Toronto 
The 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards have named J.P. Wiser’s 24 Year Old Canadian Whisky as Canadian Whisky of the Year, marking a top honour for the long-established brand.
CNW Group/Corby Spirit and Wine Limited (Communications)
Held annually alongside the Victoria Whisky Festival, the Canadian Whisky Awards are the only awards program dedicated exclusively to Canadian whisky. The competition is widely regarded as a key benchmark for producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers seeking quality Canadian releases.
Additional “Whiskies of the Year” awards went to Wayne Gretzky Distillery for Blended Whisky of the Year with Maple Cask Whisky, Bearface for Corn Whisky of the Year with Triple Oak, and Forty Creek for Cream Whisky of the Year with Cinnamon Bun. Crown Royal Chocolate was named Flavoured Whisky of the Year.
The Canadian Whisky Awards, now in their 16th year, recognize excellence in various categories.
Wild Life Distillery earned multiple honours, including Mixed Mash Whisky of the Year and Rye Whisky of the Year. Macaloney’s Distillery received Single Malt Whisky of the Year for The Peat Project: Harvest Coast and also took home the Award of Excellence in Product Innovation.
In aging and specialty categories, Pike Creek’s 22 Year Old PX Cask Finish won Best Limited Expression and Best Whisky Aged Over 15 Years. Sons of Vancouver Distillery was recognized for Best Cask Strength Whisky, Best New Whisky, and Best Whisky Aged Eight Years or Under.
Whiskies of the Year
- Canadian Whisky of the Year – J.P. Wiser’s 24 Year Old Canadian Whisky
- Blended Whisky of the Year – Wayne Gretzky Distillery – Maple Cask Whisky
- Corn Whisky of the Year – BEARFACE – Triple Oak
- Cream Whisky of the Year – Forty Creek Cinnamon Bun
- Flavoured Whisky of the Year – Crown Royal Chocolate
- Mixed Mash Whisky of the Year – Wild Life Distillery – Wild Life Rye Whisky
- Rye Whisky of the Year – Wild Life Distillery – WLD Cask King of the North
- Single Malt Whisky of the Year – Macaloney’s Distillery – The Peat Project: Harvest Coast
- Best Barrel Finished Whisky – Bridgeland Distillery – Glenbow Single Malt, Porta-Rossa Cask Finish
Category Best Whiskies
- Best Cask Strength Whisky – Sons of Vancouver Distillery – ‘The First Crack of a Creme Brulee’ Cask-Strength Wheated Rye
- Best Limited Expression – Pike Creek 22 Year Old PX Cask Finish Canadian Whisky
- Best Line Extension – Bridgeland Distillery – Glenbow Single Malt, Porta-Rossa Cask Finish
- Best New Whisky – Sons of Vancouver Distillery – Wheated Rye
- Best Single Barrel Release – John Sleeman & Sons Spring Mill Distillery – Wine Cask Aged Single Malt
- Best Whisky No Age Statement – John Sleeman & Sons Spring Mill Distillery – John Sleeman & Sons Wine Cask Aged Single Malt
- Best Whisky Aged 8 Years or Under – Sons of Vancouver Distillery – ‘The First Crack of a Creme Brulee’ Cask-Strength Wheated Rye
- Best Whisky Aged 9-15 Years – Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky – Two Brewers Release 47
- Best Whisky Aged Over 15 Years – Pike Creek 22 Year Old PX Cask Finish Canadian Whisky
- Award of Excellence in Product Innovation – Macaloney’s Distillery – The Peat Project
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals were awarded across a wide range of distilleries, showcasing the growing excellence and variety in Canadian whisky.
For winners in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, visit the Canadian Whisky Awards website.
