Two Vancouver Island distilleries were recognized by the World Whiskies Awards 2026 in their Icons of Whisky Rest of World round.
This international competition selects the very best whiskies worldwide, and this year, Victoria’s Macaloney’s Island Distillery and Campbell River’s Shelter Point Distillery made the list.
Macaloney’s Island Distillery emerged as one of the country’s most awarded producers, earning multiple Category Winner Gold titles, along with two Country & Category Winner Gold awards—the highest honours in the competition.
The top distinctions were given to the Peat Project — Washington Peat with Sugar Kelp — ex-Bourbon Cask and Peat Project — Washington Peat with Sugar Kelp — Portuguese Red Wine Cask.
In both cases, the whiskies were selected not only as best in their respective categories, but as the top Canadian entries, highlighting the Island’s ability to produce world-class whisky.
Shelter Point Distillery also claimed a major win with its decade old Estate Whisky, which was awarded Category Winner Gold in the pot still, 12-years-and-under category, positioning it as the top-performing pot still entry in its age category.
With Vancouver Island’s mild winters and cooler summers, the whisky maturation process slows, which allows it to age more evenly and gently.
The result is a better balance, less harshness, and more time for complex flavours to develop—qualities that are reflected in the numerous accolades gathered by these two Vancouver Island distilleries.
View the full lineup of winners here.
