Sips & Sites & Bites

The International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is one of those events that whisky lovers and industry pros keep a close eye on every year. With thousands of spirits from across the globe judged blind by panels of experts, it’s no small feat to walk away with an award … let alone the top one.

This year, all eyes were on Japan, where The House of Suntory’s Yamazaki 18 Years Old claimed the highest honor: Supreme Champion Spirit at the 2025 ISC in London.

If that sounds familiar, it should. Yamazaki has now won this title three years in a row … first with the 25 Years Old in 2023, then the 12 Years Old in 2024, and now the 18. It’s the first time in ISC history that one brand has pulled off such a streak.

So what makes Yamazaki stand out? Judges described the 18 as “wonderfully well-aged, perfectly rounded, and just a lovely thing to drink.” Considering they taste more than 1,000 spirits during the competition, that’s high praise. They noted its remarkable balance of smoothness and intensity … qualities that have made Yamazaki a cornerstone of Japanese whisky worldwide.

Masaki “Mory” Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory, pointed to the brand’s philosophy of kaizen … continuous improvement … as a guiding force. “This recognition is a testament to the pioneering spirit and exceptional craftsmanship of Yamazaki,” he said. For whisky fans, it means that behind every bottle is a blend of tradition, innovation, and meticulous care.

Yamazaki wasn’t the only Suntory spirit to earn recognition this year. The awards list reads like a roll call of Japanese whisky royalty: Hibiki 30 Years Old and Hakushu 25 Years Old both received Double Gold, while several Hibiki, Hakushu, and other Yamazaki expressions took home Gold medals. Even Suntory’s craft gin, ROKU, and a plum liqueur from Yamazaki Distillery joined the winner’s circle.

Beyond the trophies, these accolades underscore how Japanese whisky has moved from niche curiosity to global powerhouse. When the ISC’s expert tasters … judging blind, with no labels to influence them … consistently land on Yamazaki as the standout, it says something about both the spirit itself and the vision behind it.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Japanese whisky or just curious what all the buzz is about, Yamazaki’s win is a reminder of how craftsmanship and patience can shine through in a glass. Three years, three champions … and if history is any indication, the story of Yamazaki’s winning streak may not be finished yet.