The World Whisky Masters 2025 results
Whiskies from less traditional producing nations offer aficionados a chance to explore new tastes – and the quality is high.
When The Spirits Business published The Brand Champions 2025 in June, our annual report analysing the world’s million-case-selling spirits brands, it showed that the biggest world whiskies had a mixed performance last year. Indian whiskies had a largely positive 2024, with the majority of million-case-sellers in growth. However, two out of the three Canadian whiskies experienced volume declines, as did Japanese whiskies – with the third brand stagnant.
However, talk to whisky fans and industry folk, and there’s a tangible buzz about the world whisky category – and it’s been going for some time. An influx of new distillers, product development, and twists on classic flavours has ignited excitement.
But innovation in spirits is only as good as it tastes. The World Whisky Masters looked across the globe to uncover the most notable drops currently on the market.
The tasting took place this year at Stereo in London’s Covent Garden, and was sponsored by cork maker Talis.
Six teams of judges gathered to assess the world whisky category’s offerings. The first panel included Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor of The Spirits Business, who was joined by James Bunting, founder of New Make Communications. The second panel included: Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange ambassador; Miona Madsen, content writer for The Spirits Business and the drinks business; and Antony Moss, independent sustainability consultant, who chaired the group. David T Smith, drinks writer, consultant and co-founder of the Craft Distilling Expo, chaired a panel with spirits new product development consultant Rosie Milsom.
A fourth group included chair Ruchira Neotia, drinks consultant and founder of Ruchira’s Table, and Nick Larsson-Bell, senior buyer at Harvey Nichols. The fifth set of judges included Dan Greifer, bar supervisor at Black Parrot in London, who chaired, and Vicky Ilankovan, executive director of non-profit Equal Measures UK. The sixth and final panel featured Karen Taylor, director of Whisky For Everyone, who chaired, and spirits writer Ian Wisniewski.
To begin with, European blends (excluding Ireland and Scotland) were presented for tasting. The start was strong. A Master medal was awarded to Beauchamp Triple Grain for its “rich and bready profile, with some sweet notes, toasted oats and complexity”. The whisky is made by France’s Les Bienheureux, which went on to score five Gold medals in the flight. Another Gold was also awarded to Nestville Master Blender 15 Years Old, while four Silvers finished the first flight.
The single malt offerings from Europe also found favour with the judges, resulting in a trio of Master medals.
Welsh whisky Penderyn Madeira was a Master medallist, praised for “creamy pastry notes, rich and robust, with a lovely smooth sweetness; nutty with figs and dates”. Also in the Master ranks was English product Wire Works Whisky Necessary Evil, which presented “tropical fruits, white pepper that softens into spicy loveliness”. “An absolute treat,” enthused Bunting.
The third of the Masters was awarded to Romanian whisky Carpathian Single Malt Ruby Port Cask Finish. This was “super fruity, with so much strawberry and raspberry” on the nose, leading to “ a touch of orange peel” on the palate. It is also worth highlighting the 11 Gold medals that gave the flight a boost. Winners included a double win from Norwegian distillery Det Norske Brenneri, with one Gold for “rich, fruity and slightly dry” Eiktyrne Triple French Oak, and another for “dry, crisp and grassy” Eiktyrne Quadruple Batch 4. Five Silvers completed the heat. “These were broadly wonderful,” noted Bunting. “There was some really great diversity; they all showed great characteristics.”
Touch of peppermint
A Gold medal was awarded in the Europe (excluding Scotland and Ireland) – Single Grain round. Green Monkey – Single Grain Whisky impressed with “fruit and a touch of peppermint”, which lifted the whisky.
The European rye contingent produced two more Gold medallists, including Blind Seal Straight Rye Whiskey, which had “balanced orchard fruit and spice notes, liquorice sweetness, and a touch of savoury grains”. The second Gold went to Stork Club Straight Rye Whiskey, which had notes of “gummy bears, sweet dried fruits, nutmeg and spice”. The round also created four Silver winners.
After Europe, the tasting switched continents to Asia (though excluding Japan and India), starting with blends. Yomatsuri Blended Whisky collected a Gold medal for its “fruity” profile, with “some apple and a lick of baking spices”.
In the Asian single malts round, five entrants met the Master standard – and all of them hailed from Taiwan. Three
came from Kavalan Distillery: Kavalan Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, and Kavalan Solist Madeira Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. The latter whisky was celebrated for aromas of “fruit cake, brown sugar, plump sultanas and sweet butter”.
Abbott added: “The palate is surprisingly approachable with layers of orchard fruit and brown sugar whipped with butter. Spiciness builds bringing in cinnamon and nutmeg notes.”
The two other Masters in this round went to whiskies by the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery: Omar Cask Strength Single Malt (PX Cask), and Omar Single Malt (Virgin Oak). The virgin oak-matured whisky had “loads of vanilla and caramel up front on the nose. The palate is quite big and bold, with some sweetness.”
When it came to Gold-worthy entrants, a staggering 22 whiskies were deemed deserving of the coveted award. Many Golds also went to Kavalan and Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery whiskies. But a selection was also given to Ki One Whisky Distillery, Guangzhou Shunchanyuan Wine & Spirit, and Orang Tua’s Batavia Whisky. The latter expression was described as “a lovely bright, fruity whisky”. Nine Silver medals completed the enormous round.
The following round was Asia (excluding Japan and India) – Pure Malt, in which Pernod Ricard took home two Golds and one Silver. The Gold medals went to: The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky PX Finish Small Batch D15, which had notes of “Twiglets, lemon oil, maltiness, red apple, and clove”; and The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky Non-Chill-Filtered, which showed “a lot of wood character, stewed fruits, cookie dough, and a biscuit maltiness”.
Then came a round of Asia (excluding Japan and India) – Single Grain. A Gold medal was presented to Hom Mali Rice Whiskey, which showed “interesting” qualities, and flavours such as “creamy rice and a hint of sweet vanilla”. A Silver medal finished the flight.
Japan, with its reputation for quality whiskies, did not disappoint. The blended flight found two Master-worthy expressions. The first was Kōriyama, which had a “little wisp of smoke on the nose, and golden syrup”. The palate developed into “good sweetness, smoke and a smooth finish”.
Master-winning Togouchi Premium was liked for its “honeyed” nose, leading to “red berry fruits, some gooseberry, and a plum fruitiness”.
In the Japan – Single Malt segment, Japanese Single Malt Whisky Ontake 2025 secured a Gold medal for its “bold malty sweetness and sandalwood” notes.
The entry into the Japanese Single Grain Spirit Drink, Little K, seriously impressed, bagging a Master. “The nose opens with a lot of fruit and pastry notes with a touch of eucalyptus and fig,” noted Neotia. “On the palate, it holds the ABV well. Big mouthfeel, lots of oak and caramel with chocolate, chicory and pastry notes.”
Changing countries, a Gold medal was awarded to Otherside Subcontinental Whiskey in the India – Blended round.
In the India – Single Malt contingent the standard was exceptionally high. A quartet of Master-worthy single malts were discovered here. One of the accolades was presented to Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Asava. Larsson-Bell said: “Vanilla and strawberry, and cherry compote. Red apple tart with cardamom and cloves – butterscotch toast. The red fruits get brighter on the palate and crushed black cardamom drives to a long lingering finish – majestic.”
The remaining three Masters were all for whiskies made by John Distilleries: Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky PX; Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky Peated Select Cask; and Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky Port. The Port-aged medallist had an exciting profile: “A touch of cherry and red fruit on the nose. Sweet and full-bodied, with the Port showing through with red fruits as well as almonds and Christmas cake.”
Eight Gold medals showed just how strong the Indian single malt category is, with medallists including Godawan Single Malt Rich and Rounded Artisan Whisky, and Indri Agneya Single Malt.
Neotia said: “As Indian-born, I’m insanely proud to see the breadth and depth of the growing Indian single malt category. The elegance is unimpeachable. To see Indian single malts be judged as their own category is a triumph for the world’s number-one whisky-loving country.”
Larsson-Bell was equally ecstatic about the results. “Real elegance across the category. I was particularly impressed with the red wine and Port casks.”
As the regions were switched once again, Australasia showed it also has a whisky distilling scene worth knowing about. Australasia – Blended brought one Gold medal for 23rd Street Australian Whisky, with some “ripe nectarine” flavours. A Silver medal completed the blends.
Single malts shine
However, like India, it was the Australasian single malts that really shone. Another quartet of Masters delivered impressive profiles for the judges.
First, Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Sherry Barrel intrigued the judges with its “funky with dried fruit” aroma, which developed into “a Sherry-bomb palate with a hint of saline at the back. So much stewed fruit,” one judge noted.
Callington Mill Distillery’s El Sol Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky was found worthy of the top accolade due to its “caramel popcorn aroma, balanced richness, and tiramisu and crème caramel” flavours.
Coming from the same distillery, Quagmire Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky also secured a Master for being “oily and intense with some resinous notes”.
The fourth and final Master in this flight was bestowed upon Pokeno Exploration Series Winter Malt. Milsom said: “Nutty with a hint of smoke and a unique profile. Macadamia and hazelnut with peanut brittle, coffee and smoke.”
The four Masters were supported by 14 Gold medallists. Among the winners were: “dry, nutty, sweet” Dark Lark 2025; “woody, juicy, citrussy” Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Tokay Barrel; and “very well-balanced” Pokeno Discovery Single Malt.
The final Australasia round looked at single grain, awarding a Gold medal to “very rye-forward” Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky.
Canada showcased two top tipples, which won Master medals. Pendleton Midnight was one of the recipients, and it showed “lovely layers of sweet dried fruits and warm spices”. Master-worthy Mister Sam from Sazerac Company was enjoyed for its “silky texture, with tastes of burnt sugar, toffee, a touch of chocolate and jammy red fruits. Complex, bold and delicious.” Three Golds and five Silvers finished the flight.
In the World Blend heat – comprising whiskies made from more than one nation’s whisky – a Master medal was awarded to Collaboration Drop 2 with Dingle from Turntable Spirits. This whisky had a “bold Bourbon cask-like nose with nuts, orange and cherries. The palate brought more cherry and delicious wood spices.” A Gold medal and two Silvers were also enjoyed in this creative round.
England’s Grasmere Distillery showcased its new make spirit in the following flight, securing a Gold medal for its single malt new make. “Really lovely, fruity at first then softening into grains and cereal. Creamy and belying its strength,” one judge noted.
And last, but by no means least, “easy-drinking” Agitator Chestnut Cask was found to be deserving of a Gold medal in the closing Whisky Spirit Drink flight.
Could you guess which whisky took home the World Whisky Taste Master title? To say the competition was close is an understatement given the high calibre of entries from around the world. However, there was one standout product, the judges agreed, and it was Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Asava.
The diversity of whisky is one of the category’s many qualities that keep people coming back for more. It is also this that is helping to bring new spirits fans into the fold. If producers outside of more established regions can continue delivering the standard seen in this year’s medal haul, the world will be theirs for the taking.
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Europe (excluding Ireland and Scotland) – Blended | ||
| Les Bienheureux | Beauchamp Triple Grain | Master |
| Les Bienheureux | Bellevoye Noir | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Bellevoye Rouge | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Bellevoye Orange | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Bellevoye Vert | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Lefort | Gold |
| Nestville | Nestville Master Blender 15 Year Old | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Bellevoye Blanc | Silver |
| Allianspirits | Laferté | Silver |
| Agitator Whiskymakare | Agitator The Swedish Blend | Silver |
| Broken Bones | Roberto Grande Whisky | Silver |
Europe(excluding Ireland and Scotland) – Single Malt |
||
| Penderyn Distillery | Penderyn Madeira | Master |
| White Peak Distillery | Wire Works Whisky Necessary Evil | Master |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Carpathian Single Malt Whisky Ruby Port Cask Finish | Master |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Carpathian Single Malt Whisky Vradiano Cask Finish | Gold |
| Det Norske Brenneri | Eiktyrne Triple French Oak | Gold |
| Det Norske Brenneri | Eiktyrne Quadruple Batch 4 | Gold |
| Forest Distillery | Forest Whisky Single Malt | Gold |
| Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery | Filey Bay Regenerative Edition Nurture | Gold |
| Agitator Whiskymakare | Agitator The Swedish Malt | Gold |
| Agitator Whiskymakare | Agitator Argument: Sherry Butt | Gold |
| González Byass | Nomad Outland | Gold |
| González Byass | Nomad Reserve | Gold |
| Nestville | Nestville Whisky Single Malt Special Edition | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Beauchamp Single Malt | Gold |
| Les Bienheureux | Bercloux Single Malt | Silver |
| Whiskies du Monde | Evade Single Malt Tourbé | Silver |
| Alexandrion Saber Distilleries 1789 | Carpathian Single Malt Whisky Cognac Cask Finish | Silver |
| White Peak Distillery | Wire Works Whisky Port Wine LBV | Silver |
| Fanny’s Distilling | Green Monkey – Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
Europe (excluding Ireland and Scotland) – Single Grain |
||
| Fanny’s Distilling | Green Monkey – Single Grain Whisky | Gold |
Europe (excluding Ireland and Scotland) – Rye |
||
| Agitator Whiskymakare | Blind Seal Straight Rye Whiskey | Gold |
| Stork Club Whiskey | Stork Club Straight Rye Whiskey | Gold |
| Stork Club Whiskey | Stork Club Wind & Weather Rye Whiskey | Silver |
| Atom Brands | Malt & Rye & Suffolk & Goode | Silver |
| Diwisa | Goldwaescher Swiss Rye Whisky | Silver |
| Diwisa | Goldwaescher Pure Rye Whisky Virgin Oak | Silver |
Asia (excluding Japan and India) – Blended |
||
| Rachelle The Rabbit Distillery | Yomatsuri Blended Whisky | Gold |
Asia (excluding Japan and India) – Single Malt |
||
| Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery | Omar Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (PX Cask) | Master |
| Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery | Omar Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength – Virgin Oak | Master |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | Master |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | Master |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Solist Madeira Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | Master |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Port Oak Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No.2 Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Wine Oak Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Distillery Select No.1 Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Concertmaster Vinho Barrique Finish Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Ki One Whisky Distillery | Ki One Korea Unicorn | Gold |
| Ki One Whisky Distillery | Ki One Korea Tiger | Gold |
| Ki One Whisky Distillery | Ki One Korean Small Batch | Gold |
| Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery | Omar Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength Sherry Cask | Gold |
| Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery | Omar Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength Bourbon Cask | Gold |
| Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor | Omar Single Malt Whisky-Bourbon Type (Pakelang Edition) | Gold |
| Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Nantou Winery | Omar Single Malt Whisky Island Edition No.2 Triple Cask | Gold |
| Guangzhou Shunchangyuan Wine & Spirit | Kwun Cheung 5 Years Old Single Malt Whisky Aged In Changbai Mountains Mongolian Oak | Gold |
| Guangzhou Shunchangyuan Wine & Spirit | Omythy Lion Chinese Single Malt Whisky Aged In Oloroso Cask (Cask No.OL#098) | Gold |
| Guangzhou Shunchangyuan Wine & Spirit | Omythy Lion Chinese Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Orang Tua | Batavia Whisky | Gold |
| Astidama Adhimukti | Keris Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No.1 Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Distillery Select No.2 Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Lan Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Kavalan Distillery | King Car Conductor Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Kavalan Distillery | Kavalan Solist Peated Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Rachelle The Rabbit Distillery | Yomatsuri 10 Years Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Ki One Whisky Distillery | Ki One Korea Eagle | Silver |
Asia (excluding Japan and India) – Pure Malt |
||
| Pernod Ricard | The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky PX Finish Small Batch D15 | Gold |
| Pernod Ricard | The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky Non-Chill-Filtered | Gold |
| Pernod Ricard | The Chuan Pure Malt | Silver |
Asia (excluding Japan and India) – Single Grain |
||
| Rachelle The Rabbit Distillery | Hom Mali Rice Whiskey | Gold |
| Rachelle The Rabbit Distillery | Hom Mali Rice Whiskey (Cask Strength) | Silver |
Japan – Blended |
||
| Whiskies du Monde | Koriyama | Master |
| Whiskies du Monde | Togouchi Premium | Master |
Japan – Single Malt |
||
| Nishi Shuzo | Japanese Single Malt Whisky Ontake 2025 | Gold |
Japan – Single Grain Spirit Drink |
||
| Whiskey & Co | Little K | Master |
India – Blended |
||
| Third Eye Distillery | Otherside Subcontinental Whiskey | Gold |
India – Single Malt |
||
| Radico Khaitan | Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Asava | Master & Taste Master |
| John Distilleries | Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky PX | Master |
| John Distilleries | Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky Peated Select Cask | Master |
| John Distilleries | Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky Port | Master |
| John Distilleries | Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky Madeira | Gold |
| John Distilleries | Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky Oloroso | Gold |
| Radico Khaitan | Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Double Cask | Gold |
| Radico Khaitan | Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Barrel Blush | Gold |
| United Spirits | Godawan Single Malt Rich and Rounded Artisan Whisky | Gold |
| United Spirits | Godawan Single Malt Fruit and Spice Artisan Whisky | Gold |
| Piccadily Agro Industries | Indri Agneya Single Malt Indian Whisky | Gold |
| Piccadily Agro Industries | Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 – Marsala Cask | Gold |
Australiasia – Blended |
||
| 23rd Street Distillery | 23rd Street Australian Whisky | Gold |
| Morris of Rutherglen | 36 South Double Grain Whisky | Silver |
Australiasia – Single Malt |
||
| Morris of Rutherglen | Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Sherry Barrel | Master |
| Callington Mill Distillery | El Sol Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Master |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Quagmire Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Master |
| The Pokeno Whisky Company | Pokeno Exploration Series Winter Malt | Master |
| The Pokeno Whisky Company | Pokeno Origin Single Malt | Gold |
| The Pokeno Whisky Company | Pokeno Discovery Single Malt | Gold |
| Lark Distilling | Dark Lark 2025 | Gold |
| Lark Distilling | Classic Cask | Gold |
| Lark Distilling | Wilderness Collection – Moss Hopper | Gold |
| Lark Distilling | Chinotto Citrus | Gold |
| Morris of Rutherglen | Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Tokay Barrel | Gold |
| Morris of Rutherglen | Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Muscat Barrel | Gold |
| Morris of Rutherglen | Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky Signature Expression | Gold |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Amphora Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Blue Lake Lodge Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Oloroso Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Pedro Ximenez Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Solera Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Aurora Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Fusion Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Invicta Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Callington Mill Distillery | Madeira Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Lark Distilling | Tasmanian Peated | Silver |
Australiasia – Single Grain |
||
| Archie Rose Distilling | Rye Malt Whisky | Gold |
Canada |
||
| Proximo Spirits | Pendleton Midnight | Master |
| Sazerac Company | Mister Sam | Master |
| PMA Canada | Gibson’s Finest Rare | Gold |
| Proximo Spirits | Pendleton Directors’ Reserve | Gold |
| Sazerac Company | Rich & Rare Reserve | Gold |
| Proximo Spirits | Pendleton Original | Silver |
| Proximo Spirits | Pendleton 1910 Rye | Silver |
| PMA Canada | Gibson’s Finest Venerable | Silver |
| Sazerac Company | Caribou Crossing | Silver |
| Sazerac Company | Legacy Canadian | Silver |
World Blend |
||
| Turntable Spirits | Collaboration Drop 2 with Dingle | Master |
| Hatozaki Whisky | Hatozaki Small Batch | Gold |
| Hatozaki Whisky | Hatozaki Finest Blended | Silver |
| Hatozaki Whisky | Hatozaki 12 Years Old Umeshu Cask Finish | Silver |
New Make |
||
| Grasmere Distillery | Grasmere Single Malt | Gold |
Whisky Spirit Drink |
||
| Agitator Whiskymakare | Agitator Chestnut Cask | Gold |
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