Midleton named Most Awarded International Distillery for second year, as experts pick their favourite whiskies

Midleton has been named Most Awarded International Distillery at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) for the second consecutive year, with 41 medals awarded and three earning coveted Platinum recognition.

The SFWSC is recognised as one of the spirits industry’s most prominent international competitions. Entries are assessed through blind tastings by an expert judging panel, with producers from around the world competing for recognition.

Midleton’s medal haul comprised three Platinum, seven Double Gold, 13 Gold and 18 Silver. The impressive results underline the distillery’s sustained performance across a range of styles and age statements.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “What makes this recognition particularly special is the consistency it represents. Every whiskey we create has its own character, shaped by different distillates, cask types and maturation journeys, but the same commitment to quality runs through them all. To see this recognised year after year, and across such a breadth of whiskeys, is a tremendous endorsement of the skill and dedication of our teams at Midleton.”

So what expressions were deemed the best? Read on for the top rated Irish Whiskies…

Midleton secured 41 medals at SFWSC: three Platinum, seven Double Gold, 13 Gold and 18 Silver…

Three Midleton whiskeys earn Platinum recognition

The three SFWSC Platinum awards went to Redbreast 12-Year-Old Cask Strength, Redbreast 27 Year Old and Yellow Spot. The distinction is reserved for expressions that have achieved Double Gold at the competition for three consecutive years.

The trio offer different perspectives on Midleton’s approach to Irish whiskey. Redbreast 12-Year-Old Cask Strength presents the brand’s characteristic single pot still style at cask strength, while Redbreast 27 Year Old is an extensively matured expression. Yellow Spot brings another established name in Irish pot still whiskey into the Platinum group.

Based in County Cork, Midleton also secured all three finalist positions in the competition’s Best Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey category. Blue Spot, Redbreast 12-Year-Old Cask Strength and Yellow Spot have been shortlisted, with the category winner due to be announced at the Top Shelf Awards Gala later this year.

Redbreast leads the medal count

The results span a range of brands, whiskey styles, and price points,  from Jameson’s Triple Triple Chestnut Edition to the pot still expressions from Redbreast, Blue Spot and Yellow Spot. 

Redbreast was the big winner, collecting an impressive 11 SFWSC medals in total, including four Double Gold awards.

Four whiskeys also received scores of 98 points: Jameson Triple Triple Chestnut Edition, Redbreast 12-Year-Old Cask Strength, Blue Spot and Yellow Spot.

Tommy Keane, Chairman of Irish Distillers, said: “To be named ‘Most Awarded International Distillery’ for a second consecutive year is an incredible honour and a proud achievement for everyone at Midleton. Recognition across such a broad range of our whiskeys speaks to the expertise, ambition and consistency of our teams, and to the standards they uphold every day. To see that recognised on the global stage for a second year running makes this achievement particularly meaningful.”

Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition

In related news, Midleton Very Rare has just unveiled Irish Chestnut Edition, a limited release hailed as the world’s first whiskey finished in casks crafted entirely from Irish sweet chestnut sourced from a single estate. The expression marks the debut release in its new Rare Wood Collection.

Bottled at natural cask strength of 56.1% ABV, Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is limited to 800 case equivalents worldwide and is priced at €440.

The Luxe Review recently attended the launch of this innovative whiskey, so look out for our full report coming soon.