These 5 Japanese Whiskies Have Been Crowned Liquid Gold (And You Won’t Know Every Name)

Japanese whisky continues to impress on the international stage. At the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), five Japanese whiskies were awarded gold medals. Suntory had plenty to celebrate, but two lesser-known Japanese producers also won over the international judges.

Japan’s ability to make great whisky is no secret. Brands such as Yamazaki and Hakushu have built strong reputations around the world and are among the best-known names in Japanese whisky.

The 2026 IWSC has reaffirmed that reputation. Five Japanese whiskies took home gold medals, with two bottles scoring an impressive 96 points. The other three gold medal winners each earned 95 points.

Notably, the awards weren’t reserved for traditional single malts. A Japanese rice-based single grain whisky also struck gold.

Suntory Global Spirits has plenty of reason to celebrate. The Japanese whisky producer claimed no fewer than three gold medals, including two whiskies that scored 96 points.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve and Yamazaki 12 Years Old were among the highest-scoring Japanese whiskies at this year’s competition. Hakushu 12 Years Old also earned a gold medal, with a score of 95 points.

These are familiar names to Japanese whisky fans, but the results show that these bottles continue to impress an international panel of industry experts.

Suntory wasn’t the only producer celebrating. Two other notable whiskies also won gold. Kiuchi Brewing and Distilling received the award for Hinomaru Silent Cask Port Finish No.6004. Finished in port casks, this Japanese single malt scored 95 points.

Kumesen Shuzo also stood out with The Shou Single Grain Whisky (Rice). While many whiskies are made from barley, corn or other grains, rice takes centre stage in this expression. This distinctive Japanese whisky also scored 95 points.

With five gold medals at the 2026 IWSC, Japan has once again shown that it’s a major force in the international whisky world. And while Yamazaki and Hakushu may be the best-known names, the other winners prove there’s much more Japanese whisky to discover.