The Winners
Each year, the Whisky Explorer Awards honour whiskies, people, and places that stand out for their quality, intention, and overall experience — as evaluated through blind tasting by an expert panel.
What It Means to
Be a Whisky Explorer Awards Winner
Recognition from the Whisky Explorer Awards reflects more than technical excellence. Winners are selected based on how their whisky performs in the glass — considering balance, complexity, craftsmanship, and overall enjoyment.
All winners are chosen through an independent, blind evaluation process, led by Canada’s Whisky Ambassador and founder of The Whisky Explorer, Mike Brisebois, alongside a panel of experienced judges.
Independent recognition celebrating exceptional whisky, craft, and character.
2025 Whisky Explorer Awards — Winners
🏆 Best Whisky in Canada
Best Whisky in Canada —
2025 Glen Moray Smoky Classic
Glen Moray Smoky Classic was awarded Best Whisky in Canada at the 2025 Whisky Explorer Awards following blind evaluation by the judging panel.
This Speyside single malt stood out for its balance, depth, and cohesive integration of smoke and sweetness. Aromas of ripe pear and gentle peat lead into a palate layered with honeyed malt, soft vanilla, and subtle earthy notes, finishing long and composed with lingering smoky character.
Judges consistently noted the whisky’s harmony and complexity, praising its ability to deliver richness and character without overpowering the overall experience. Glen Moray Smoky Classic exemplifies the thoughtful craftsmanship and drinkability that define excellence in whisky.
Judges described the whisky as “exceptionally balanced” and “deeply satisfying from first sip to finish.”
Best Canadian Whisky — JP Wiser’s 28 Year
Best Irish Whiskey in Canada — Dunville’s 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey
Best American Whiskey in Canada — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Best World Whisky in Canada — Seven Seals Port Wood Finish
Best Scottish Whisky in Canada — Glen Moray Smoky Classic
🇨🇦 Country & Regional Awards
👥 People’s Choice & Community Awards
Best Whisky Club in Canada — Québec Whisky
Epic Whisky Festival in Canada — Banff Whisky Experience
Influential Whisky Guru in Canada — Nicolas Hardy
Outstanding Brand Ambassador in Canada — Ray Daniel American Whiskey Ambassador in Canada, Suntory Global Spirits
Premier Whisky Shop in Canada — Kensington Wine Market, Calgary, Alberta
Top Whisky Agency in Canada — Les Frères Spirit
Unbeatable Whisky Bar in Canada — The Caledonian, Toronto, Ontario
🥃 Style & Category Awards
BEST WHISKY IN CANADA — Glen Moray Smoky Classic
Best Single Malt Whisky in Canada — Glen Moray Smoky Classic
Best Cask Strength Whisky in Canada — Glenallachie 10 Year Batch 10
Best Straight Rye Whiskey in Canada — Old Ezra 7 Year Straight Rye
Best Whisky 10 Years and Under in Canada — Glenallachie 10 Year Batch 10
Best Whisky 11-17 Years in Canada — Springbank 15 Year
Best Whisky 18-24 Years in Canada — Glenlivet 18 Year
Best Whisky 25+ Years in Canada — JP Wiser’s 28 Year
Best Single Barrel Whiskey in Canada — Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage
Best Finished Whiskey in Canada — Seven Seals Port Wood Finish
Best No Age Statement Whisky in Canada — Glen Moray Smoky Classic
🇨🇦 Canada
Best Canadian Whisky:
JP Wiser’s 28 Year
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Gold - JP Wiser’s 28 Year
Silver - Two Brewers Classic Release 42
Bronze - Alberta Premium 10 Year Batch 10 -
Gold - Two Brewers Classic Release 42
Silver - Magnotta Distillery 271 10 Year
Bronze - Glen Breton 10 Year -
Gold - Wayne Gretzky Signature Rye 5 Year Craftsmanship Series
Silver - Lot 40 Dark Oak
Bronze - Canadian Club 100% Rye -
Gold - JP Wiser’s 28 Year
Silver - Alberta Premium 10 Year Batch 10
Bronze - JP Wiser’s 42 Year -
Gold - Alberta Premium 10 Year Batch 10
Silver - JP Wiser’s 10 Year
Bronze - Magnotta Distillery 271 10 Year -
Gold - Canadian Club 18 Year
Silver - Wiser’s 15 Year
Bronze - Wiser’s 18 Year -
Gold - JP Wiser’s 28 Year
Silver - JP Wiser’s 42 Year
Bronze - Alberta Distillers Rare Batch 23 Year
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.