Exploring Character and Consistency: Worldwide Whiskies Win Bronze at the IWSC

A Bronze medal at the IWSC is no consolation prize. It is a mark of quality and consistency, awarded only to spirits that score between 85 and 89 points. These are whiskies that may not have the intensity or layered complexity to earn Silver or Gold, yet they still exhibit balance, appeal, and strong technical merit. In 2025, the Worldwide Whiskey category delivered a compelling number of such entries.

228 Bronze-winning whiskeys were recognised this year from producers outside of the traditional Scotch, American and Japanese strongholds. This wider world of whiskey, spanning Ireland, India, Canada, Taiwan, Sweden, Australia and beyond, reflects an industry that is expanding in both ambition and global reach.

A Broader Map of Medal Winners
Ireland made a strong impression in 2025, with its Single Pot Still whiskeys standing out. Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength 12 Year Old, for example, earned an impressive 89 points, while newer names like Boann and Micil were also awarded Bronze for their flavour-forward pot still expressions - a clear sign that traditional Irish styles continue to evolve and impress.

India remains one of the most exciting whiskey-producing nations. John Distilleries' Paul John Pedro Ximénez Select Cask single malt earned 89 points and was praised for its integration of sweetness and oak. Other Indian entries used tropical maturation and wine cask finishes to achieve expressive, fruit-driven profiles that punch well above their price points.

Canada also performed well, particularly with its well-aged blends. Pendleton Directors’ Reserve 20 Year Old was one of several Canadian entries to score near the top of the Bronze range. Judges appreciated its smoothness and polish, confirming that premium Canadian whiskey is finding new recognition.

Borderline Brilliance: Bronze at Its Peak
Many of these whiskeys landed just shy of Silver. A total of 76 entries scored either 88 or 89 points, highlighting how close many producers came to earning a higher accolade. These include distillers from Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Australia, and even small island producers showcasing remarkable cask innovation and stylistic confidence.

Blended and grain whiskeys featured heavily among the Bronze winners, reflecting not only the value and consistency of these styles but also a renewed interest in blended expressions crafted with precision. These are crowd-pleasing spirits made with care and increasingly with character.

A Category with Range and Reach
From tropical fruit and spice to soft smoke and sherry cask sweetness, the diversity within this category is vast. And that is part of the appeal. These Bronze medal winners often represent the best entry points into newer whiskey regions: accessible price points, clear regional identity, and thoughtful cask selection.

They also reflect where whiskey is headed: more global, more diverse, and more open to experimentation. The IWSC’s judging panel, made up of spirits buyers, distillers and drinks professionals, consistently noted the high floor of quality among these Bronze medal winners, a reassuring sign for curious drinkers and confident buyers alike.

In Summary
Bronze is not basic. It is balanced, dependable, and in 2025, often just a whisker away from Silver. For producers across Ireland, India, Canada and beyond, these awards provide an international benchmark of quality. For drinkers, they open the door to a world of new whiskey perspectives.

For the complete IWSC 2025 results, visit our website.