Drinks Awards 2026

Every year we host the Gentleman’s Journal Drinks Awards; however, despite what you may think, it never gets any easier. This year was no different and the competition was fierce. This list is naturally subjective but we hope it provides some food for thought next time the bar trolley needs a refresh. There are, of course, some familiar favourites on the list, but it’s not without a few surprise additions, which we very much urge you to go out and try. So here we go, please be upstanding for the 2026 Gentleman’s Journal Drinks Awards.

The Tequila Enemigo 55 Blanco is triple-distilled, which contributes to its smoothness and clarity. It is ideal for cocktail recipes or can equally be enjoyed on its own over a few cubes of ice. Tasting notes include green apple, lime and a subtle minerality – and it’s worth noting that the bottle is also a handsome feature in any drinks cabinet.

2nd Place: Codigo 1530 Reposado Tequila

3rd Place: 818 Reposado Tequila

B-Corp certified Sapling Vodka is making headlines for a number of reasons. Firstly, taste: Sapling is distilled exclusively from British wheat and is distilled four times for an extra-smooth finish.

Secondly, its sustainability credentials are unrivalled. A tree is planted for each bottle sold, with a unique code informing drinkers where and when the seed was dropped.

2nd Place: Belvedere 10

3rd Place: Beluga Gold Line Vodka

No.3 Gin returns to the Drinks Awards podium and rightly so. This London Dry Gin is preferred by some of the world’s most distinguished mixologists, including Dukes legend Alessandro Palazzi. The gin itself is crisp and refreshing, with a balance of juniper, citrus and spice. In our view, this is an essential to keep in the freezer for those last-minute Martinis.

2nd Place: Lind & Lime Gin

3rd Place: Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Pre-mixed cocktails continue to rise in popularity and Edmunds are leading the way. The range includes classics such as an Old Fashioned or Negroni (our favourite) to the more adventurous Kumquat Margarita. Founded by two brothers from Suffolk, it is their use of only the best spirits that sets their cocktails apart.

They are also all lovingly mixed, poured, bottled and labelled by hand.

2nd Place: MOTH

3rd Place: Black Lines

Brugal 1888 Double Aged Rum

New on our list, Brugal dates back to the late 19th century. Based in the Dominican Republic, the distillery is run by Jassil Villanueva Quintana; great-great-granddaughter of Brugal’s original founder. The rum undergoes double-ageing, combining the flavours of ex-bourbon American oak and the finest Oloroso sherry European oak casks.

2nd Place: Hattiers Egremont Premium Reserve Rum

3rd Place: Banditti Club Glasgow Spiced Rum

Few bottles on this list have a history that matches Louis XIII. Created in 1874, Louis XIII is today known as the most prestigious of cognac brands. Each element from the terroir, the harvest, the distillation, the blending and the ageing is second to none. All in the quest of making cognac perfection. The vessel, the brand’s Classic Decanter, is a work of art in itself.

2nd Place: Hennessy XO

3rd Place: Delamain Pale & Dry XO

Rye Whiskey An icon of American whiskey, Sazerac Rye is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. A must-try for spicy whiskey lovers, this liquid is packed with sweet baking spice and Seville orange notes, making it a delectable straight dram, but also capable of working fantastically well in cocktails.

2nd Place: Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

3rd Place: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Glenfarclas is often described as the whisky brand for those in the know. It is independently owned and is now run by the sixth generation of the same family, the Grants. The 12 Year Old whisky is special – expect a bold and weighty but still vibrant dram, with notes of nuts, dried fruits, citrus zest and baking spices. A must-try.

2nd Place: Glenmorangie Original 12 Year Old

3rd Place: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old

The Macallan is the holy grail for many collectors. Crafted at the iconic distillery in Speyside, this showcases the brand’s expertise in wood management and maturation. The Double Cask series is matured in a blend of American and European oak sherry-seasoned casks. It’s a seriously impressive dram that is almost (dangerously) too drinkable.

2nd Place: Tamdhu 15 Year Old

3rd Place: Glenmorangie The Lasanta 15 Year Old

The Glenmorangie distillery has existed since 1843, when William Matheson bought a licence to make whisky on the site of a brewery located near the Tarlogie Springs in the Highlands. With honeyed, floral and caramelised orange notes, this displays endless depth: drinkers are able to pick up on subtle differences in taste with each dram.

2nd Place: The Singleton 18 Year Old

3rd Place: Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry

For over 25 years Nyetimber has had a single aim: to make the finest English sparkling wine to rival Champagne. It’s fair to say that they’ve achieved this. This is impressive and the palate provides toasty notes on a framework of crystalline citrus fruit. It has a lovely pale straw-yellow colour.

2nd Place: Exton Park RB-45 Blanc de Blancs

3rd Place: Harrow & Hope 2020 Blanc de Blancs

Everyone’s heard of Whispering Angel; however, it’s the big sister that takes our fancy. Rock Angel from Château d’Esclans has a higher ABV and more punch, plus a small amount of oak-barrel ageing. The result is an impressive Rosé that can be drunk on its own, but pairs superbly with food.

2nd Place: Clos Mireille 2024 (Domain Ott)

3rd Place: Château La Coste Rosé 2024

Founded in 1818, Billecart-Salmon is one of the few independent champagne houses. Over the last couple of years, they have been quietly building their presence. Tasting notes include dried lemon, grapefruit, brioche, salted almonds and sweet apple blossom, all finished off with creamy bubbles.

2nd Place: Louis Roederer Collection 246

3rd Place: Penfolds Champagne Cuvée Brut NV