Two
Style winners are tasted against each other to identify the ‘Best’ whisky in each category. The 'Best' whisky in each category will proceed to the final round.
Final Round
The ‘Best’ whisky in each category are then tasted against each other one last time to select the World’s Best whisky. Judges at this stage include those in Round 1 and 2 to whom are added a panel of leading distillers and experts from the whisky industry.
Design
All design judging is conducted by a panel of leading international design experts.Shipping
1. Our shipping service
Our shipping service is made with security and simplicity in mind—once you have packed your products, we’ll take over from there.
Shipping is easy, simply access your online profile, enter your products, complete the shipping form provided and complete with payment. When we have received the payment, we will arrange everything for you. The entire process is carefully controlled and tracked by us, if you have any questions on the status of your entries, we will be able to provide you with all the information you need.
Our shipping service includes all charges, from transport costs to duties and all clearance documents. There are no surprise charges, once you have paid the initial shipment costs, there is nothing further to pay.
*Italy & France
The World Drinks Awards has collection depots in Italy and France. You will be provided with all details once your shipment is booked, but you will need to ensure you deliver your entries to the local depot yourself. The transport costs for which are not part of the shipping fee.
2. Ship your products yourself
If you wish to ship your samples yourself, please ensure that all customs, clearance and any associated costs have been paid. We are unable to assist with EADs. If any costs have not been paid and/or charged by the couriers to the World Whiskies Awards, we can either not accept the shipment or will have to invoice any costs occurred, including an administration fee (see terms and conditions).
3. In person deliveries
We also accept in-person deliveries. Please contact us prior to delivery to ensure a member of our team is ready to meet you and collect your shipment.
Quantities Required
For Taste entries, we require for each entry:
- 3 x 500ml (minimum) Bottles
For Design entries, we require for each entry:
If you have entered both Taste and Design, please provide the number of bottles specified under the 'Taste' entries quantities section.Rates
Entry fees
| Note: price is for each entry |
|---|
| | 1 entry | 2 entries | 3 entries | 4+ entries |
|---|
| Sterling |
| Taste & Design | £315 + VAT | £295 + VAT | £285 + VAT | £275 + VAT |
| Design only | £209 + VAT | £199 + VAT | £189 + VAT | £179 + VAT |
| Taste only | £209 + VAT | £199 + VAT | £189 + VAT | £179 + VAT |
| Euro |
| Taste & Design | €375 | €365 | €355 | €345 |
| Design only | €245 | €240 | €235 | €230 |
| Taste only | €245 | €240 | €235 | €230 |
| USD |
| Taste & Design | $449 | $429 | $419 | $409 |
| Design only | $299 | $289 | $279 | $269 |
| Taste only | $299 | $289 | $279 | $269 |
| Canadian Dollar |
| Taste & Design | $535 | $520 | $505 | $490 |
| Design only | $365 | $355 | $345 | $335 |
| Taste only | $365 | $355 | $345 | $335 |
| Japanese Yen |
| Taste & Design | ¥44467.5 | ¥43862.5 | ¥42561.75 | ¥40656 |
| Design only | ¥31127.25 | ¥30250 | ¥29475.6 | ¥28332.15 |
| Taste only | ¥31127.25 | ¥30250 | ¥29475.6 | ¥28332.15 |
Terms & conditions
- Products must be sent by prepaid post and be received by the Shipping Date listed.
- Entries are only accepted on a completed online entry form with the appropriate entry fee.
- If an entry is withdrawn by the Due Date (or disqualified), the entry fee will be returned subject to an administration charge of 50% of the entry fee. Products will be made available for collection at the entrant’s expense or retained by the Organiser if not collected within eight weeks of the due date. Due Date is the entry deadline.
- If an entry is withdrawn after the Due Date, no refunds will be given. This includes entries for which product has not been received.
- Payment in full is required before judging commences.
- Substitutions of entries is possible, but needs to be communicated to the World Whiskies Awards prior to the Due Date.
- If you are shipping your entries yourself, please ensure that all customs, clearance and any associated costs have been paid in advance. If these costs are not paid, the World Whiskies Awards will invoice any costs occurred, including an administration fee. If these costs remain unpaid, the World Whiskies Awards are unable to accept the entries.
- The judges’ decision on all matters is final.
- The Organisers may, at their discretion, refuse to accept an entry.
- The Organisers may alter the closing date for the awards, place an entry in the most appropriate style, rule that an entry may not compete or is ineligible to compete, or alter the date, time or place on or at which the awards are scheduled to take place.
- The Chair of Judges has the power to disqualify any entry not deemed as meeting the entry criteria.
- These rules are governed by the laws of the UK.
- Please note, bottles are unable to be returned. Our policy on unreturned bottles is as follows:
- Opened bottles may be poured at trade and consumer events to promote the individual brand, or included in a charity bottling, the proceeds of which are distributed to charity.
- Closed bottles may be distributed to individual charities on a case by basis, or presented for auction, all proceeds of which are distributed to charity.