Lot No. 40 is No. 1 in the Canadian whisky world.

A panel of 10 independent whisky experts selected the spirit, distilled by Hiram Walker in Windsor, Ontario, as the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the sixth annual Canadian Whisky Awards.

The rye was selected via a blind taste test held at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C. Lot No. 40 previously won the whisky of the year award in 2013.

“Having Lot No. 40 recognized as Canadian Whisky of the Year is like winning the Stanley Cup of whisky,” said Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender for Lot No. 40. “The fact that Lot No. 40 was the top pick among a panel of judges from all over Canada is particularly rewarding.”

Lot No. 40 is distilled in a single copper pot still, using locally sourced ingredients, to enhance rye spices. The whisky is then aged in virgin oak barrels to encourage a full body with a vanilla and oak finish.

“Interest in rye is surging globally, and here is proof that Canada makes the best all-rye whiskies in the world,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the contest’s judges.

At the competition, the Sippin’ Whisky of the Year Award went to Canadian Club 100% Rye, while Gooderham & Worts was named best new whisky.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, which was recently named World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2016 Whisky Bible, didn’t go home empty handed, earning an award of excellence and a gold medal at the Canadian competition.

Throughout 2015, Canadian distillers released more small-batch and luxury whiskies than ever before.

“Canada’s whisky makers have responded to skyrocketing interest in Canadian whisky with a wealth of new high-end releases,” de Kergommeaux said.

Click here for a full list of award recipients.