2027 Whisky Explorer Awards
submissions now OPEN
TWE Awards
Entries are now open! 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:
The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky (Best Whisky in Canada)
•
Reifel Rye
•
Redbreast Single Pot Still
•
Indri Single Malt
•
Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky (Best Whisky in Canada) • Reifel Rye • Redbreast Single Pot Still • Indri Single Malt • Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Submission Eligibility
To qualify for the awards your whisky must:
Be available for purchase in Canada during the 2026 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: March 2026
Deadline to submit entries: September 15, 2026
Deadline to receive bottles: September 30, 2026
Winners announced: March 2027
Submit Your Whisky
The Whisky Explorer Awards recognize the most exceptional whiskies available in Canada, judged blind by an experienced panel. Winning a TWE Award gives your brand official recognition, media exposure across The Whisky Explorer's platforms, and long-term visibility through our magazine, newsletters, and social channels.
First entry is free!
Please send your entry to:
TWE Awards
c/o Mike Brisebois
511 Carina Cres. Ottawa, ON
Canada K2J 0Z4
The Whisky Explorer Awards recognize the most exceptional whiskies available in Canada, judged blind by an experienced panel. Winning a TWE Award gives your brand official recognition, media exposure across The Whisky Explorer's platforms, and long-term visibility through our magazine, newsletters, and social channels.
Please send your entry to:
TWE Awards
c/o Mike Brisebois
511 Carina Cres. Ottawa, ON
Canada K2J 0Z4
Submission Fees
First entry is FREE (one per producer).
Each additional entry: $250 CAD.
Ship your full bottle to:
TWE Awards
c/o Mike Brisebois
511 Carina Cres. Ottawa, ON
Canada K2J 0Z4
How to Submit
If you are submitting one whisky:
Add the TWE Award 1st Submission to cart
If you are submitting multiple whiskies:
Add each entry to cart
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.
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 2027.
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.
