Whisky has travelled a long way from its traditional strongholds, and some of its more interesting expressions are now coming from places you might not immediately associate with the spirit, China for instance. Think a Chinese whisky matured in grape brandy casks, a Bulgarian single malt finished in jujube liqueur barrels and a Spanish bottle shaped by centuries-old sherry soleras. Here are 4 best international whiskies that won Grand Gold awards at Spirits Selection 2026 by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) from China, Italy, Bulgaria and Spain: The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky, Italian Whisky Sibona, Hinapska The Legacy Single Malt Whiskey 4 Years, and Carlos I Single Malt Whisky 6 Years. The award put the spotlight on producers taking different routes to making outstanding whisky.
The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky took home the Revelation World Whisky title, along with a Grand Gold medal, making it one of the competition's standout expressions. Produced at Pernod Ricard's distillery near Mount Emei in China's Sichuan province, this whisky brings together mature Scottish single malt and younger whisky made at the Chinese distillery. Its cask programme includes ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and Chinese oak. Bottled at 61.5% ABV, it offers notes of vanilla, browned butter, toasted nuts and baking spices, with a hint of incense on the finish.
Sibona is better known for its grappa, but the Italian distillery has made an impressive case for its whisky, too. It uses a copper bain-marie still, the same gentle, steam-heated style of distillation associated with its grappa production. The Italian Whisky Sibona malt mixture includes peated varieties, while the whisky is matured in small oak barrels that previously held peated whisky. At 44% ABV, expect cocoa, wildflower honey and toasted oak, with a measured thread of smoke and a lingering finish of dried fruits.
Bulgaria may not be the first country that comes to mind when discussing single malt whiskies, but Hinapska has an unusual story to tell. The producer began with jujube cultivation before expanding into spirits, including jujube vodka and liqueur. Its four-year-old single malt carries that connection into making whisky, with a finish in casks that previously held jujube liqueur. Bottled at 43% ABV, it brings together aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate and coffee, with oak and a balanced finish.
Spanish brandy producer Grupo Osborne brought its experience with sherry casks to this single malt, marking the first time it used the Carlos I name for a whisky. Made from 100 per cent Spanish malt, the spirit is double-distilled in copper and spends six years ageing in a combination of old Oloroso and Amontillado sherry casks, followed by a final period in historic sherry solera casks. At 43% ABV, Carlos I Single Malt Whisky 6 Years offers dried fruit, honey, toasted nuts and dark chocolate, with a distinctly dry sherry character.
Whether it is Chuan Pure Malt Whisky, Italian Whisky Sibona or Hinapska The Legacy whisky, the Grand Gold winners at Spirits Selection 2026 offer a reminder that whiskies do not have to follow one established formula. From Italy's grappa-making heritage to China's experiments with local oak and brandy casks, these whisky bottles reflect how producers are finding their own identities within the category.