Canada’s whisky tradition runs deep, and rye sits right at its heart. Long known for smooth, approachable blends, the country has increasingly leaned into bold, spice-forward expressions that show just how much character rye can carry, a style that’s winning fresh respect from drinkers and judges alike. The IWSC puts that quality to a rigorous test.
Founded in 1969 by wine chemist Anton Massel on the conviction that every entry should be scientifically tested as well as tasted, the competition assesses spirits blind in numbered glasses.
Scores translate to Bronze (85-89), Silver (90-94), Gold (95-97) and Gold Outstanding (98-100).
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READ THE STORYBelow are all of the Canadian whiskies recognised at IWSC 2026.
| Producer | Whisky | Score | Medal |
| Alberta Distillers Ltd | Rare Batch No.2 21 YO Canadian Blended Whiskey | 95 |
Spirit Gold 2026
|
| Whistlepig | Estate Oak 15 YO Rye Whiskey | 95 |
Spirit Gold 2026
|
| Heaven Hill Brands | Black Velvet Toasted Caramel Flavoured Whisky | 95 |
Spirit Gold 2026
|
| Whistlepig | Small Batch 10 YO Rye Whiskey | 93 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Black Fox Farm and Distillery | Triticosecale Single Grain Whisky | 92 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Whistlepig | Piggyback 6 YO 100% Rye Whiskey | 91 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Black Fox Farm and Distillery | Secale Cereale Single Grain Rye Whisky | 91 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Cirka Distilleries | Burgundy Lion 8 YO Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | 91 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Whistlepig | Old World 12 YO Wine Cask Finish Rye Whiskey | 90 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Alberta Distillers | 10 YO Premium Cask Strength Rye | 90 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Suntory Global Spirits | Canadian Club 12 YO Blended Canadian Whisky | 90 |
Spirit Silver 2026
|
| Black Fox Farm and Distillery | 2025 Blended Canadian Whisky | 89 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| William Grant & Sons Brands | Gibsons Finest 18 YO Venerable Blended Canadian Whisky | 89 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Sazerac Company | Seagram’s VO Black Blended Whisky | 89 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Alberta Distillers | 9 YO Golden Rye | 89 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Sazerac Company | Rich & Rare Reserve Whiskey | 89 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Heaven Hill Brands | Black Velvet Peach Flavoured Whisky | 89 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Alberta Distillers | Reifel Rye | 88 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Heaven Hill Brands | Black Velvet Blackberry Flavoured Whisky | 88 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| William Grant & Sons Brands | Gibsons Finest Rare 12 YO Blended Canadian Whisky | 87 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Eau Claire Distillery | Ploughman’s Single Malt Canadian Whisky | 87 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Alberta Distillers | Canadian Club 100% Rye | 87 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Alberta Distillers | Premium Rye | 86 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Suntory Global Spirits | Canadian Club 1858 Blended Canadian Whisky | 86 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| William Grant & Sons Brands | Gibsons Finest Sterling Blended Canadian Whisky | 86 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| Heaven Hill Brands | Black Velvet Original 3 YO Blended Whisky | 86 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| That Boutique-y Whisky Company | 8 YO Canadian Corn Whisky | 86 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
| William Grant & Sons Brands | Gibsons Bold 8 YO Blended Canadian Whisky | 86 |
Spirit Bronze 2026
|
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