Launched in 2010, the Canadian Whisky Awards is the country’s leading whisky competition. Organised by whisky writer and historian Davin de Kergommeaux and an independent panel of judges, the awards were created to raise awareness of the quality and diversity of Canadian whisky and to celebrate its top producers.
Held annually in conjunction with the Victoria Whisky Festival, the competition is blind-tasted by a panel of seasoned writers, judges, and industry professionals. The focus is on objectivity and excellence, with each entry assessed for aroma, taste, balance, and complexity.
What sets the Canadian Whisky Awards apart is its unwavering commitment to showcasing Canada’s unique whisky traditions—often underrepresented on the global stage—and providing a credible, transparent platform for recognition. For distillers, the awards offer valuable validation; for consumers, they provide a reliable guide to the best whiskies Canada has to offer.
For those seeking a quick overview, the following table summarizes the essential details of the Canadian Whisky Awards. This at-a-glance format provides the most critical data points for a rapid understanding of the competition’s framework.
Organiser: Davin de Kergommeaux and an independent panel of whisky experts
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Ottawa, Ontario
Cadence: Annual
Next Awards: January 2026
All entries to the Canadian Whisky Awards are judged blind by an independent panel made up of seasoned whisky writers, reviewers, and industry professionals. Whiskies are grouped by category and tasted without brand or age identifiers to ensure an unbiased evaluation.
Each judge independently scores the whiskies based on aroma, flavour, balance, complexity, and overall impression. Scores are compiled and averaged to determine medal rankings and category winners. In cases where results are closely matched, discussion among the judges helps to refine the final rankings.
The competition places particular emphasis on transparency and credibility. Whiskies from outside of Canada are accepted, but the entries must be shipped from within Canada.
The Canadian Whisky Awards offers one of the most comprehensive recognitions of Canadian whisky in the industry, with a wide range of style-specific and specialty categories. Core whisky honours include top awards for Single Malt, Rye, Corn, Wheat, Blended, Mixed Mash, Flavoured, and Cream Whiskies. Each major category also crowns a “Whisky of the Year” winner, with one expression ultimately earning the title of Canadian Whisky of the Year—awarded to the highest-scoring entry across all styles.
In addition to core style distinctions, specialty awards recognise standouts in unique production formats such as Best Barrel Finished Whisky, Best Cask Strength Whisky, Best Single Barrel Release, and Best Whisky No Age Statement. Awards are also divided by age range, with winners announced for whiskies under 8 years, between 9–15 years, and over 15 years.
Business and media awards round out the program, celebrating excellence in branding, innovation, marketing, blending, and whisky journalism—making the Canadian Whisky Awards a holistic celebration of the category and its culture.
The Canadian Whisky Awards play a critical role in elevating the profile of Canadian whisky both at home and abroad. For producers, a medal or top honour can significantly boost brand recognition, media attention, and consumer interest—particularly for newer or smaller distilleries seeking wider visibility. Winning whiskies often see increased shelf presence and credibility among retailers and distributors.
For consumers, the awards provide an informed guide to the best Canadian whiskies across styles, price points, and production methods. Because entries are judged blind by a knowledgeable panel, the results are seen as both credible and accessible.
Within the trade, these awards serve as a benchmark of quality that helps inform buying decisions and shape industry conversation. In a category that has sometimes been underrepresented globally, the Canadian Whisky Awards provide a vital platform for recognition, pride, and continued innovation.
For more information or to view past winners, visit the official website: https://canadianwhiskyawards.com/
