Skip To Main Content
Archie Rose Rye named World's Best at World Whiskies Awards

Full List of Winners at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards


Australia is once again on top of the world, with two Aussie distilleries claiming top honours at Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards 2020. At a virtual ceremony last night, in lieu of the proposed London event, the globe’s finest drams were on display. A wealth of awards were handed out across the 16 categories, read on to discover the full list of all the winners for the 2020 World Whiskies Awards..

Archie Rose Rye named World's Best at World Whiskies Awards

2020 World Whiskies Awards Winners

World’s Best Blended Whisky Award
Dewar’s Double Double 32 Years Old

World’s Best Blended Limited Release
Chichibu distillery, Japanese Blended Whisky Limited Edition 2020

World’s Best Blended Malt
MacNair’s Whisky Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 21 Years Old

World’s Best Corn Whisky
Spirit of Hven Distillery MerCurious

World’s Best Grain Award
Fuji Single Grain 30 Years Old Small Batch

World’s Best New Make
Victoria Caledonian Distillery Peated Mac na Braiche

World’s Best Rye
Archie Rose Distilling Co. Rye Malt Whisky

World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt
Tamdhu Sandy McIntyre’s SC

World’s Best Single Malt Award
House of Suntory Hakushu Single Malt 25 Years Old

World’s Best Canadian Blended Whisky
J.P. Wiser’s Alumni Whisky Series – Darryl Sittler

World’s Best Flavoured
Few Spirits Cold Cut Bourbon

World’s Best Pot Still
Redbreast Whiskey 21 Years Old

World’s Best Wheat
Bainbridge Organic Distillers Two Islands Hokkaido Cask

World’s Best Bourbon
Ironroot Republic Distillery Harbinger

World’s Best Tennessee
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey 1820 Single Barrel

World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon
Rebel Yell Bourbon Single Barrel 10 Years Old

World’s Best Whisky Design
Jura Whisky 21 Years Old – Tide

Australian Winners

Among the winners were two of Australia’s finest. Sydney-based distillery Archie Rose, most famous for its gin, took out a surprising victory in the World’s Best Rye category, topping fan favourites like Canada’s Lot No. 40 Cask Strength, and Stork Club’s Full Proof Rye from Germany.

According to the World Whiskies Awards’ judges, Archie Rose’s Rye Malt Whisky was a standout, thanks to its fierce aromatic notes. “An apple-led nose with dried apples and dry cider, some anise, caraway and toasted bread crust. Palate has a thick, almost creamy texture. Spiced sponge, light ginger and star anise. Initial sweetness dries out with a medium, nutty, dry fruit finish.”

Sullivans Cove 25th Anniversary names Australia's Best Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards

Archie Rose wasn’t the only Aussie distiller to get a mention. Tasmanian icon Sullivans Cove was named the Best Australian Single Malt. Featuring hints of orange and lemon zest throughout, the persistent fruit and spice notes were a hit with judges, but sadly it wasn’t enough to topple Japan’s The Hakushu Single Malt 25 Years for World’s Best.

It seems the whisky world is slowly starting to pay attention to the work we’ve been doing down under. It might not be long until we see a few more trophies in the Aussie cabinet.

You’ll also like:
How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned for International Whisky Day
Archie Rose Sandigo Heritage Rye Malt Whisky is Only Available to a Lucky Few
20 Best Tasmanian Whisky Distilleries

General FAQ

What is the number 1 whiskey in the world?

The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old is considered the best whiskey in the world.

What is the world's most expensive whiskey?

Macallan is the worlds most expensive whisky. THe Macallan Fine and Rare 60 Year Old is the most expensive bottle ever sold, selling at auction for $1.9 million.