A distillery from the Pacific Northwest, Heritage Distilling, has gained acclaim with its Cocoa Bomb chocolate whiskey, which was awarded the title of best flavored whiskey in the U.S. during the 2025 regional World Whiskies Awards held in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 14.

Cocoa Bomb, boasting a 75-proof chocolate flavor, is crafted at Heritage Distilling’s facilities located in Tumwater, Washington, and Eugene, Oregon. Following this victory, the whiskey will advance to compete on a global level later this winter. Justin Stiefel, CEO and co-founder of Heritage Distilling, expressed excitement over the achievement, noting that this is the third time the company has won in this category— a unique feat among brands.

Heritage Distilling has previously captured the title of “Best Flavored Whiskey in the World” twice with its Brown Sugar Bourbon, which has since been acquired by actor Jamie Foxx and rebranded as Brown Sugar Blend.

Stiefel highlighted that flavored whiskey is rapidly growing in popularity, especially among younger consumers, with women representing one of the fastest expanding demographics in the whiskey market. He noted that flavored options often serve as a gateway for newcomers to the whiskey world.

Cocoa Bomb’s recipe features a high corn-based bourbon enriched with dark and semi-sweet chocolate and cane sugar, offering a taste reminiscent of rich cocoa and dark chocolate with marshmallow undertones. Stiefel remarked that sipping Cocoa Bomb could make one forget they were drinking whiskey, as it tastes more like delectable dark chocolate.

Founded in 2012, Heritage Distilling opened its Eugene distillery in 2016, with production evenly split between the two locations. Visitors can enjoy tastings at two sites in Eugene, while the distillery is also collaborating with the Coquille Indian Tribe to build Oregon’s first tribally-owned distillery next to The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park in North Bend. This future establishment will feature both Heritage products and a new line called Ko-Kwel Spirits, named after a traditional version of the tribe’s name. In addition, Heritage recently acquired Thinking Tree Distillery in Eugene and plans to open a new tasting room there in April.

For more details on Heritage Distilling and their products, visit Heritage Distilling.