New to Pot Still Irish Whiskey? Start With These 5 Medal Winners

What makes single pot still Irish whiskey different from single malt? We explain, then pick five 2026 medal winners, from Redbreast 12 to Blue Spot.
Looking for Cask Strength Bourbon Under $75? These 5 Have the Medals to Back Them Up

Can award-winning barrel proof bourbon still cost under $75? These five medal winners, from 108.4 to 129 proof, prove it does. So which would you open first?
Uncle Nearest Won 5 Gold Medals at the San Diego Spirits Festival 2026 While in Receivership

Which brand swept five of eight whiskey Golds at the 2026 San Diego Spirits Festival—while in court-ordered receivership? See every winner.
These 5 Indian Whiskies Scored Highest At The USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Which Indian single malt did trade buyers rate highest at the USA Spirits Ratings 2026? See the top five, from Indri’s Diwali release to a travel-only Amrut.
The World’s Best Whisky According To The IWSC 2026 Trophies

What links a Kentucky-only bonded bourbon, a Jura-finished whiskey, and a coronation blend? All won IWSC 2026 Trophies. Meet the seven winners.
International Spirits Challenge 2026 Trophy Winners Unveiled

Which whisky ended Yamazaki’s three-year reign as the ISC’s Supreme Champion Spirit? Meet the six 2026 trophy winners, including a bourbon under $20.
The World’s Best Scotch Whiskies According To The IWSC 2026 Trophies

What links a £32 peated Islay malt, a 35-year-old Bunnahabhain and a coronation blend? All three won Scotch Trophies at the IWSC 2026. Here’s how they’re made.
The Best Whiskies From The Melbourne International Spirits Competition 2026

How did two craft Argentine distilleries and supermarket own-labels end up beside Uncle Nearest and Loch Lomond in Melbourne’s 2026 Gold list?
These 6 Award-Winning Whiskies Cost Under $50—And Outscored Luxury Bottles

Can a whisky under $50 really beat the competition? These six 2026 medal winners, including a 99-point rye and a 98-point Islay malt, prove it can.
Why Bartenders Prefer Rye: 5 Award-Winning Ryes That Dominated the Bartender Spirits Awards

Why do bartenders reach for rye in a Manhattan? We explain, and reveal five American ryes that bartender judges awarded Double Gold.
The Best Rye Whiskey From The New York International Spirits Competition 2026

Which American rye whiskeys earned a unanimous Double Gold from NYISC 2026’s blind-tasting trade judges? From a $23 Kentucky staple to a triple-wine-cask 12 year old.
The Best Value Bourbons From The New York International Spirits Competition 2026

Can an $18 bourbon score as high as one costing over $100? At the NYISC, five affordable bottles did just that. Here’s what they are and why they’re worth buying.
5 Award-Winning Scotch Whiskies You Can Buy for $60 or Less

Can an $18 bottle of Scotch really outscore pricey single malts? At this year’s NYISC, the cheapest whisky on our list took the highest score of all.
The Best Irish Whiskey According To The New York International Spirits Competition 2026

Which Irish whiskeys took top honors at the New York International Spirits Competition 2026, and how did a distillery that opened in 2023 land three awards?
All Scotch Whisky Winners From The New York International Spirits Competition 2026

Which Scotch whiskies impressed the trade judges enough to earn Double Gold at the 2026 New York International Spirits Competition? See the full winners list.
All American Whiskey Winners From The New York International Spirits Competition 2026

Which American whiskeys impressed trade buyers enough to earn Double Gold in 2026? See every bourbon, rye and single malt medal winner from the NYISC.
The Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky From The New York International Spirits Competition 2026

Which single malt Scotch whiskies earned a unanimous Double Gold from trade buyers in 2026? From a £30 Speyside to a 25-year-old Highland, here are all eight.
Europe’s Best Whiskies From The World Whisky Masters 2026

Which country beat Scotland at its own game to claim the only Master in Europe’s single malt category? The answer might surprise you—it wasn’t England.
The Best Highlands & Islands Whisky From The Scotch Whisky Masters 2026

Which four single malts were named the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands in 2026, and how did a $70 Australian supermarket bottling beat the big names?
The Best Irish Whiskey From The Irish Whiskey Masters 2026

Which Irish whiskey beat out a 33-year-old Teeling and an independent Bushmills to be crowned the best of the entire competition? The answer may surprise you.