Kentucky Hosts Landmark North American Whiskey & RTD Judging Event

Kentucky, USA recently became the epicenter of North American spirits excellence, as it hosted the inaugural North American Whiskey & Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Judging. Organized by the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), this landmark event attracted nearly 500 entries from across the United States and Canada, solidifying the region’s reputation for producing some of the finest spirits.

With a focus on celebrating craftsmanship, innovation, and quality, the judging panel was a powerhouse of expertise. Industry giants Richard Paterson OBE, Master Distiller at The Dalmore, and Dawn Davies MW, Head Buyer at Speciality Drinks, led a distinguished panel of professionals. The team included renowned figures such as Dr. Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker, and Shannon Tebay, Beverage Director at Outernet Live Venues. Notable North American experts like Dan Callaway, Master Blender at Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Jane Bowie, Master Blender at Potter Jane, were also part of the panel, creating a global gathering of spirits connoisseurs.

The event’s success was highlighted by the awarding of over 430 medals, with more than 30 golds and four coveted Gold Outstanding medals. The American whiskey category, a longstanding highlight of the IWSC Awards, particularly stood out with over 300 awards granted, emphasizing the strength and tradition of the region’s whiskey production.

American Whiskeys Dominate the Awards

American whiskeys, especially Kentucky Straight Bourbons, took center stage. Among the stars was Kentucky Peerless Distilling’s Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which earned the prestigious Gold Outstanding medal. Judges praised its “rich wood nose, with lots of fruit, spice, and wood sugars,” while its finish was lauded as “soft, subtle, and balanced with layered complexity.”

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey also performed exceptionally well, receiving a gold medal with an impressive score of 97 points. The judges admired its “lovely and fresh nose with great grain-oak-fruit integration” and described the palate as “luxurious and elegant.”

Rye whiskey entries also held their own, with Bulleit Rye 10 YO American Straight Rye Whiskey claiming a Gold Outstanding medal. Judges were struck by its “bright and fresh” character, noting “lush aromas of dark cherry fruit, blackcurrant, and chocolate orange.”

Blended whiskeys were not left out of the accolades, with Coors Spirits’ Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey receiving the Gold Outstanding medal for its “silky, velvety texture” and complex layers of caramel, char, and milk chocolate flavors. American Single Malts also saw notable success, with Virginia Distillery Company’s Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whiskey earning a Gold Outstanding medal for its “beautiful fruit” and “great use of oak.”

RTDs Impress with Classic and Creative Cocktails

The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktail category proved equally exciting, as over 60 medals were awarded, including nine golds. American RTD cocktails stood out for their blend of classic flavors and innovative techniques. Zing Zang’s Blazing Bloody Mary Made With Vodka captured a gold medal, praised for being “delicious, balanced, and fun.” Similarly, Bar Diver Cocktails’ White Russian was recognized with a gold medal for its “velvety and delicious” profile.

Celebrating Innovation and Local Culture

The event’s location in Kentucky provided a unique backdrop, allowing judges to experience the rich local bourbon culture firsthand and engage with the region’s distillers. Both Richard Paterson and Dawn Davies were enthusiastic about the high quality of entries, with Paterson noting the “bright future” of Bourbon and Davies commending the variety of cask finishes and grain explorations.

The success of the IWSC’s first North American Whiskey & RTD Judging in Kentucky highlights the evolving landscape of North American spirits. As producers continue to push the boundaries of quality and innovation, the future of whiskey and RTD cocktails looks brighter than ever. This event not only celebrated tradition but also set the stage for the next chapter in North American whiskey and cocktail excellence.