Canadian Whisky Awards 2026 crowns bold new single malts and cask innovations
The Canadian Whisky Awards (CWA) has once again highlighted the rapid growth and innovation in the country’s whisky scene. Founded in 2010 by whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux, the annual event celebrates the best in Canadian distilling, with a particular focus on the rising quality of single malts. This year’s winners reflect a new wave of craft producers pushing boundaries with bold flavours and unique cask techniques.
The 2026 CWA saw Bridgeland Distillery take home two major honours. Its Glenbow Single Malt, Porta-Rossa Cask Finish, claimed both Best Barrel Finished Whisky and Best Line Extension. Judges praised its red-fruit richness, nutty depth, and firm tannins—qualities shaped by its time in fortified-wine casks.
John Sleeman & Sons Spring Mill Distillery also made a strong showing. Its Wine Cask Aged Single Malt secured Best Single Barrel Release and Best Whisky No Age Statement, proving the distillery’s skill in balancing fruit-forward notes with oak influence. The top prize of the night, Single Malt Whisky of the Year, went to Macaloney’s Distillery for The Peat Project: Harvest Coast. This multi-cask expression delivers a powerful 54 PPM peat level, blending sweetness with layers of smoke. The CWA’s blind judging process, which evaluates aroma, flavour, balance, and complexity, ensures that only the most distinctive whiskies rise to the top. The awards underscore a broader shift in Canadian whisky. A new generation of distillers is adapting Scotch traditions while crafting a style that feels uniquely Canadian. The CWA’s mission—to separate the merely competent from the truly exceptional—has never been more relevant as the industry evolves.
This year’s winners demonstrate how Canadian single malt is carving out its own identity. From peated boldness to wine-cask elegance, the category’s growth shows no signs of slowing. The CWA continues to serve as a key platform for recognising innovation in a fast-changing whisky landscape.
