Galician Distillery Wins Three Medals in London Whisky Contest

Destilerías Ovalle 1888, a Galician distillery based in Las Rías Baixas, said it won three medals in the World Whisky category at the International Spirits Challenge 2026 in London, a result that company executives described as a confirmation that its artisanal whiskies can compete with better-known producers from Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

The awards went to Bateeiro, which received a silver medal for a whisky aged in Galician chestnut casks; Ovalle Ruby, which also earned silver after aging in Ribera del Duero casks; and Ovalle Gold, which took bronze after maturation in Albariño casks. The company said each barrel type gives the spirit a different profile, with chestnut adding sweet, toasted and smoky notes with a saline finish, Albariño contributing citrus and floral tones, and Ribera del Duero bringing wild berry flavors and tannins.

Juan Ovalle, the company’s head of innovation, said the medals reflected years of work and respect for the distilling process that has shaped the family business since 1888. He said the recognition came from a blind tasting in London that included thousands of whiskies from more than 70 countries and was judged by international experts.

The company said the results strengthen Galicia’s position as an emerging source of signature whisky at a time when the category remains dominated by long-established producers. Destilerías Ovalle also pointed to its family history in spirits production, including its role in creating RUAVIEJA, now owned by Pernod Ricard.

Alongside the awards, the distillery introduced The Ovalle Reserve Whisky Society, a private membership program aimed at collectors and enthusiasts. The group will offer access to numbered bottles, private casks made from Galician chestnut wood and other selected barrels from wineries. José Manuel Brandariz, a partner in the distillery and president of the Association of Galician Businesspeople and Professionals in the United States, said the project is meant to build a community around whisky, art and gastronomy through tastings and private events at the Galician distillery and at Casa Ovalle in Madrid.