Four American whiskeys captured Gold Outstanding medals, while 23 others achieved Gold medals at the recent IWSC North American whiskey competition.

At a special event in Kentucky during the week of September 9th, 300 whiskey varieties were awarded medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). This marked the first IWSC whiskey judging ever held in North America. Notably, all winners of the Gold Outstanding medals earned remarkable scores of 98 out of 100.

Among these top performers, the standout was the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company’s Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, No-Age Statement, with a 55.5% ABV in a 750 ml bottle, which uniquely clinched a Gold Outstanding medal.

The official IWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as “outstanding,” noting that it:

… 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 with these notes:

… rich caramel and warm leather, intertwined with hints of green tea and lively cinnamon spice. The texture is velvety, unfolding layers of dark cherry and blackcurrant, concluding with a vibrant chocolate-orange finish and a charming rye spice.

The highest-rated blended whisky was Coors Spirits Co., Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey, 58.1% ABV, 750 ml. Coors Spirits, part of the larger beer conglomerate based in Colorado, has consistently garnered accolades at various international spirits competitions.

The IWSC Judging Panel provided the following description for the whisky:

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 achieved Gold medals. These winners included a blend of well-known established brands and emerging craft distillers, plus some unexpected winners. The bourbons that earned Gold medals were:

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%], stood out as one of the rare winners not from Kentucky or Tennessee, similar to TX Whiskey, TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Additional Gold medals were awarded to Peg Leg 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.

Visit the IWSC website for a full list of all the award winners.

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