The Online English Whisky Awards has opened public voting for its 2026 edition, with two new categories added to expand recognition of England’s growing whisky sector. Voting is live now at englishwhiskyawards.co.uk and will close on April 10, with winners announced in a live event on April 24.
The community-led awards program, now in its second year, was inspired by the Online Scotch Whisky Awards. It is hosted by two independent whisky enthusiasts who aim to celebrate the craftsmanship and innovation within the English whisky industry.
This year’s program features five categories. Best Value English Whisky asks voters to select one bottle that delivers exceptional quality relative to its price. Best New English Whisky Distillery invites voters to choose up to three distilleries founded within the last eight years, judged on factors including tours, marketing, whisky range, and production practices.
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READ THE STORYBest English Whisky Distillery broadens the scope to all active English whisky distilleries, with voters again selecting up to three. Best Bottle & Presentation Design focuses on visual branding and packaging, requiring a single bottle selection.
The flagship category, Best English Whisky, asks participants to name the one bottle of English whisky that stands out above all others they have tasted.
The awards arrive at a time of notable growth for the English whisky category. England’s distillery count has expanded significantly over the past decade, with producers driving increased visibility both domestically and in export markets. The category has gained traction among collectors and enthusiasts, with several English single malts earning recognition at international spirits competitions in recent years.
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The program’s community-driven voting model distinguishes it from panel-judged awards. All selections are made directly by whisky consumers and enthusiasts rather than a judging committee.
Organizers have stated their goal is to “shine a spotlight on the innovation, craftsmanship, and passion driving English whisky to new heights.”
Voting is free and open to the public through the awards website.
