Two glasses of bourbon clink together in celebration. At the recent IWSC American whisky Judging, four American whiskeys captured Gold Outstanding medals.

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) bestowed Gold Outstanding medals on four American whiskeys, while 23 others received Gold medals during the North American whiskey judging. This event, taking place in Kentucky during the week of September 9th, was the first of its kind to be held in North America by the IWSC. Over 300 whiskey expressions earned medals, with the four top medalists each scoring notable 98/100 points.

The standout bourbon, and sole recipient of a Gold Outstanding medal, was Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company, Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, No-Age Statement, 55.5% ABV, 750 ml.

According to the official IWSC Judging Panel, this whisky was rated as “outstanding,” highlighting its exceptional qualities.

… opens with captivating aromas of rich oak integrated with vibrant orchard fruit and warm cinnamon. The palate reveals layers of caramel, delicate nuttiness, and a hint of pepper, all enveloped in a creamy embrace. A wonderfully extended finish with complex notes of both grain and barrel.

These results supplement an earlier judging of American whiskies in June in the United Kingdom.

The top American rye whisky was Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Bulleit Rye 10 YO American Straight Rye Whiskey, 45.6% ABV, 750 ml.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring aromas of:

rich caramel and warm leather with whispers of green tea and lively cinnamon spice. A velvety mouthfeel reveals layers of dark cherry and blackcurrant, leading to a bright, chocolate-orange finish and delightful rye spice.

The top-ranked blended whisky was Coors Spirits Co., Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey, 58.1% ABV, 750 ml. Coors Spirits, a subsidiary of the Colorado-based beer titan, has been steadily winning awards in international spirits competitions.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring:

Big enticing aromas of malted cereal, sweet creamy milk chocolate and crisp red berries. The deliciously silky palate drips with the flavors of candied spiced nuts. A gorgeous mouthfeel that boasts a satisfyingly velvety finish.

The top American Single Malt was Virginia Distilling Company, Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whiskey, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as:

Solid, well-crafted, and well balanced. The nose reveals a captivating medley of savoury herbs and subtle vegetal notes, inviting exploration. On the palate, vibrant red grape and raisin harmonize beautifully, culminating in a smooth, well-integrated finish that lingers delightfully.

Fourteen bourbon expressions won Gold medals. The list of winners included familiar names and newer craft distillers, with several unexpected victors among the Gold medal recipients.

Ammunition Wine & Whiskey, Ammunition Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Garrard County Distilling Company, All Nations Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, One Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Nelson’s Green Briar Distillery, Reserve Bourbon; 15 Stars, Triple Cask II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; and Luxco – Ross & Squibb Distillery, Remus Gatsby Reserve 15 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey;

Elgin Distillery, Arizona Straight Bourbon [Rye 24%], was one of the few non-Kentucky or Tennessee-based distillers to win a Gold medal, as was TX Whiskey, TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Also winning a Gold medal was Peg Lake Porker Spirits, Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey White Label; Blue Run Spirits, Blue Run Reflection II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Blanton Distilling Company; Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; O. H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey, 2024 Flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; World Whisky Society, Doc Holiday; and Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., High Rye Bourbon Kentucky Straight Whiskey.

See the IWSC website for a complete listing of all of the medalists.

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