EMILL single malts win Gold at World Spirits Challenge 2026

Two German single malt whiskies from Emil Scheibel Black Forest Distillery earned Gold medals at the World Spirits Challenge 2026. The wins lift the profile of EMILL Stockwerk and Kraftwerk as the distillery pushes German whisky into the global spotlight. Why it matters: - The Gold medals give EMILL more visibility with trade buyers and whisky consumers worldwide. - The awards also underscore the growing credibility of German single malt in a global blind-tasting competition. What happened: - EMILL Stockwerk Single Malt Whisky and EMILL Kraftwerk Single Malt Whisky each won Gold in the Single Malt Whisky category at the World Spirits Challenge 2026. - Both whiskies come from Emil Scheibel Black Forest Distillery in Kappelrodeck, Germany. - The announcement was made on June 16, 2026. The details: - EMILL Stockwerk is 46% ABV and aged 5 years. - EMILL Stockwerk shows medium amber color with bright clarity and rich legs. - Its nose includes mango, dried apricot, caramel, vanilla and a gentle hint of smoke. - The palate is slender but expressive, with fruit, confectionery sweetness and oak influence. - The finish is long and persistent. - EMILL Kraftwerk is 58.7% ABV and aged 5 years. - EMILL Kraftwerk also shows medium amber color with bright clarity. - Its nose brings dried apricot, caramel and gentle baking spice. - The palate is full-flavored and intense, with caramel and vanilla across a broad, structured profile. - The finish is long and complex. - Both whiskies are crafted at the historic Scheibel Whisky Mühle in Kappelrodeck, in Germany’s Black Forest. - The whisky range is distilled and matured in the historic Scheibel mill. - The distillery says the EMILL line combines traditional methods with regional expertise and local oak influence. - EMILL Single Malt Whiskies are available through the distillery’s online shop and select international partners. - More information is available in the company’s announcement . Between the lines: - The competition uses blind tasting, so the medals reflect sensory performance rather than branding or packaging. - The paired Golds suggest the distillery can compete across two different whisky strengths while keeping a shared house style. - The wins also point to rising attention on Black Forest spirits beyond the distillery’s home market. What’s next: - EMILL can use the medals to support export sales and broader distribution. - The awards may help the distillery position German single malt as a more established category in premium whisky markets. - Trade and consumer attention will likely focus on how EMILL expands the range after these results.