Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 2025 Named Best Blended Limited Release at World Whiskies Awards 2025
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 2025 has been named Best Blended Limited Release 2025 at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, triumphing over strong international contenders. This Japanese blend showcases the country’s mastery in creating harmonious expressions using whiskies from both domestic and international sources.
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Key Takeaways
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 2025 wins Best Blended Limited Release 2025 for its balanced world blend of Japanese and international whiskies.
Canadian and Australian distilleries earned Silver and Bronze, reflecting global strength in small-batch blended releases.
Judges highlighted innovation and diversity in cask finishes across this year’s medalists.
Best Blended Limited Release 2025 – Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 2025
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 2025 blends Japanese and international malt and grain whiskies for a smooth, elegant profile. Judges praised its seamless integration of floral sweetness, orchard fruit, and refined oak complexity. This win highlights Venture Whisky’s leadership in crafting acclaimed limited-edition world blends.
Aroma | Honeyed cereal and blossom |
|---|---|
Palate | Orchard fruits, vanilla, delicate spices |
Finish | Long, with oak and floral notes |
Silver Winner – Bridgeland “2024 Single Blend” (Canada)
Bridgeland Distillery’s 2024 Single Blend, a Canadian limited release, earned Silver for its rich grain-driven character and subtle spice. This result highlights the rising calibre of Canada’s small-batch producers, particularly those using diverse grain combinations and nuanced aging approaches.
Aroma | Ripe stone fruit, maple |
|---|---|
Palate | Sweet grain, toffee, peppery spice |
Finish | Smooth with light oak |
Bronze Winner – Limeburners “Director’s Cut” (Australia)
Australia’s Limeburners Director’s Cut secured the Bronze for its bold cask influence and rich, dessert-like profile. With a mix of sherry and wine-seasoned barrel components, this release demonstrates how non-traditional whisky regions are crafting award-worthy limited editions.
Aroma | Raisin, dark chocolate, charred oak |
|---|---|
Palate | Treacle, smoky spice, dried figs |
Finish | Warm, lingering |
What Is a Blended Limited Release?
Blended Limited Release refers to a whisky made from a blend of malt and grain whiskies, often across distilleries or even countries, and bottled in small quantities—typically under 3,600 bottles. These releases are often used to showcase experimental techniques, unique cask finishes, or one-time-only batches.
For the 2025 awards, judges focused on balance, innovation, and the ability to deliver a memorable profile in a small-batch context. Entries spanned three continents, underscoring the global appeal and creative freedom of this category.
This year’s Best Blended Limited Release results show the evolution of blending in whisky: global ingredient sourcing, inventive cask use, and a focus on finesse. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 2025 exemplifies how limited runs can deliver world-class quality, while Canada and Australia continue to demonstrate their growing influence on the blending stage.
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All 2025 World Whisky Awards Gold Medalists
