AKRO Named “European Blend Whisky of the Year 2025” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

A historic milestone for European whisky

A new chapter in the history of European whisky has just been written.

AKRO, the iconic creation of the Talents of Spirits collection, has been awarded the prestigious title of “European Blend Whisky of the Year 2025 " in Jim Murray’s "Whisky Bible 2025-2026," one of the most influential and respected references in the world of whisky.

For over twenty years, Jim Murray’s “Whisky Bible” has been regarded as an essential guide for enthusiasts, collectors, industry professionals, and connoisseurs worldwide.

This distinction represents much more than a trophy. It recognizes a vision, a philosophy, and a constant pursuit of excellence that continue to drive Talents of Spirits.

The Power of Talent and Collaboration

At Talents of Spirits, our ambition has always been clear: to bring together the best European talent to create spirits capable of transcending borders and traditions.

AKRO perfectly embodies this philosophy.

The project was born from the collaboration between two remarkable figures in the world of whisky:

* Patrick Van Zuidam, an internationally renowned Dutch master distiller;
* Etienne Bouillon, a Belgian pioneer of craft whiskey.

By combining their expertise, passion, and creativity, they have created a whisky that reflects the best of European craftsmanship.

The result is a sophisticated blend where the richness of malt meets the spicy elegance of rye, offering a remarkable balance between power, complexity, and refinement.

A recognition that validates a vision

Receiving the title of **“European Blend Whisky of the Year 2025”** marks a major milestone, not only for AKRO but also for the growing recognition of European whisky on the international stage.

For generations, whisky excellence has been primarily associated with historic producing countries. Today, a new generation of European distillers is demonstrating that innovation, expertise, and authenticity can emerge from across the continent.

This distinction confirms that European whisky has now developed its own identity: creative, ambitious, and resolutely forward-looking.

A momentum gaining traction internationally

This latest award is part of a series of recent successes for **Talents of Spirits**.

Over the past few months, the collection has already been honored with several international awards, including **three gold medals at the World Spirits Competition in China**, further reinforcing the quality and consistency of its creations.

Each award reinforces our commitment to pushing boundaries and highlighting the extraordinary potential of European spirits.

Looking to the future

Regarding this award, Hubert Coussement, CEO of Talents of Spirits, states:

> “What we are experiencing today goes far beyond the scope of an award. This recognition demonstrates that boldness, passion, and the power of authentic collaborations can give rise to truly exceptional projects. This global recognition is a tremendous source of motivation, and we are convinced that the best is yet to come.”

AKRO is much more than an award-winning whiskey.

It is the symbol of a shared vision, a collective adventure, and a new generation of European excellence.

And this is just the beginning.

**Source:** Adapted from an article published by *Les Sybarites* (M.J.), reproduced with permission.