South Africa’s Three Ships Whisky Crowned World’s Best

South Africa’s whisky industry reached a historic milestone at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards (WWA) in London when Three Ships Whisky Bourbon Cask was named the World's Best Blended Whisky. Hosted by TheDrinksReport.com, the global competition saw the Cape-made spirit beat out heavyweights from traditional powerhouse nations including Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and the United States.

Winning Over the World's Top Judges

Evaluated through a rigorous blind-tasting process by an international panel of experts, Three Ships stood out for its depth, balance, and character. The judges praised its expressive flavor profile

"Varnished oak, vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate, and smoked pineapple all align on an expressive nose, while cornflake, caramel sauce, and ripe fruits drift through the palate. Spicy oak adds structure and interest while brown sugar and vanilla contribute to a rounded finish."

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Crafted in Wellington’s Unique Climate

The award-winning whisky is distilled at the historic James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, about an hour outside Cape Town—one of the few operational distilleries worldwide that produces both malt and grain whiskies on-site.

While adhering to strict classic maturation standards, the distillery leverages South Africa's warm climate to its advantage. The higher ambient temperatures accelerate maturation inside American oak ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a naturally rich, smooth, and full-bodied spirit.