Pernod Ricard celebrated a double victory at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, with Red Spot 15 Year Old named World’s Best Pot Still and Ballantine’s 23 Year Old crowned World’s Best Blended Whiskey. The accolades highlight the company’s craftsmanship and leadership under Nodjame Cecile Fouad in the global whisky portfolio.
Pernod Ricard has secured a remarkable double triumph at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, part of the prestigious World Drinks Awards, with two of its standout brands recognised as the finest in their categories. Red Spot 15 Year Old was named World’s Best Pot Still, while Ballantine’s 23 Year Old, a global travel retail exclusive, took home the title of World’s Best Blended Whiskey. These accolades underscore the strength and diversity of Pernod Ricard’s whisky portfolio, guided by the leadership of Nodjame Cecile Fouad.
The World Drinks Awards, launched in 2007, have become a benchmark for excellence across the international drinks industry. With blind tastings conducted by expert panels across multiple continents, the awards celebrate the very best in over 35 categories, spanning whisky, gin, vodka, tequila, sparkling wine, beer, and the increasingly popular no- and low-alcohol segments. Tastings are held in countries including the UK, Germany, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Canada and the USA, ensuring a truly global perspective in the search for the finest products.
The recognition of Red Spot and Ballantine’s reflects not only the quality of the liquids themselves but also the dedication and skill of the teams behind them. The awards’ Icons programme further highlights the human stories that underpin the industry, celebrating distillers, brand ambassadors, visitor centres and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. For Pernod Ricard, these wins are a testament to years of innovation, tradition and commitment to excellence.
Red Spot 15 Year Old, steeped in heritage, has long been admired for its rich character and depth, qualities that clearly impressed the judges in the Pot Still category. Ballantine’s 23 Year Old, meanwhile, represents a modern triumph, crafted with precision and offered exclusively through global travel retail, making its recognition as the world’s best blended whiskey particularly significant. Together, they showcase the breadth of Pernod Ricard’s whisky expertise, from traditional Irish pot stills to refined Scotch blends.
The awards ceremony, which brings together entrants from around the world, is not only a celebration of the winners but also a gathering of the industry’s brightest talents. For Pernod Ricard, the evening was a moment of pride, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global whisky market and highlighting the vision of Nodjame Cecile Fouad in steering the portfolio towards continued success.
As the World Drinks Awards continue to grow in stature, the victories of Red Spot and Ballantine’s serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of whisky and the artistry behind it. Pernod Ricard’s achievement at this year’s event is more than a win; it is a celebration of heritage, innovation and the pursuit of excellence that defines the company’s approach to its craft.
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