World Whiskies Awards 2026 — America winners and Icons of Whisky announced

13.02.26

The winners of the World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky America have been revealed. The awards were announced at a ceremony held at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky on February 12, 2026, in an event that brought together celebrated members of the American whiskey community.

Hosting the ceremony were Peggy Noe Stevens, honorary president of the World Whiskies Awards America, and Maggie Kimberl, chair of judges for the World Whiskies Awards America. They reflected on how World Whiskies Awards America aim to showcase the variety and excellence of the United States’ whiskey industry, and the people, places, and products at its heart.

The announcement includes winners of World’s Best in categories exclusive to American whiskey, including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey.

Among those named as Icons of Whisky America 2026 were Colorado’s Distillery 291 as Brand Innovator of the Year, Angel’s Envy’s Owen Martin as Craft Distiller of the Year, and Deanna Horn of Bardstown Bourbon Co as Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. 

The ceremony also saw the announcement of two new inductees into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honours those whose dedication throughout their careers has shaped the whiskey industry.

This year, the inductees are:
– Inductee 106: Donna Nally, Maker’s Mark
– Inductee 107: Campbell Brown, Brown-Forman

Anita Ujszaszi, awards director, said: “The America round of the World Whiskies Awards 2026 has once again highlighted the extraordinary quality, diversity, and innovation that define the US whiskey industry today. From heritage producers to newer craft distilleries, the level of skill and passion on display continues to impress our judges year after year. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the producers who entered, as well as our dedicated judges, partners, and sponsors whose support makes these awards possible. Together, they help us celebrate and strengthen a vibrant industry that continues to thrive, evolve, and set standards on the world stage.” 

Peggy Noe Stevens, honorary president of the World Whiskies Awards America, said: “It is indeed my pleasure to be the honorary president of the World Whiskies Awards America. The WWA is certainly a leader and one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry that showcase the best in spirits around the world. The rigorous judging by experts to the reach of distilleries who enter, is met with immense enthusiasm and anticipation that culminates with the Awards ceremony winners. I am excited to share in this momentous event!”

Maggie Kimberl, chair of judges for the World Whiskies Awards America, said: “The World Whiskies Awards is a unique honour for winners because we choose the best in each category rather than awarding medals to everybody. It really means something to win this one, and numerous previous winners have expressed to me the impact that winning has made on the prestige of their brands. It is truly an honour to chair this competition because I get to see the hard work that goes into every bottle of whiskey entered.”

Sponsors and partners of the World Whiskies Awards America include: Glencairn Crystal, Amorim Top Series, IPL Packaging, Proof 8, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Larkfire, the American Distilling Institute, and The Distillers One of One.

Winners of the World Whiskies Awards America 2025 will go on to compete for the World’s Best title in their category, the results of which will be announced at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 Global Dinner in March. The results from the Scotland and Rest of World award rounds have already been announced, while the Ireland results will be revealed at a ceremony later this month. 

Click here for a downloadable PDF of the full list of winners in the World Whiskies Awards America 2026.