About the awards
The World Whiskies Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all internationally recognised styles of Whiskies.
Scotland Category winners announced 8 December 2022
Winners announcement: February 2nd 2023 & the finals on March 30th 2023.
The World Whiskies Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all internationally recognized styles of whiskies. Presented by TheDrinksReport.com, the world’s no.1 online resource for drinks professionals, the World Whiskies Awards select, reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.
Icons of Whisky
Welcome to the Icons of Whisky NEW for 2023We are delighted to say that the Icons of Whisky are now open for entries and introduce our new online entry system. You can simply make your applications through your customer profile.
The Icons of Whisky are firstly presented regionally; in America, Australia, China, Ireland, Scotland and Rest of World. Those successful within their region then compete for the global title.
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.
A list of rates, categories and definitions can be found
hereEntry Deadline for Online Applications - 31 October 2022
Taste categories
12 Years & Under
13 to 20 Years
21 Years & Over
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 different distilleries or the same style, produced at different distilleries, but excluding blended malt. 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
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
The overall design of the glass or PET bottle: shape, colour, functionality and any embossing, decorative finishes, coatings or direct printed elements as well as visual appeal.
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. The pack will be judged on the overall design and quality of materials, print, decoration and application.
This category applies to pack designs where the number produced was limited, such as for a special production, occasion or season.
Packaging for a new product launched after February 1, 2019.
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 is a packaging design that carries through and unites a range or ‘family’ of different products from one producer or brand.
This category refers to a new or refreshed packaging design created for an existing product and introduced to the market after February 1, 2019. A picture or sample of the previous packaging must be supplied along with a description of what changes have been made and why
Packaging created specifically for sale in the duty-free / travel retail market
The judging process
TASTEThe taste judging is held in three rounds.
Round 1Each 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.
Rounds 2Style winners are tasted against each other to identify the ‘Best’ whisky in each category.
Round 3The ‘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.
DESIGNAll DESIGN judging is conducted by a panel of leading international design experts.
Please send 3 bottles. If you have entered only in design, please only send 2 bottles.
Every entrant receives… A personalized World Whiskies Awards tasting note
Invitation to the World Whiskies Awards final round tasting in London
Winners receive…
Extensive coverage on WorldWhiskiesAwards.com
High resolution logos
International, regional and national coverage targeting Whiskies consumers and trade buyers
Boxed set: inclusion in the World Whiskies Awards boxed set, featuring the winners
Point of sale materials including: stickers and collarets with your award in corporate collars
All country and world winners are featured in the annual Best Spirits publication
Medals, Certificates and Trophies receive…
Medal, certificate and logo pack
Country certificate and logo pack
World Style certificate and logo pack
World’s Best Trophies, certificate and logo packShipping
Brexit and shipping from Europe
Customs Declarations will be required from 1 January 2021 for shipments between Great Britain and the European Union (and vice-versa). Although the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement refers to 'zero tariffs' (zero customs duties), this doesn't replace the need to generate a Customs Declaration and so a Commercial or Pro-forma Invoice is required. The trade deal only applies to Customs duties, meaning that in most cases Customs duties will not be applied to goods fulfilling all necessary "rules of origin" requirements. However, VAT will still be levied. Customs declarations are therefore required for goods to clear the border, as the UK will have left the single market and the customs union. Country-specific restrictions will still be in place and any associated licences will also be required.
If you have any queries regarding the shipment of your samples, please get in touch via email info@worlddrinksawards.com with subject line ‘World Whiskies Awards shipping query’
Shipping Deadline (Product needs to be received by): 15 October 2022
Please note that the DHL shipping service can currently not be provided for Canada and the USA
Canada
Our delivery facility is open for entries. All samples should be delivered to Toronto.
USA
Our delivery facility is open for entries. All samples should be delivered to Springfield, Virginia.
ROW
Our delivery facility is open for entries. All samples should be delivered to Norwich, UK.
JAPAN
Please contact the team on
Email: info@whiskymag.jp
TEL: 03-3863-2561
Ensure your products are packed securely. Print the packaging slip from your online profile for each product Complete the Quantity and ML specification Attached the pack slip to the outside of the box. If you have multiple entries per box, please attached all pack slips to the outside of the box
The pack slip is not a customs document.
If you have also entered your products into design, no additional product needs to be provided.
For DESIGN ONLY
If you have only entered design, 2 bottles of each should be provided.
We are delighted to introduce our new shipping system which. You can then ship your entries straight through our own booking system in conjunction with DHL. For a set shipping fee we get your shipment booked in and arrange for pick up. This fee will then cover any duties as well.
When you are shipping your entries yourself, please ensure that all customs, clearance and any associated costs have been paid. If these are not paid, World Beer Awards can either not accept the entries or will have to invoice any costs occurred, including a £25.00 administration fee. All duty invoices will come directly from our accounts team.
Rates
Entry fees
| Note: price is for each entry |
|---|
| | 1 entry | 2 entries | 3 entries | 4+ entries |
|---|
| Sterling |
| Taste & Design | £260 + VAT | £245 + VAT | £235 + VAT | £225 + VAT |
| Design | £189 + VAT | £179 + VAT | £169 + VAT | £164 + VAT |
| Taste or Design | £189 + VAT | £179 + VAT | £169 + VAT | £164 + VAT |
| Euro |
| Taste & Design | €325 | €315 | €305 | €295 |
| Design | €215 | €210 | €205 | €200 |
| Taste or Design | €215 | €210 | €205 | €200 |
| USD |
| Taste & Design | $430 | $415 | $400 | $385 |
| Design | $290 | $280 | $270 | $260 |
| Taste or Design | $290 | $280 | $270 | $260 |
| Canadian Dollar |
| Taste & Design | $490 | $475 | $460 | $445 |
| Design | $335 | $325 | $315 | $305 |
| Taste or Design | $335 | $325 | $315 | $305 |
| Japanese Yen |
| Taste & Design | ¥36750 | ¥36250 | ¥35175 | ¥33600 |
| Design | ¥25725 | ¥25000 | ¥24360 | ¥23415 |
| Taste or Design | ¥25725 | ¥25000 | ¥24360 | ¥23415 |
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 Drinks 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 Drinks Awards will invoice any costs occurred, including a £25.00 administration fee. If these costs remain unpaid, the World Drinks 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:
o 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.
o 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.