The Whisky
Explorer Awards
Independent recognition celebrating exceptional whisky, craft, and character.
About the Awards
The Whisky Explorer Awards recognize outstanding whisky from Canada and around the world — judged through a thoughtful, experience-driven lens that values quality, authenticity, and storytelling alongside the liquid itself.
Why the Whisky Explorer Awards?
Whisky awards often focus on numbers, scores, and technical tasting alone. While those matter, they don’t tell the full story.
The Whisky Explorer Awards were created to honour whisky that stands out not just in the glass, but in intention, execution, and identity.
These awards recognize producers who care deeply about craft, consistency, and connection — the kind of whisky that invites people to slow down, pay attention, and remember the experience.
Submissions Now Closed: 2026 Winners will be announced March
Canadian and international whisky producers
Established distilleries and emerging producers
Limited releases and core range expressions
Whiskies available to the Canadian market (or entering soon)
Who the Awards Are For
If your whisky reflects care, intention, and quality, it belongs here.
How the Whiskies Are Judged
01
Independent Evaluation
All submissions are evaluated by a panel of experienced and reputable whisky judges, led by Canada’s Whisky Ambassador and founder of The Whisky Explorer, Mike Brisebois.
The judging panel brings diverse perspectives and deep industry knowledge, ensuring each whisky is assessed thoughtfully and professionally.
02
Blind Tasting Process
All whiskies are tasted blind to remove brand influence and ensure impartial evaluation.
Judges assess each whisky on its own merits, focusing on the overall experience in the glass rather than reputation, packaging, or marketing.
03
Experience-Driven Assessment
Whiskies are evaluated through an experience-led lens, considering factors such as balance, complexity, craftsmanship, and overall enjoyment.
This approach reflects The Whisky Explorer’s belief that great whisky is defined not only by technical quality, but by how it comes together as a complete experience.
04
Independent Recognition
Awards are granted to whiskies that stand out within their category through quality, character, and consistency.
All eligible whiskies are assessed independently, and recognition is based on merit through the blind tasting process.
Award Categories
The Whisky Explorer Awards recognize excellence across a range of styles, origins, and expressions. Categories may evolve year to year based on submissions received.
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Best Canadian Whisky
Best International Whisky
Best Single Malt
Best Blended Whisky
Best Rye Whisky
Best Cask Strength Whisky
Best Finished Whisky
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Best Whisky 10 Years & Under
Best Whisky 18–24 Years
Best Whisky 25+ Years
Best No Age Statement Whisky
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Whisky Explorer’s Choice Award
People’s Choice Awards
Submission Details
& Eligibility
What’s new for 2026: Your first entry is free. Additional entries are $250 CAD.
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Whiskies must be available for purchase in Canada
International producers are welcome
All submissions must ship from within Canada
Full bottles only (no samples)
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Entries open: August 2025
Entry deadline: September 15, 2025
Deadline to receive products: September 30, 2025
Awards announced: February 2026
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First entry: FREE
Additional entries: $250 CAD per whisky
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One entry: email details to info@thewhiskyexplorer.ca
Multiple entries: complete the submission form
10+ entries: Excel list accepted
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TWE Awards
c/o Mike Brisebois
511 Carina Cres.
Ottawa, ON
Canada K2J 0Z4
What Winners Receive
Official Whisky Explorer Awards recognition
Winners Kit with digital assets
Coverage across The Whisky Explorer platforms
Feature in The Whisky Explorer Magazine
Long-term association with an independent awards program
Past Recipients Include:
Glen Moray Smoky Classic (Best Whisky in Canada)
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JP Wiser’s 28 Year
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Dunville’s 1808
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
•
Seven Seals Port Wood Finish
Glen Moray Smoky Classic (Best Whisky in Canada) • JP Wiser’s 28 Year • Dunville’s 1808 • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof • Seven Seals Port Wood Finish
Ready to Submit
Your Whisky?
If your whisky reflects care, intention, and quality, we invite you to submit it for consideration in the 2026 Whisky Explorer Awards.