Four Irish whiskeys have been awarded the prestigious Spirit Gold Outstanding title at the 2026 International Wine & Spirits Competition, each achieving a remarkable score of 98 points.
The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), established in 1969 by wine chemist Anton Massel, has been a significant platform for evaluating spirits globally. This year, the competition’s rigorous judging process saw spirits evaluated both in laboratory conditions and through blind tastings conducted by panels of experts from over 30 countries. Each judging day is limited to 65 samples to ensure that the judges’ palates remain fresh and discussions remain focused and insightful.
The scoring system employed by the IWSC is tiered, with Bronze awarded for scores between 85 to 89 points, Silver for 90 to 94, Gold for 95 to 97, and the top accolade, Gold Outstanding, designated for scores ranging from 98 to 100. In 2026, four Irish whiskeys achieved the Gold Outstanding status, each receiving a score of 98. The following is a closer look at these distinguished spirits.
Tullamore Dew Special Reserve 12 Year Old Blended Irish Whiskey
Award: Spirit Gold Outstanding 2026
Score: 98
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, dried fruits, praline, nuts
Price: Approximately $50 / £30
Tullamore D.E.W., a brand with roots dating back to 1829 in Tullamore, County Offaly, is recognized for its triple distilled, triple blended, and triple cask matured approach. The 12 Year Old blend features a combination of grain, malt, and pot still whiskeys, each aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks. This unique maturation process contributes to its flavor profile, which includes chocolate, dried fruits, and praline. Bottled at 40% ABV, this whiskey is noted for its smoothness and accessibility, making it a readily available option for consumers.
Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The Donn Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Award: Spirit Gold Outstanding 2026
Score: 98
Tasting Notes: Orange zest, digestive biscuits, caramel, pecan nuts, marzipan, dark chocolate, toasted walnuts, prunes
Price: Limited release, join the waitlist
The Donn, named after the Irish god of the dead, is presented in a decanter inspired by rocky coastal formations. This whiskey, which carries no age statement, is crafted under the notion that the cask influences the quality more than age. It is matured in six different cask types, including ex-bourbon and Tawny Port. Founded in 2018 by Jay Bradley, the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has rapidly gained recognition, especially with high-profile releases like their collaboration with Fabergé. However, The Donn remains a limited release, requiring interested consumers to join a waitlist.
Teeling Distillery Exclusive 20 Year Old Mongolian Oak Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Award: Spirit Gold Outstanding 2026
Score: 98
Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, floral, woody incense, sweet biscuit, caramel, coconut, baked pear, honey, sandalwood spice, vanilla, oak, earthy tones, stewed orchard fruits
Price: Distillery exclusive
This whiskey is notable for its unique maturation process involving Mongolian oak, which imparts a distinct tannic character. Initially aged in a bourbon barrel, it was finished in Mongolian oak to enhance its complexity. Bottled at a cask strength of 45.9% ABV and non-chill filtered, this whiskey retains the expected orchard fruit notes while introducing spiced, woody nuances. Available exclusively from Teeling’s Dublin location and online, only 276 bottles were produced, priced at €200 each.
Teeling 33 Year Old Very Rare Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Award: Spirit Gold Outstanding 2026
Score: 98
Tasting Notes: Fresh orchard fruits, roasted nuts, chocolate, peach, apricot, citrus fruits, smoke, herbs, spicy oak
Price: $3,478.99
Teeling’s 33 Year Old whiskey stands out as one of the oldest Irish single malts available, having previously won the title of World’s Best Irish Single Malt at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. After over 30 years in ex-bourbon casks, it was finished in a Pineau des Charentes cask, leading to a rich flavor profile that includes candied fruits and toasted oak. The whiskey is bottled at 49.7% ABV without chill filtration, enhancing its character. With only 316 bottles released at a retail price of $3,478.99, it is considered a collector’s item.
Conclusion
The diversity of the award-winning Irish whiskeys from the 2026 IWSC is particularly noteworthy. While Tullamore D.E.W. Special Reserve 12 Year Old is accessible at around $50, Teeling’s 33 Year Old, with its limited availability and high price point, represents a different segment of the market. This contrast of offerings highlights the range of flavors and experiences available within Irish whiskey. The IWSC results prompt enthusiasts to consider their preferences and share opinions on which of these esteemed whiskeys deserves recognition.
