15 Stars Whiskey: A Surprising Winner in the Whiskey World

Last month, the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition held its annual judging event in Brooklyn. Whiskey enthusiasts from all over were left in shock when a relatively unknown craft producer from Kentucky, 15 Stars, emerged victorious over bigger and more well-known brands to take home the prize for Best Bourbon. However, the surprises did not end there. In an exclusive report by Forbes, it was revealed that 15 Stars had also won the title of Best Whiskey overall.

Specifically, their 15 Stars First West Rye Whiskey (Batch #1) received the prestigious title of Best in Show Whiskey, solidifying its position at the top of the whiskey world. To achieve such an honor, one must wonder what this liquid tastes like. We will delve into the details shortly, but first, let’s talk about the remarkable achievement of this relatively small and lesser-known producer.

In a competition that involved a blind tasting of thousands of spirits across major categories, the expert panel of judges sampled and rated each one without any knowledge of the specific brand. In the end, the top-rated expressions from each subcategory were pitted against each other until only one victor remained. And in this case, it was 15 Stars First West Rye Whiskey.

What makes their victory even more impressive is the fact that 15 Stars triumphed over renowned brands, including a 25-year-old single malt from Ardbeg, one of the most prestigious whisky makers in the world. Other Double Gold-winning American whiskies, such as Knob Creek, EH Taylor, and George T. Stagg, were also outshined by this small family-owned label from Bardstown.

The winning whiskey is a sourced rye, blended from whiskies originally distilled in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. Bottled at an ABV of 52.5%, this rye stood out among its competitors and showcased the expertise and passion of the team behind 15 Stars.

The victory of the 15 Stars First West Rye Whiskey serves as a reminder to all spirit enthusiasts that it is ultimately the content inside the bottle that matters. This whiskey offers a beautifully complex interplay between sweet and spicy flavors. Upon nosing, one can detect hints of clove and citrus fruit. The first sips reveal a taste reminiscent of freshly-baked apple crumble, accompanied by cinnamon and nutmeg. As it finishes, the whiskey showcases the essence of the rye grain with a touch of butterscotch.

If you’re hoping to experience this award-winning whiskey, you may have some difficulty. Currently, 15 Stars has limited distribution across the United States. Additionally, their top-ranked bourbon was quickly sold out after its success at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. However, with its undeniable quality and recognition, there is hope that 15 Stars will expand its availability in the near future.

In conclusion, the victory of 15 Stars in the whiskey world is an inspiring story of a lesser-known producer rising above the competition. Their dedication to crafting exceptional spirits has been recognized by experts in blind tastings, solidifying their position as a brand to watch. So, if you come across a bottle of 15 Stars First West Rye Whiskey, consider yourself fortunate and savor the experience of a truly exceptional whiskey.