Michter’s has been named the World’s Most Admired Whiskey for the fourth consecutive year on the 2026 list published by Drinks International. The Louisville, Kentucky-based distiller ranked number one on the top-50 list, which was released on August 25, 2026.
The rankings are determined by an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts from more than 25 countries.
The annual Drinks International ranking is considered one of the definitive lists of the world’s best whiskies.
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Michter’s makes bourbon, rye, and American whiskey. The company said it has focused on the quality of its liquid and time spent engaging with trade and consumers during a complex period for international trade.
“Our entire team is thrilled and grateful for Michter’s to be voted The World’s Most Admired Whiskey for a fourth consecutive year,” said Matt Magliocco, executive vice president at Michter’s.
“Everything we do centers upon striving to make the highest quality whiskey, which requires taking a lot of extra steps throughout the production process that are more expensive but critical to the ultimate flavor and taste profile. To see how much people are enjoying Michter’s means the world to us.”
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READ THE STORYAndrea Wilson, master of maturation and COO at Michter’s, added: “While the underlying chemistry and physics of making exceptional whiskey can be surprisingly complex, our goal is simple: to produce fantastic products that people enjoy.”
Wilson described the recognition as “the most meaningful testament possible that we are on the right track.”
Shay Waterworth, editor of Drinks International, praised the brand’s consistency. “Michter’s continues to raise the bar each year. I commend Matt and the rest of the team for successfully and consistently delivering world class whiskey at a time when the wider industry is struggling.”
He added: “Every trade show I attend there’s a crowd around the Michter’s stand, which I think illustrates perfectly the respect this brand has among whisky professionals globally.”
Master distiller Dan McKee said the recognition was “beyond anything I could ever have imagined.”
Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s operates two other Kentucky sites. In Springfield, the company farms estate-grown grain on a 205-acre property.
Its second distillery is in the historic Fort Nelson Building in downtown Louisville, which features educational tours, whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson.
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