The World Whiskies Awards has revealed the winners in its Rest of World 2026 round. The competition celebrates whisky producers the world-over, shining the spotlight on an increasingly diverse and growing international whisky community.

The Icons of Whisky Rest of World 2026 celebrate the people and places behind the whisky. This year’s honourees include Alice Pearson from the Cotswolds Distillery in England for Distillery Manager of the Year, Germany’s Hinrichsen’s Farm Distillery for Sustainable Distillery of the Year, and Heather Tillott of Sullivans Cove Distillery in Tasmania for Innovation Manager of the Year.

All World Whiskies Awards country winners, including those from the US and Ireland, which will be announced in February, now have the chance to become the World’s Best in their respective categories, which will be announced at the Global Dinner in March.

The World Whiskies Awards 2025 and Icons of Whisky Rest of World are sponsored by: Glencairn Crystal; Amorim Top Series; Larkfire; IPL Packaging; McLaren Presentation; Smurfit Westrock; Rankin Brothers & Sons; Hellman Worldwide Logistics; Rothes Glen; VCL Vintners; American Distilling Institute; Proof 8; The Distillers One of One; and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Anita Ujszaszi, awards director, said: “This has been a remarkable year for whisky, with an exciting wave of new expressions alongside the continued strength and support of established brands, even in what remains a very challenging global market. We are deeply grateful to our judges for their dedication over the past six months, and to our international team whose commitment makes this programme possible. Congratulations to all of our winners — every award should serve as an inspiration to the entire whisky community.”

Bradley Weir, World Whiskies Awards chair of judges, added: “It has been a privilege to lead the judging on the Rest of World entries this year. It’s been a real confirmation of the growing strength of so many countries around the globe that are establishing themselves as exciting forces of whisky. I think we can all agree this has been a strong group of winners. A special mention to all of the spectacular work by our judges, who have used their specialist knowledge and skills to come to the best conclusion.”

Click here to view the full list of winners in the World Whiskies Awards Rest of World 2026.