Collingwood Double Barreled Wins Best Canadian Blended Whisky at World Whiskies Awards 2025
Collingwood Double Barreled has earned the title of Best Canadian Blended Whisky 2025 at the World Whiskies Awards, recognised for its secondary maplewood finishing and rich, layered character. The win underscores the evolution of Canadian whisky beyond its traditional smooth profile, with flavour-forward blending and creative maturation techniques now centre stage.
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Key Takeaways
Collingwood Double Barreled awarded Best Canadian Blended Whisky 2025 for its warm profile and unique maplewood stave finish.
Crown Royal XO and J.P. Wiser’s 18 Year Old secured Silver and Bronze, showing Canada’s depth in both innovation and tradition.
Judges praised the rise of complex, well-aged blends in Canada’s whisky sector.
Best Canadian Blended Whisky 2025 – Collingwood Double Barreled
Collingwood Double Barreled is a Canadian blended whisky finished using the distillery’s signature maplewood stave immersion process. Judges noted its deep fruit and spice notes, rounded by vanilla and oak warmth. This win highlights how distinct wood treatments are helping Canadian producers redefine the style.
Aroma | Dried stone fruit, sweet spice, vanilla |
|---|---|
Palate | Warm and inviting with maple sweetness and oak |
Finish | Pleasing, with lingering vanilla and toasted oak |
Silver Winner – Crown Royal XO
Crown Royal XO, a cognac cask–finished Canadian blend, earned Silver for its elegant fruit and floral notes. The finishing casks brought added depth to the brand’s classic smooth character, reflecting a broader trend of French oak influence in premium Canadian whiskies.
Aroma | Honey, ripe apple, soft floral notes |
|---|---|
Palate | Vanilla, caramel, mild oak |
Finish | Rounded, with hints of fruit and spice |
Bronze Winner – J.P. Wiser’s 18 Year Old
J.P. Wiser’s 18 Year Old secured Bronze with its well-integrated oak and fruit profile, developed through long aging. As one of the few age-stated Canadian blends in regular release, its inclusion shows that traditional methods still resonate with judges when the balance is right.
Aroma | Oak, citrus peel, toffee |
|---|---|
Palate | Maple sugar, dried fruits, toasted grain |
Finish | Gentle oak tannins and spice |
What Is Canadian Blended Whisky?
Canadian Blended Whisky typically combines multiple grain whiskies—most often corn, rye, and barley—with a small percentage of flavouring whisky added for depth. It’s usually known for its smooth character, but modern interpretations often feature cask finishes and extended aging.
In 2025, judges prioritised blends that delivered balance, complexity, and a distinct Canadian identity—whether through local grain, innovative finishes, or long maturation. This year’s results showcase how Canadian whisky is evolving beyond legacy brands into a space of refined experimentation.
The 2025 results for Best Canadian Blended Whisky reveal a style that is both evolving and staying grounded. Collingwood’s win emphasises wood-driven innovation, Crown Royal continues to elevate with premium finishes, and J.P. Wiser’s 18 shows age still matters. Together, they represent a strong future for Canadian blends in global competitions.
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All 2025 World Whisky Awards Gold Medalists
