The Council of Whiskey Masters has announced its latest number of new Masters of Whisk(e)y.

The 2025 examinations included blind-tastings, oral theory exams, and a range of essays on a variety of topics. Candidates were also reviewed on all aspects of their chosen specialisation.

The international judging panel includes current masters as well as council board members. Over the past year, new whisky authorities that have joined the council’s board includes Rachel Barrie, John Campbell, Susan Reigler, Stefan van Eycken, Nancy Fraley, Stephanie Macleod, and Michael D’Souza.

The Council of Whiskey Masters launched in 2019. More information about the council and its examinations can be found at whiskeymasters.org.

The next Master exams will take place in 2026 in the Scottish Highlands at a leading distillery. Enrolment is open now. 

The new Masters of Scotch are Octavio Bernal, Jeffrey LaBelle, Megan Sawkar, Robert Späth, and Jamie Wen. The new Masters of Bourbon are William Breeden, Andy Cartin, Siddharth Sawkar, and Bethne Stewart. The new Masters of Whisk(e)y are James Ball, Will Breslaw, Mark Griffith, Chase Henry, Kevin Malta, Justin Strumpfer, and Andy Westley.