Every year, the Worldwide Wine & Spirits Competitors (IWSC) brings collectively judges from throughout the trade to evaluate hundreds of spirits from all over the world. Each bourbon on this record achieved a rating of 98 or above, incomes a “Spirit Gold Excellent” medal, reserved for spirits that present distinctive high quality, character, and steadiness.
In 2025, 5 bourbons hit that benchmark. Spanning Tennessee, Kentucky, and New York, these expressions characterize a mixture of new producers, fashionable blenders, and long-established names. Right here’s a breakdown of the best-performing bourbons at this yr’s IWSC, and what makes each stand out.
King’s Household Distillery Tennessee Commonplace Blended Bourbon
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “Engaging aromas of glazed popcorn and candy oak welcomes the senses, unfolding right into a wealthy palate of ripe plum with delicate yellow flower notes. A well-crafted, harmonious, and complicated bourbon with a protracted, lingering end.”
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This high-proof blended bourbon from King’s Household Distillery combines a 99% corn, 1% malted barley bourbon with a small portion of sunshine whiskey. Each parts are aged no less than six years earlier than mixing and are bottled at cask energy, usually 117–121 proof. The result’s a wealthy, corn-forward profile with added depth from the sunshine whiskey.
Based in 2018 by Justin and Cara King, the distillery blends and bottles in-house at its facility close to the Nice Smoky Mountains. The group sources mature inventory however maintains full management over mixing and taste improvement. Tennessee Commonplace is certainly one of its flagship expressions and this award alerts its rising popularity within the premium bourbon area.
Frank August Small Batch
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “The alluring aroma presents a pleasant mixture of apple tart, custard, and intriguing dried apricots. On the palate, a refined medley of buckwheat honey, dried apricots, vanilla, and heat spice unfolds, whereas the end presents a satisfying trace of leather-based.”
BUY NOW: $65
Frank August Small Batch is a Kentucky straight bourbon blended from simply 10 to fifteen barrels per batch and bottled at 100 proof. The mash invoice is undisclosed, however the profile suggests a high-rye content material, with notes of spice layered over candy oak and vanilla. The bourbon is no less than 4 years previous, with no cask ending or components.
The model describes the palate as “an ideal steadiness of warmth and smoothness,” with notes of “brown and malt sugars” adopted by a end of vanilla and baking spices.
Launched in 2022, Frank August is a contemporary bourbon model centered on mixing heritage with design-led presentation. Whereas the whiskey is sourced from undisclosed Kentucky distilleries, the corporate retains full management over barrel choice and mixing. With clear branding and tightly edited releases, Frank August has positioned itself as a up to date, design-conscious participant within the bourbon world.
At round $65, the bourbon can also be fairly priced for a small batch, artisanal product.
Hudson Vibrant Lights, Huge Bourbon
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “A pleasant bouquet of waxy honeycomb and tender leather-based, complemented by natural notes. On the palate, vibrant wooden, vegetal undertones, sourdough, caramel, and whispers of chocolate and dried fruit. Peppery end which is lengthy and satisfying. Excellent.”
BUY NOW: $35
Distilled at Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner, New York, this straight bourbon is produced from a mash invoice of 95% corn and 5% malted barley, utilizing grain sourced from native farms. It’s aged for at least three years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 92 proof. The excessive corn content material delivers a daring, grain-forward profile with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and candy caramel.
Hudson Whiskey was the primary authorized distillery in New York State since Prohibition and helped pioneer the state’s fashionable craft whiskey motion. Now owned by William Grant & Sons, the model has retained its grain-to-glass ethos, with all manufacturing dealt with on the unique Tuthilltown web site. Vibrant Lights, Huge Bourbon is its core straight bourbon expression and a daring showcase of New York distilling.
Praedictum Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “A deep, wealthy aroma of fudge and roasted hazelnuts greets you, intertwined with hints of beeswax and brown butter. The strong palate bursts with juicy peach and raspberry, softly mellowing right into a peppery, oak-driven end that lingers fantastically.”
BUY NOW: $499.99
Praedictum is a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon aged for 15 years and bottled at 112 proof. The mash invoice isn’t formally disclosed, although it’s believed to comply with a conventional high-corn, rye-based recipe. After lengthy maturation in new charred oak, the whiskey was blended by Grasp Distiller Joseph O’Sullivan and bottled uncut and unfiltered.
Praedictum is produced underneath the Foley Household umbrella, higher identified for its wine portfolio.
At $499.99, it’s by far the costliest bourbon on this record. Nevertheless, it’s positioned as an ultra-premium expression, reflecting a wine-influenced method to whiskey mixing and a deal with long-aged, small-batch releases.
W.L. Weller 12 12 months Previous
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “Pleasant, spiced wooden aromas, complemented by nuances of brown sugar, candied peel, and a whisper of menthol. Sumptuously tender on the palate, it marries maraschino cherry, marzipan, and caramel with a sublime depth. An extended-lasting end of cherry and eucalyptus captivates.”
BUY NOW: $140
W.L. Weller 12 most likely doesn’t want a lot of an introduction. Also known as the “poor man’s Pappy,” it shares the identical wheated mash invoice and distillery because the Van Winkle line, and stays one of the sought-after bourbons available on the market. Aged for 12 years and bottled at 90 proof, it’s identified for its clean, mellow character and layered oak-driven profile.
Made at Buffalo Hint Distillery in Kentucky, Weller 12 is a part of a long-running collection named after William Larue Weller, a Nineteenth-century pioneer of wheated bourbon. Whereas demand typically outpaces provide, its continued efficiency at international competitions reinforces its place as a benchmark for the fashion.
Which Award-Successful Bourbon Will You Attempt Subsequent?
These 5 bourbons characterize among the finest American whiskey available on the market right now, no less than in line with the IWSC’s 2025 panel. Every earned a uncommon Spirit Gold Excellent medal with a rating of 98, marking them out not only for high quality however for distinctiveness in a crowded subject.
Whether or not you’re trying to revisit a traditional or uncover one thing new, this yr’s outcomes provide a helpful information to what’s value exploring on this planet of bourbon proper now.
