2026 Whisky Explorer Awards
submissions now closed
TWE Awards
Entries are now closed! The Whisky Explorer Awards welcome submissions from whisky producers who meet our eligibility criteria. Enter your expression to be considered for recognition among the most exceptional whiskies available in Canada.
Past Recipients Include:
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
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
Submission Eligibility
To qualify for the awards your whisky must:
Be available for purchase in Canada during the 2025 calendar year.
Be submitted in a full bottle (sample bottles are not accepted).
Be shipped from within Canada — international producers are welcome, but it is your responsibility to ensure product is in Canada before submission.
Important Dates
Entries open: August 2025
Deadline to submit entries:September 15, 2025
Deadline to receive bottles:September 30, 2025
Winners announced: March 2026
Submission Fees
First entry is FREE (one per producer).
Each additional entry: $250 CAD.
If you are submitting multiple whiskies:
Complete the submission form with your full entries list.
Include your one free entry in the same shipment along with any additional bottles.
If submitting 10+ entries:
You may email an Excel spreadsheet listing all expressions to info@thewhiskyexplorer.ca for convenience.
How to Submit
If you are submitting one whisky:
Email info@thewhiskyexplorer.ca with:
Expression name
Distillery name
Category suggestion (optional)
Contact information
Ship your full bottle to:
TWE Awards
c/o Mike Brisebois
511 Carina Cres. Ottawa, ON
Canada K2J 0Z4
Once your whisky is received:
It is catalogued and assigned a blind tasting code.
The judging panel evaluates all submissions under blind conditions.
Winners are selected based on merit across available categories.
Results are announced in March 2026.
Visit the main Awards page for details on judging criteria and categories.
What Happens
After You Submit
Why Enter?
Winning a Whisky Explorer Award gives your brand:
Official recognition in Canada’s only inclusive whisky awards.
Exposure through The Whisky Explorer media platforms.
Feature opportunities in The Whisky Explorer Magazine and newsletters.
Long-term visibility through the Whisky Explorer Winners Kit and social channels.
See the Winners page for examples of past award recipients.
Ready to Submit
Your Whisky?
Submissions are currently closed.
Please check back March 2026 to see the winners.