Bourbon whiskey Manhattan Cocktail on the rocks.
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Sixteen bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. One entry scored a Gold Outstanding, the highest medal given by the IWSC, and one bourbon scored a Gold medal. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys.
King’s Family Distillery, Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100
King’s Family Distillery, located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a family-owned craft distillery specializing in small-batch, high-quality blended whiskeys. Their Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of light whiskey based on a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, and a 98% corn and 2% malted barley bourbon. The whiskey is aged for a minimum of six years. It balances Tennessee smoothness with Kentucky-style richness and complexity.
On the nose, the bourbon features butterscotch, sweet corn, dried apricot, and toasted coconut alongside hints of leather and maple syrup. The palate is rich, complex, and layered, showcasing flavors of vanilla, caramel, roasted banana, pecan pie, and cinnamon. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of oak, brown sugar, and a hint of Tennessee maple charcoal.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as “enticing aromas of glazed popcorn and sweet oak welcome the senses, unfolding into a rich palate of ripe plum with delicate yellow flower notes. A well-crafted, harmonious, and sophisticated bourbon with a long, lingering finish.”
15 Stars, First West Extra Aged Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Gold 2025 – Score: 95/100
15 Stars is a premium craft whiskey brand. The company’s name references Kentucky’s status as the 15th state in the United States. Their “First West” line celebrates Kentucky’s frontier heritage and its status as the first trans-Appalachian state admitted to the union. The Extra Aged expression blends bourbons across states and ages, including older barrels aged over 10 years.
The bourbon features aromas of crème brûlée, toasted pecan, and baked apple. The palate showcases flavors of butterscotch, candied ginger, and fig jam. The finish is long, velvety, and nuanced, with lingering notes of aged oak, allspice, and dark cherry jam.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting “baked fruits entwined with rose and fresh greenery, while the palate displays savory olive, leather, and bay leaf, underscored by cacao and coffee. Lingering nuances of condensed milk and tropical fruits linger on the seductive finish. Sublime!”
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey, 54.5% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver 2025 – Score: 94/100
Peerless Double Oak Bourbon undergoes two separate maturations in new American oak barrels, intensifying wood extraction.
The whiskey is rich and aromatic on the nose, featuring notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and molasses. The palate showcases toasted coconut, crème caramel, clove, and vanilla custard. The second oak aging intensifies the wood-derived flavors. The finish is long and flavorful, featuring intense cinnamon notes and lingering hints of charred oak and maple syrup.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting “inviting aromas of creamy vanilla, rich tobacco smoke, sultanas, and black pepper. On the palate, a warm blend of rich cacao and baking spice emerges, complemented by lingering sweet tobacco.”
Bourbon and cheese pairing.
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Blue Run Spirits, Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, 55.5% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100
Blue Run Spirits is a contemporary luxury brand that partners with master distillers and contract producers. Their High Rye Bourbon features a bold rye component, often sourced and blended under the guidance of Master Distiller Jim Rutledge.
The whisky is aromatic on the nose, featuring tea, citrus peel, and fresh mint. The high rye content showcases spices on the palate along with flavors of brown sugar, orange marmalade, and black pepper. The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of black pepper.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting “enticing baking spice intertwined with butter pastry, while the palate offers a delightful dryness enriched by hints of butterscotch, yellow apples, leather, and smooth cedar.”
Peg Leg Porker (Teal Hollow Distilling) Black Label Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100
Peg Leg Porker is a Tennessee-based brand founded by pitmaster Carey Bringle. The bourbon is hickory charcoal-filtered but skips the Lincoln County Process, resulting in a more traditional profile.
The whiskey features aromas of campfire smoke, peanut brittle, and toasted bread. The palate offers a candied sweetness reminiscent of cotton candy, accompanied by notes of vanilla, cola, bacon, and spice cake, with savory undertones. The finish is long and sweet with lingering notes of mesquite and charred corn.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as “herbal and sweet, with bright aromas of lemon and lime zest. The palate showcases crisp apple and violets, alongside hints of smoked cheese and French toast before a spiced finish with tones of chocolate and peppermint.”
Heaven Hill, Evan Williams 1783 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100
This bourbon is an extension of the Evan Williams range. It’s named after the brand’s founding year and features Heaven Hill’s traditional high-corn mash bill, aged 6–8 years.
The nose features aromas of caramel corn, toasted vanilla, and citrus peel. It’s smooth and flavorful on the palate, showcasing butter toffee, baking spice, and a hint of grilled peach. The finish is long, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and vanilla.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as having “enticing aromas of vanilla essence and fresh wood shavings. The palate sings with concentrated flavors of black tea leaves, spiced citrus, vibrant red berries, and lingering sweet caramel.”
Some of Heaven Hill Distillery’s leading whiskey brands.
Photo, courtesy Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill Distillery, Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100
This limited series celebrates Heaven Hill’s grain-to-glass program, focusing on traditional mash bills and maturation techniques. It emphasizes regional grain sourcing and proprietary yeast strains.
The whiskey features aromas of cornbread, cinnamon sugar, and light tobacco. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of pancake syrup, white pepper, and apple pie. The finish is long and sweet with lingering notes of toasted oak and vanilla.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting “a ripe mango and fresh hazelnut character with brown sugar aromas and a full-bodied palate. Black tea flavors are layered with star anise, balanced by a pleasing salinity.”
The Difference Bourbon, The Foundation Whiskey, 54.1% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver, Score: 93
The Foundation is a purpose-driven bourbon label focused on storytelling, legacy, and charitable engagement. Their sourcing and finishing choices aim to showcase “a foundation of flavor and meaning.”
The whiskey features sweet/candied aromas of marshmallow, peanut brittle, and caramel apple. It’s smooth and creamy on the palate, exhibiting flavors of honeycomb, almond, and a touch of wood spices. The finish is long with lingering notes of toasted nuts and seasoned oak.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing “sweet vanilla aromas, followed by a palate of candied fruit, black tea, caramel, and hazelnut flavors. Delicate and precise with a dry finish.”
Pinhook Vertical Series 9 YO Bourbon Whiskey, 57.2% abv, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver 2025 – Score: 93/100
The Vertical Series follows the same vintage of bourbon over a 12-year period. This 9-year-old installment reflects the ongoing maturation of the same original distillate, showcasing its changes over time.
The whiskey features aromas of fig, cherry cola, and seasoned oak. It’s complex and elegant on the palate, showcasing black tea, dark honey, and nutmeg spice. The finish is long, with lingering notes of leather, spearmint, and hints of dried citrus peel.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as showing “enticing aromas of red fruits are complemented by savory olive and earthy undertones. The palate reveals a dry, sherry-like character, accented by black pepper and vanilla, leading to a warming finish with a lingering sweetness.”
Wild Turkey Bourbon. (Photo by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
LightRocket via Getty Images
Wild Turkey, 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml.
Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100
Wild Turkey’s 8-Year-Old Bourbon, long a foreign favorite, is now again available in the US.
On the nose, the whisky exhibits a classic Wild Turkey profile, characterized by spice, dried cherry, and toasted coconut notes. The palate showcases honey, rye toast, leather, vanilla, and oak spice. The finish is long and bold with a dry, tannic character and lingering notes of charred wood, rye spices, pepper, and toffee.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as “peppery spice blends with vanilla candy and light apple on the nose. The palate brings bold agave and resinous notes. A balanced and flavorsome offering.”
Four additional bourbons scored 90 points or higher: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey’s 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.6% ABV, 750 ml, 9/100; Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml, 91/100; Wild Turkey, 101 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750ml, 90/10; Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 7-Years-Old, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml, 90/100; and Smooth Ambler’s Old Scout 7-Year-Old, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml, 9/100.
We are truly living in the golden age of bourbon. America’s preeminent whiskey has never been better, or offered a more varied aroma and taste profile than it does today. The top bourbons from the IWSC’s American whiskey judging represent an eclectic mix of historic, legacy producers, to new, up-and-coming craft producers. What they all share in common is a commitment to quality and innovation, as well as a passion for producing superlative whiskeys. If you love bourbon, all these whiskeys are worth a taste and some, a permanent addition to your bar!
