Corby’s Award Sweep Cements Canada's Whisky Renaissance

TORONTO, ON – January 20, 2026 – In a resounding affirmation of quality and craftsmanship, Corby Spirit and Wine’s portfolio has claimed top honors at the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards, with the venerable J.P. Wiser's 24-Year-Old being crowned the prestigious Canadian Whisky of the Year. The victory leads a near-total sweep of major categories, solidifying the company's position at the apex of the nation's spirits industry and signaling a new chapter for Canadian whisky on the world stage.

The annual awards, held in conjunction with the Victoria Whisky Festival, are the country's most trusted benchmark for excellence in whisky. For J.P. Wiser's, a brand with roots stretching back to 1857, this top accolade is not just a win but a powerful statement. It follows a string of international successes, including the J.P. Wiser's 28-Year-Old being named Best in Class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, reinforcing a legacy of consistent quality.

Corby’s dominance was further showcased by Pike Creek 22-Year-Old PX Cask, which secured two significant category wins for Best Limited Expression and Best Aged Whisky Over 15 Years. These awards highlight the distillery's mastery over two of the most demanding aspects of whisky making: extended aging and innovative cask finishing. The wins, which also included Gold medals for Lot No. 40 Dark Oak and a host of Silver and Bronze medals across the portfolio, paint a picture of a producer at the height of its powers.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Crown

At the heart of this success is the historic Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery in Windsor, Ontario, and the guiding hand of its Master Blender, Dr. Don Livermore. The distillery, one of North America's largest, is the birthplace of these award-winning spirits, from the complex rye notes of Lot No. 40 to the patient aging of Pike Creek and the balanced elegance of J.P. Wiser's.

Dr. Livermore, who holds a Ph.D. in brewing and distilling, combines scientific precision with an artist's touch. His philosophy leverages the unique flexibility of Canadian whisky regulations, which, unlike those for Scotch or Bourbon, allow for immense creativity in grain selection, distillation methods, and barrel management. This freedom enables the Hiram Walker team to produce a diverse range of styles under one roof, a feat few distilleries in the world can match.

"These awards are a meaningful recognition of the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle we create," said Dr. Don Livermore. "Each distinction reflects what makes Canadian whisky so special: patience, precision, and deep respect for the grains, barrels, and people behind the process. From long-aged expressions to bold finishes and rye-forward styles, these wins speak to what's possible when you give whisky the time, and the attention, it deserves."

This dedication is evident in the winning expressions. The J.P. Wiser's 24-Year-Old represents a masterclass in long-term maturation, developing deep complexity and character over nearly a quarter-century in oak. Meanwhile, the Pike Creek 22-Year-Old PX Cask demonstrates a bold, contemporary approach, using barrels that once held sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry to impart rich, fruity notes that complement the aged Canadian spirit.

A Strategic Victory in a Premium Market

Corby’s cascade of awards is more than just a testament to quality; it's a strategic masterstroke in an evolving spirits market. The Canadian market, like its global counterpart, is in the midst of a powerful "premiumization" trend. Consumers are drinking less but better, seeking out products with authentic stories, demonstrable quality, and unique flavor profiles. Corby's award-winning, long-aged whiskies are perfectly positioned to capture this discerning audience.

Recent market data underscores this shift. The premium spirit market in Canada stood at over USD 17 billion in 2024 and is projected to more than double by 2033, with whisky accounting for the largest share. Corby's financial performance reflects its ability to capitalize on this trend. The company recently reported record quarterly revenue of $75.4 million, outperforming the Canadian spirits market in value for twelve consecutive quarters. These awards will undoubtedly fuel that momentum, providing a powerful marketing tool and third-party validation that resonates with consumers at the point of sale.

Furthermore, the wins tap into a growing "Buy Canadian" sentiment, as consumers increasingly look to support high-quality local products. By leading the charge in elevating the reputation of Canadian whisky, Corby not only strengthens its own brands but also contributes to the health of the entire domestic industry.

Redefining a National Spirit

For decades, Canadian whisky was often unfairly stereotyped as a simple, one-note mixer. The results of the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards demonstrate how far the category has evolved. The diverse array of winners—from Corby's aged expressions to rye-forward whiskies from craft producers like Wild Life Distillery and innovative single malts from Macaloney's Distillery—paints a vibrant picture of a category bursting with innovation.

The Canadian Whisky Awards, founded in 2010 by author and expert Davin de Kergommeaux, were created specifically to celebrate this diversity and encourage the highest standards. The blind-tasting format by an independent panel ensures that quality, not marketing budgets, determines the winners. This year's results highlight a "quiet surge" in the industry, marked by extended aging, adventurous cask finishing, and a renewed focus on grain expression.

While Corby's performance was dominant, the success of smaller distilleries like Sons of Vancouver, named Canadian Whisky Producer of the Year, shows the depth and dynamism of the entire ecosystem. This competitive landscape pushes everyone to improve, fostering an environment where tradition and innovation coexist. Corby's success, therefore, is not an isolated event but rather the leading edge of a nationwide movement. By pushing the boundaries of what Canadian whisky can be, the team at the Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery is helping to redefine a national spirit, proving that it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest whiskies from anywhere in the world.