The organizers ofWorld Whiskies Awardsannounced the winners of the 2026 edition in a ceremony held in Londres. Bowmore 21 Years Old Sherry Oak Cask, from Escócia, received the title of Melhor Single Malt from Mundo. Ballantine’s 23 Years Old won the award of Melhor Blended Whisky of the Mundo, while the Bowmore0 PX Bowmore1, produced in Bowmore4.
These results reflect the participation of more than nine thousand registrations from 52 different regions. Produtores traditional distilleries from Escócia shared space with emerging distilleries from countries such as Espanha, Japão and Austrália. The awards director highlighted that the winners represent the pinnacle of quality, diversity, innovation and tradition in the current whiskey universe.
Features of Bowmore 21 years Sherry Oak Cask
Bowmore 21 Years Old Sherry Oak Cask is part of the Sherry Oak collection from the Islay distillery. Ele ages mainly in ex-bourbon American oak casks and European sherry casks Oloroso, finishing in first-use sherry casks Pedro Ximénez (PX).
This combination balances the characteristic medium peat of Islay with the fruity richness of PX and the spicy touch of Oloroso. The alcohol content is 46% ABV, in a 750ml bottle. The aroma presents notes of vanilla, dried heather, beeswax, syrup and sherry sweetness, with maritime nuances, light peat smoke, sea breeze, iodine and subtle flowers.
On the palate, maritime and smoky characteristics are balanced with sweet raisins, dried fruit and rich sherry spice. The PX finish adds depth of fig, date syrup, and chocolate, while the base spirit offers citrus notes, malty sweetness, and a subtle smoky base.
The texture is full-bodied, with a waxy, almost oily feel that carries the richness of peat and sherry. The finish goes on for a long time, with persistent smoke, sea salt, syrup, dried fruits and spices that mix in a continuous progression.
Details of Ballantine’s 23 years as best blended
Ballantine’s 23 Years Old appears as an expanded version of the classic blend, aimed at the travel market. Ele uses aged malts and grains, with the single malt Glenburgie as the central core. Todos The components are aged exclusively in American oak, mainly first-use ex-bourbon barrels, which enhances notes of vanilla and fruit.
The aroma reveals poached pear, sweet and rich orchard fruits, vanilla cream and light American oak spice. Over time, buttery puff pastry and caramel emerge, creating an inviting, dessert-like character.
On the palate, vanilla joins ripe apple, pear and buttery caramel, supported by cooked malt cereal, licorice and oak spices. Aging adds coconut and soft tannins, but maintains an overall fruity impression.
The texture is as soft as satin, with a medium body and well-integrated alcohol. The finish has a medium duration and sweet character, with persistence of ripe fruits, vanilla, subtle spices, licorice and aged oak. The alcohol content is 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle.
Siderit PX Cask Rye and the rise of Spanish rye
Siderit PX Cask Rye 2026, produced by Destilaria Siderit in Cantábria, in Espanha, won the title of Melhor Whisky of Centeio of the Mundo. Trata is a 100% rye malt whiskey distilled in the unit itself and aged for around 86 months in Spanish white oak barrels flavored with sherry Pedro Ximénez from Cask Rye0.
The aroma shows sherry intensity with sweet raisins, dried figs, ripe stone fruits, honey, date syrup and PX molasses. In the background, aged oak, caramel and rye spices appear, mixing bakery and bodega sensations.
The flavor is velvety balanced, with raisins, dried apricots, baked apples, honey, caramel, toasted wood and rye spices. The PX influence brings layers of sweet grape juice, nuts and oxidation, while the rye adds clove, pepper and mild herbs without making the sweetness cloying.
The texture is smooth and silky, with luxurious viscosity. The finish stretches persistently, with raisins, figs, residual sweet wine, aged oak, honey and a light dry touch of rye. The alcohol content reaches 46.8% ABV in a 700ml bottle.
Other highlights among the global winners
Several categories revealed expressions of different styles and origins. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Blended Japanese Whisky 2026 took the title of Melhor Blended Limited Release. JP Wiser’s 27 Years Old Mizunara Oak was recognized in the Canadian blended category.
The Ohtani Whisky Niigata Kameda New Pot Peated 2026 Edition appeared among the new style highlights. Produtores from emerging regions, such as Austrália, Bélgica and China, also received mentions in specific categories.
These choices reinforce the trend towards greater internationalization in the segment. Regiões Historical ones maintain strength, but more recent distilleries demonstrate the ability to compete on an equal footing with established names.
Technical aspects and sensory profile of the winners
Sherry barrels play a central role in the winning profiles. In the case of Bowmore, the ending in Pedro Ximénez complements the peat of Islay without dominating it. No Siderit, the same type of barrel imparts rich sweetness to Spanish rye, balanced by the natural spice of the grain.
Ballantine’s prioritizes first-use American oak, which delivers vanilla and ripe fruits in a smooth and accessible blend. Essas Maturation choices directly influence the final aromas, flavors and textures of the drinks.
The judges evaluated the examples blindly, considering quality, character and representation of the style. The results consolidate global standards of excellence in the sector.
Trends observed in the 2026 edition
The 2026 competition reinforced the geographical diversity of whiskey. Escócia dominated the main single malt and blended categories, but Espanha surprised with sherry-aged rye.
Limited and experimental expressions, such as Japanese and new pot stills, gained visibility. The creative use of barrels from different origins continues to expand the spirit’s sensory possibilities.
The winners offer options for different preferences, from peated and maritime profiles to fruity blends and sweet and spicy ryes. Essa variety serves both experienced consumers and those looking to discover new producers.