South Africa’s Three Ships Bourbon Cask named world’s best blended whisky at 2025 World Whiskies Awards

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Three Ships Whisky Bourbon Cask has earned the prestigious title of World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards (WWA).  

The accolade places it ahead of prominent entries from traditional whisky-producing nations such as Scotland, the United States, Japan, and Ireland. 

The annual competition evaluates top whiskies from around the world through blind tastings conducted by an independent panel of leading whisky experts. Judging criteria include appearance, nose, taste, finish, balance, character, and complexity. 

Judges highlighted the winning whisky’s unique taste profile, noting, “Varnished oak, vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate, and smoked pineapple all align on an expressive nose, while cornflake, caramel sauce, and ripe fruits drift through the palate. Spicy oak adds structure and interest while brown sugar and vanilla contribute to a rounded finish.” 

The award-winning spirit is crafted at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, South Africa. Founded in 1886, the Distillery formed the bedrock of the South African whisky industry. 

Walters Uys, Lead Spirits Intrinsic at Heineken Beverages South Africa, described the achievement as a proud moment for the country’s spirits industry. 

Uys explained that South Africa’s warm climate significantly influences whisky maturation. “Our conditions accelerate the ageing process. While our Angels’ Share is higher, our whiskies emerge with exceptional smoothness and character,” he said. 

Despite climatic differences, Three Ships adheres to traditional whisky-making standards, using only water, yeast, grain, and oak casks, with a minimum maturation of three years. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.