Forget the usual suspects for a moment. The London Spirits Competition 2026 has thrown up a whiskey list that travels well beyond the traditional strongholds of Scotland and Kentucky, with American single malt whiskeys, Irish whiskey and a familiar bourbon name all making a strong impression. At the very top sits a four-year-old American single malt from Colorado, while four whiskeys finished just behind it on 96 points. If you are looking for the bottles that had the judges talking this year, these are five worth knowing. Just check out this list of the 5 best whiskeys of 2026 including Root Shoot American Single Malt whiskey, 4yr Bottled-in-Bond, Stranahan's Original whiskey, Titanic Distillers 5 Year Old Pot Still Irish Whiskey: PX Finish, The Donn whiskey and Maker’s Mark Bourbon Cask Strength whiskey.
At the top of the 2026 results is an American single malt whiskey from Colorado. Root Shoot American Single Malt Whiskey, 4yr Bottled-in-Bond scored 97 points and took home Double Gold medal, as well as Whiskey of the Year, American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year and Spirit of the Year United States of America. Made by Root Shoot Spirits from grain grown and malted on its family farm, the four-year-old whiskey is bottled at 50% ABV and meets the requirements of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. Expect rich pastry, baking spice, cocoa and minty botanicals, followed by leather and forest-floor notes.
Award: Double Gold with 97 Points.
The other American whiskey on the list comes from Colorado's Stranahan's. The Stranahan's Original whiskey earned 96 points and a Double Gold medal at the competition. A Rocky Mountain American single malt made from 100% malted barley, it is aged in new American oak and currently sits between six and nine years old. The London judges found tropical fruit at its centre, with peach, pineapple and guava followed by oak spice and a peppery finish.
Award: Double Gold with 96 Points
This Belfast whiskey brings Irish pot still character together with Pedro Ximenez sherry-cask influence. Titanic Distillers 5 Year Old Pot Still Irish Whiskey: PX Finish scored 96 points, won Double Gold, and was named Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey of the Year. The competition describes a profile of dry fruit, wood, and caramel, with a gentle spicy finish. The release was limited to just 350 bottles, making it one for collectors as much as curious Irish whiskey drinkers.
Award: Double Gold with 96 Points.
The Donn whiskey is the luxury Irish single malt whiskey on this year's list. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. expression scored 96 points, earned Double Gold and was named Single Malt Whiskey of the Year. At 46.15% ABV, The Donn is built around a complex maturation journey involving bourbon, Tawny Port, Hungarian oak, and Pedro Ximenez casks. The result is a rich combination of chocolate, fruit, spice, molasses and cereal notes.
Award: Double Gold with 96 Points.
Rounding out the five is a familiar Kentucky name. Maker's Mark Bourbon Cask Strength whiskey scored 96 points, received Double Gold, and was named Straight Bourbon of the Year. The competition highlights baked apple, raisin, and honey on the nose, followed by toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, and nuts, with honey, pepper, and jammy fruit lingering on the finish. It is a reminder that a classic bourbon house can still make plenty of noise on an international judging table.
Award: Double Gold with 96 Points.
The most interesting thing about these 5 best whiskeys of 2026 at the London Spirits Competition may be the variety. A farm-to-bottle American single malt, a Rocky Mountain whiskey, a PX-finished Irish pot still, an elaborate luxury single malt and a Kentucky bourbon all made the cut.