Grand Talon Rice Whisky Wins Three Major Honours at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards China
Grand Talon Rice Whisky has achieved outstanding recognition at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards (WWA) China, receiving three major honours: China’s Best Grain Whisky, Gold Medal and Category Winner.
The results of the 2026 World Whiskies Awards (WWA) China competition have been announced, marking a significant milestone for Grand Talon Rice Whisky and its distinctive approach to whisky-making.
Founded in 2007 by Whisky Magazine, the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) is an international whisky competition widely recognised within the industry for its rigorous evaluation standards. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Whisky”, the awards celebrate excellence in whisky production from around the world.
The competition features blind tastings conducted by professional judging panels across different locations and judging sessions. Entries are assessed on the quality and character of the liquid itself, with medals awarded at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
Among Gold Medal-winning whiskies, those demonstrating exceptional performance may be named Category Winners, recognising them as leading entries in their respective categories and allowing them to advance to the next stage of the competition.
The 2026 edition marked the first time the WWA introduced a dedicated China competition, providing an important international platform for China's emerging whisky-producing region and its growing presence in the global whisky industry.
Nose
Floral and woody aromas unfold alongside vanilla, nutmeg and stewed fruit. Notes of corn, cooked apple, stone fruit and citrus peel add further complexity. These are followed by creamy caramel and the rich, indulgent sweetness of dulce de leche.
Palate
Soft and warming on the palate, with expressive tropical fruit flavours, including pineapple, sweet orange peel and buttery pineapple. Nutty oak, toasted grains, rice, herbal notes and a subtle lactic character contribute depth and complexity.
Mouthfeel
Rich, silky and viscous, with excellent integration and a remarkably smooth texture.
Finish
The finish builds gradually, leaving lingering notes of buttery grain and juicy tropical fruit, with a persistent and satisfying aftertaste.
Grand Talon Rice Whisky represents an innovative fusion of traditional Hakka brewing wisdom and Western whisky maturation techniques.
Made from rice, a grain deeply rooted in Chinese agricultural and culinary heritage, Grand Talon combines maturation in traditional ceramic vats with ageing in new oak casks. This approach aims to preserve the purity and delicacy of the rice spirit while developing the complexity, depth and layered character associated with oak-matured whisky.
The spirit is first matured in French and American oak casks before being transferred to Pearl Red's own rice-wine casks for further maturation. This distinctive finishing process allows the whisky to develop additional depth and character, drawing on the rich heritage of traditional Chinese rice wine.
Through this combination of Eastern craftsmanship and Western cask-maturation techniques, Grand Talon explores a distinctive expression of whisky rooted in Chinese ingredients and brewing traditions.
The 2026 WWA competition progresses through several stages. Following the initial blind-tasting stage, which determines medal recipients and Category Winners, regional category champions advance to compete for the title of World's Best in their respective categories.
The awards span more than 20 whisky categories, including Single Malt, Blended Whisky and Grain Whisky, with classifications evolving alongside developments in the industry.
Recognition at the WWA represents an important opportunity for Chinese whisky producers to showcase their products on the international stage. For Grand Talon, these honours reflect the team's continued commitment to craftsmanship, heritage and innovation.
We believe this achievement is not a coincidence, but the result of dedication to traditional brewing knowledge, careful research and a willingness to explore new possibilities in whisky-making.
For Grand Talon, these honours are both a meaningful milestone and a starting point for further exploration. They mark a proud achievement today—and inspire us to reach even greater heights in the future.