Michter’s Named the #1 Most Admired Whiskey in the World

Once again Michter’s has been named the #1 Most Admired Whiskey in the World.

The newly-released 2026 list published by  Drinks International celebrates leading whisky distilleries from around the globe.

For the fourth consecutive year the Louisville-based maker of bourbon, rye, and American whiskey, has ranked number one on the top-50 list.

Michter’s whiskey just keeps winning

Michter’s is once again the #1 Most Admired Whiskey in the World

The rankings, are determined by an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts from more than 25 countries. Full disclosure, I am one of them. And no, I’m not telling you what my ranking was.

Drinks International credits Michter’s with focusing on variables within their control: the quality of the liquid and the time spent engaging with trade and consumers alike. It also notes how impressive this is in a complex period for international trade and geopolitics.

“Michter’s continues to raise the bar each year. I commend Matt and the rest of the team for successfully and consistently delivering world class whiskey at a time when the wider industry is struggling,” says Shay Waterworth, editor of Drinks International.

“When we started this ranking we never expected one brand to string together such an impressive winning run, but every trade show I attend there’s a crowd around the Michter’s stand, which I think illustrates perfectly the respect this brand has among whisky professionals globally.”

Settling for second place again is Yamazaki

The World’s Most Admired Whiskies 2026

While Michter’s topped the charts, Yamazaki had to settle for second place again. Remarkably, another non-mover from last year was third place Hibiki, reflecting the respect Suntory has within the whisky world. With Chichubu fourth, it seems Japanese whisky is looking very strong indeed. Johnnie Walker rounded out the top five.

Our consistent champion Bruichladdich was sixth, with Ardbeg, Nc’Nean (this year’s biggest climber with a stunning 32-place rise), Compass Box, and Laphroaig completing the top ten. Just in case you were getting worried about Scotch. With the likes of Kavalan, Kyrö, and Amrut charting, the list also reflects what a global product whisky has become.

New entries include Spot Whiskey, Arran, Old Overholt, Bulleit, Archie Rose, and Paul John, while Woodford Reserve, Jameson, Glenfiddich, Starward, Jura, Blanton’s, Midleton, Kilchoman, and Stauning all rank among the re-entries.

Attention to detail is a key part of Michter’s success

The might of Michter’s

With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey.

Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter’s is farming estate grown grain on its 205-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter’s has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson Building.

Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery features the pot still system from Michter’s Pennsylvania. It also has educational tours with whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.

“While the underlying chemistry and physics of making exceptional whiskey can be surprisingly complex, our goal is simple: to produce fantastic products that people enjoy. This recognition from the academy of experts convened by Drinks International is the most meaningful testament possible that we are on the right track. We feel tremendous gratitude and a constant inspiration to keep improving,” says Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation as well as its COO.

Read more about Michter’s on the Master of Malt blog. For more information about the Drinks International Most Admired Whiskies List, including the full 2026 report, please visit: Drinks International.