Glen Breton named Canada's top whisky distillery at New York spirits competition
The Cape Breton single malt producer took the title at the 2026 New York International Spirits Competition, as a US ban on Canadian spirits, wine and malt beer takes effect Sept. 29.
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Glen Breton, the single malt distillery in Nova Scotia's Highlands of Cape Breton, was named Canada Whisky Distillery of the Year at the 2026 New York International Spirits Competition. The competition drew more than 1,400 submissions from over 39 countries, judged blind by trade buyers — importers, distributors and retailers — who score by category and price.
The US ban on Canadian spirits, wine and malt beer takes effect Sept. 29, 2026, after Trump announced it Sept. 8. It follows a trade war that began in February 2025. US exports to Canada fell about 70 per cent between March and December 2025, from US$232 million to US$72 million. Canada is a major market for American spirits, so the ban cuts both ways. Glen Breton's 21-year-old bottle, sold in the US through its own shop that ships to 45 states, averages around US$331 per 750 ml bottle on third-party listings.
The last time a Canadian distillery took this title, in 2021, it was Glenora, also in Cape Breton. Glen Breton also took a Double Gold for its 21-year-old Rare Canadian Single Malt Whisky, adding to Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Women's Spirit Competition.
The ban takes effect Sept. 29. Ontario's Sharab Spirits, which won Canada Liqueur of the Year at the same competition for its Patiala Peg Original, faces the same date.
By the numbers
How many submissions did the 2026 New York International Spirits Competition receive?
The 2026 New York International Spirits Competition received more than 1,400 submissions from over 39 countries. Trade buyers, including importers, distributors and retailers, judged them blind.
How much did US exports to Canada fall during the trade war?
US exports to Canada fell about 70 per cent between March and December 2025, dropping from US$232 million to US$72 million. The trade war began in February 2025.
