Iron Ridge Wins Best English Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies 2026
Well, this is one for the history books.
We’re thrilled to announce that Hammond’s Iron Ridge Single Malt Whisky – created in collaboration with TV presenter, author, and journalist Richard Hammond – has been named Country Winner – Best English Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards 2026. And if that wasn’t enough, it also picked up a Gold Medal.
To say we’re proud would be a massive understatement.
What makes this so special?
The World Whiskies Awards is one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry. Hundreds of distilleries from around the globe enter, and every whisky is judged blind – no branding, no names, just what’s in the glass. Recognition is based purely on quality, balance and flavour.
The Country Winner title means Hammond’s Iron Ridge has been judged the best English single malt whisky of the year. For a relatively young English whisky to be recognised at this level, against some seriously established competition, is something we’re incredibly proud of.
Richard’s reaction
Richard Hammond has been involved in every aspect of Iron Ridge – from selecting the casks to overseeing the design. This was never a case of sticking a celebrity name on a bottle; it’s been a genuine passion project from day one.
Here’s what he had to say:
“This is massive news. To be blind tested by the world’s leading whisky experts and come away with both the Gold Medal and Country Winner – I’m still pinching myself. When I started this journey, I just wanted to create something I was genuinely proud of. I didn’t want to simply put my name on a product; I wanted it to be a passionate reflection of who I am – my love for adventure, detail, and excellence. To be recognised on a stage like this, among whiskies I’ve long admired, is beyond anything I could have dreamed.
“It’s a humbling reminder that passion, patience and an obsession with getting the details right can lead somewhere extraordinary. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning.”
A true collaboration
From the very beginning, Richard’s vision for Iron Ridge was clear – to create something bold, authentic and unmistakably English. He was involved in every decision, pushing us to source exceptional casks and craft a whisky that would stand on its own merits.
To see that dedication recognised at the highest level of international competition is incredibly rewarding – both for Richard and for everyone here at Hawkridge who helped bring Iron Ridge to life.
What’s next?
This award puts Hammond’s Iron Ridge at the forefront of modern English whisky – a category that’s gaining serious momentum globally. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone who’s believed in what we’re creating.
If you haven’t tried Iron Ridge yet, there’s never been a better time – you can buy it at https://hammondsspirits.com. And if you have – thank you. This one’s for you too.
Cheers,
The Hawkridge Team