Madeira 2026: The Spirits Selection by CMB Gives the Global Spirits Map a New Shape
The Spirits Selection by CMB concluded its 28th edition in Madeira, Portugal, from 16 to 18 October 2026. This year’s results highlight the growing diversity of the international spirits scene, with more than 2,300 spirits from over 70 countries and territories evaluated by the international jury.
An Increasingly Global Stage
For its first edition in Portugal, the competition brought together more than 100 international spirits professionals representing some 40 nationalities. Spirits from 70 countries and territories were represented, with all continents participating. Mexico, France, China, Brazil, Italy and Serbia were among the most represented origins.
The results also welcomed five countries participating for the first time: Angola, Cambodia, Slovenia, Turkey and Zambia. All five earned medals, with highlights including Gold medals for an Angolan banana spirit and a Turkish Raki, alongside Silver medals for a Cambodian cashew apple spirit, a Slovenian Alpine gin and a Zambian marula brandy.
Remarkable Progress
Several countries strengthened their results compared with 2025. Portugal more than tripled its medal count, while Spain and Moldova also recorded notable progress.
Serbia continued to consolidate its position on the international spirits scene, driven by the growing recognition of Rakija. At Spirits Selection, entries in this traditional Balkan spirits category have grown from around 10 to more than 100 in just three years, reflecting a concerted effort by producers and institutions to raise its international profile.
The United States increased its participation, earning four medals, including two Gold. Smaller delegations also made their mark. Sri Lanka won three Gold medals, while Switzerland doubled its medal count. Grand Gold medals were awarded across 24 countries and territories, illustrating the breadth of expertise recognised by the competition.
Madeira in the Spotlight
Madeira hosted this edition, offering a fitting setting thanks to its rich sugar cane heritage and its distinctive Rum da Madeira, produced from fresh sugar cane juice. Alongside the blind tastings, the competition gave international judges the opportunity to discover the island’s producers and spirits-making traditions.
Madeiran spirits made a particularly strong impression, with 16 local products receiving medals, compared with just two in 2025. O Reizinho 50° was named Madeira Rum Revelation, while Branca Tropical Rum Agricola Velho from J. Faria & Filhos and William Hinton Rum from Engenho Novo da Madeira also earned Gold medals. Beyond rum, Balancal Gin Tangerine from Vinha Alta was another local standout.
Portugal won 25 medals overall, more than three times its 2025 total. More broadly, sugar-cane spirits, including rums, agricultural rums and cachaças, received 158 medals, confirming the strength and diversity of this family of spirits.
Results with a Worldwide Flavour
Mexico topped the medal table with 99 medals, followed by France with 77, China with 69 and Italy with 54. Puebla State stood out in particular for its mezcal results, while Chinese baijiu confirmed its international reach with 52 medals and three category Revelations.
The competition’s highest distinction, the Spirits Selection Revelation, went to Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux HSE Château Marquis de Terme Finish (2014) from Valois & Cie in Martinique. The judges praised its expressive, complex profile, combining cinnamon, vanilla and sugar-cane notes with hints of oak, nuts and fresh vegetation. The award highlights the diversity and character of agricultural rum, a fitting tribute to the sugar-cane heritage shared by Martinique and Madeira.
The 25 category Revelations span 16 countries and territories. For the first time, a Chinese pure malt whisky walked away with a revelation for the word whisky category, while France and Italy each receive three. Mexico and India both claim two, with India standing out through Cashmir Vodka, from Piccadily Agro Industries, and Baagh Indian Craft Gin, from Chhota Hazri Spirits. Mexico’s Mezcal Revelation, meanwhile, offers an elegant expression of agave, with floral notes of lavender and rose. Spain also earns recognition in the No/Low category, where Nordés 0,0 receives the Revelation.
Next Stop
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles will return to Portugal in 2027. In May, its Red and White Wines and Sweet and Fortified Wines Sessions will take place in the Douro Valley.
About the Spirits Selection by CMB
All entries are evaluated through blind tastings by specialised professionals, without any information about the brands or producers. The competition takes place each year in a different producing country or region, promoting the discovery of local expertise while ensuring the same evaluation conditions for all entries.
Press Contact
Laure-Anne Vilain XIIII, Vinopres
laure-anne.vilain14@vinopres.com
