Bourbon 2022
 

Best Bourbon Whiskey - 2022

 

The Fifty Best Bourbon Whiskey Tasting 2022

 

The Tasting:
The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 31 bourbon whiskies with a panel of 16 judges. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Strict tasting rules were applied. The bourbons were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at room temperature. Each of the whiskies were judged and scored separately. Only ice water, unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver and Bronze medals were awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.

The tasting notes below are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The distilleries, states of origin, alcohol proofs and other tidbits are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Boone's Bourbon
(Striped Pig Distillery, SC)  117° prf
Aged minimum 6 months.

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, Bit-o-Honey, honey, banana, mango, coconut, tropical fruit, pear, red apple, chamomile, biscuit, subtle grain, oats, spiced cake, toasted pecans, nutty, leather, wood, oak, toasty.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, buttery, vanilla, cane sugar, honey, stewed fruit, sweet baked apple, raisins, dried fruit, ripe banana, mashed banana, ripe pineapple, orange, lemon, citrus, floral, rose, wheat, biscuit, malt, cinnamon, Red Hots, clove, baking spices, white pepper, pine, oak, sherry, creamy.
Finish: Caramel, powdered sugar, cannoli cream, fermented corn, sweet corn, sweet Moscato, floral, cinnamon, clove, spicy, peppery, well balanced, mouthwatering, soft, strong, bold, well done.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Boone's Bourbon



Bywater Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Seven-Three Distilling Co., New Orleans, LA)  93° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate, molasses, brown sugar, maple, vanilla, honey, pear, stewed pears, raisins, dates, banana bread, orange jelly, tropical fruit, fresh summer fruit, coffee, chopped peanuts, peanut dust, toasted almond, chopped walnuts, nutty, elderflower, grape leaves, fermented rice, leather, earth, cigar box, oak, wood, sherry.
Palate: Deep toffee, caramel, butterscotch, fudge, chocolate, buttery, creamy, vanilla, brown sugar, apple pie, candied apples, pear, cooked pears, pleasant fruit & nut notes, buttered corn, hazelnut, toasted pecans, almond, walnut, pepper, licorice, rose, cinnamon, allspice, clove, baking spices, toasty, oak, sherry, rich mouthfeel, tongue coating, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, vanilla, dates, pear, apple, red apple skin, orange zest, amaretto, hazelnut, nutty, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, spicy, peppermint, tobacco leaf, tobacco, musty, hints of cedar, oak, well balanced, complex, nice, pleasant, smooth.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Bywater Straight Bourbon Whiskey



St. Augustine Distillery The Saint Bourbon Whiskey
(FL)  Summer 2021 Season. Aged 3 years.  109° prf

Nose: Caramel, caramel latte, Werther’s Original caramel candy, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, dark honey, corn syrup, vanilla, toasted corn flakes, coconut, raisin, dried fruit, tropical fruit, orange, citrus, lightly floral, eucalyptus, clove, apple cider, brine, musty, smoke, oak, wood, sherry, amazing.
Palate: Caramel, maple syrup, sugar cane, butter, clotted cream, sweet vanilla, marshmallow, dark honey, honey, dried apricot, dried fruit, marmalade, orange, pineapple, mango, citrus, pear, corn fritters, spiced fruit pie, ginger spiced cookies, Big Red gum, cinnamon, clove, mace, allspice, clove, spicy, botanical, spearmint, mint tea, tea tree oil, oak, toasted wood.
Finish: Caramel notes, creamy, warm cookies, cane sugar, anise, mint, herbal, citrus fusion, spice cake, allspice, cinnamon, mace, lingering clove, toast, woody, sherry, scotch-like, balanced, interesting, complex, nice, tasty, so pleasant.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



St. Augustine Distillery The Saint Bourbon Whiskey



Missouri Ridge Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
(MO)  Single batch. Aged 2.85 years.  109° prf

Nose: Rich caramel, dark toffee, fudge, sweet butterscotch, brittle, burnt sugar, cane sugar, maple, honey, prune, pear, banana cream pie, creamy banana, banana skin, vanilla, cream soda, yogurt, clotted cream, butter, butter cookies, oats, popcorn, burnt popcorn, nutty, herbal, oak, char, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, deep butterscotch, creamy chocolate cookie, deep dark cocoa notes, treacle, sugarcane, nougat, butter, burnt butter, creamy, vanilla, vanilla bean, cream soda, maple, honey, raisin, dried apricot, dried fruit, orange zest, pear, apple, ginger, biscuit dough, biscuit, hazelnut, licorice, nutty, malty, baking spice, seasonal spices, Oloroso sherry, oak, complex, velvety.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, sweet cocoa, vanilla, butterscotch, butterscotch upside down cake, maple, honey, toasted pineapple, toasted coconut, marzipan, almond, nutty, spice, oak, smoky, nice heat, serious, powerful, big, round, flavorful, creamy, soft, smooth, delicate, lovely, a great sipper, well done.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Missouri Ridge Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS


F.A Waldron Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Cask Strength

(Lock 1 Distilling, NY)
Single Barrel. Aged 2 years.  106.82° prf

Nose: Caramel, caramel crunch, buttery, toffee, treacle, molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, mocha, vanilla, nougat, honey, orange marmalade, citrus, orange, prune, toasted coconut, oatmeal, French toast, biscuit, toasted sourdough, grain, hay, malt, nuts, grass, oak, sweet oak, grilled salted meat, char.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, sticky toffee pudding, butterscotch, molasses, brown sugar, dark sugar, cocoa, nutty nougat, vanilla, vanilla cake, baked pie, honey, raisin, coconut, orange peel, wheat, walnut, nutty, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, black pepper, spicy, woody, tannic, oak, high heat, complex, rich.
Finish: Caramel, demerara, maple syrup, spiced cake, walnut, almond, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, tannic, oak, wet wood, light heat, well made, extremely balanced, nice, soft, velvety, pleasant, flavorful, delicious.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



F.A Waldron Straight Bourbon Whiskey



St. Augustine Distillery Port Finished
Florida Bourbon Whiskey

(FL)  Aged 3 years.  102° prf.

Nose: Caramel, molasses, chocolate, vanilla, roasted sugar, maple, rich honey, dates, banana, candied orange, stewed fruit, red berry, wheat, cereal, toasted brioche, toast with butter, almond toast, hazelnut, coffee, clove, peppermint, grassy, hay, tobacco, rich leather, earth, wood, birch, pine, oak, mulled wine, light sherry, rum.
Palate: Toffee, butterscotch, molasses, dark sugar, chocolate, creamy, biscuit with butter, biscuit, cereal, wheat, bread, toast, sweet corn, corn husk, walnut, hazelnut, almond, rich nuttiness, coffee, mint, ginger, grass, clove, pepper, tobacco, tannic, earthy, musty, wine cask, tree bark, oak, wood, smoky, pleasant sweetness, balanced, big, bold.
Finish: Treacle, molasses, maple syrup, orange blossom honey, marzipan, pound cake, Graham crackers, bread, grain, buckwheat, walnut, almond, sweet almond, wonderful nuttiness, straw, dry hay, eucalyptus, peppery, spicy from cask, young wood, pine, earthy, fire, balanced, big, concentrated, memorable.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



St. Augustine Distillery Port Finished Florida Bourbon Whiskey



Maryland Whiskey Co. Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Cask Strength

(MD)  136° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, vanilla, molasses, apricot jam, dried fruit, stone fruit, apple, orange, citrus, corn, Lucky Charms cereal, floral, herbal, almonds, nutty, coffee, coriander, mace, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, spice, bark, cedar, oak, sherry, shows age.
Palate: Butterscotch, deep caramel, burnt caramel, caramel corn, vanilla, creamy, chocolate, treacle, molasses, dark brown sugar, marmalade, citrus, charred orange rind, toasted oats, bread, coffee, light mint, fireball, cinnamon, clove, spicy, pepper, black pepper, tobacco, musty, earth, oak, wood, smoke, sherry, rich.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, creamy, molasses, sweet cooked honey, raisin, orange, grape must, hazelnut, nutty, clove, deep spice notes, spicy heat, wood, char, fire, grappa-like, oloroso, complex, balanced, round, nice, big, bold.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Maryland Whiskey Co. Straight Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength



Whiskey Myers Treaty Oak Red-Handed
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(Treaty Oak Distilling, TX & KY)  Aged 2 years.  95° prf

Nose: Chocolate milk, demerara, cane sugar, buttery, vanilla ice cream, vanilla, honey, dried fruit, candied pineapple, mango, peach, fresh apricot, orange, orange peel, citrus, fresh cut apple, dried strawberry, cherry, bubblegum, blossom, spring blossom, green leaves, grassy, peanut, clove.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, treacle, brown sugar, vanilla, maple, molasses, honey, cream, Creamsicle, Orange Julius, orange zest, lemon, big citrus, green apple, baked apple, caramel apple, golden raisins, candied fruit, apricot, roasted corn, honeysuckle, peppermint, Red Hots candy, cinnamon, clove, pepper, spicy, leather, oak, sweet oak, fino sherry, balanced, easy sipping.
Finish: Caramel cream, butterscotch, buttery, sweet brown sugar, wheat, mint, cinnamon, spice, woody, leather, tannins, nice heat, balanced, classic bourbon, well made, extra smooth, a nice one, pleasant, beautiful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Whiskey Myers Treaty Oak Red-Handed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Tennessee Waltz Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Fugitives Spirits, TN)  94° prf.

Nose: Toffee, fudge, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, sweet cream, confectioner’s sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, banana taffy, bubblegum, coconut, pear, orange/citrus, orange blossom, hay, straw, black tea, clove, leather, saline, clay, sand, earthy, oak.
Palate: Sweet chocolate, See’s candy, maple, honey, cream, coconut cream, orange cream, raisins, dried fruit, orange, pineapple, guava, tropical fruit, cooked apple, strawberry-rhubarb pie, corn chowder, walnut, peanut butter, nutty, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, spice, flower bomb, grassy, leather, tobacco, elder wood, cedar chest, oak, well balanced, well rounded, silky.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, creamy, vanilla, maple, dried apricot, orange, toasted oats, almond, anise, mint, clove, spicy, smoke, rum, balanced, beautifully layered, big, concentrated, tongue tingling, lively, tasty, smooth, very good, great.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Tennessee Waltz Straight Bourbon Whiskey



St. Augustine Distillery Florida Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(FL)  Aged 3 years.   88° prf

Nose: Toffee, caramel, butterscotch, dark chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, clover honey, cherry, red berry, dried apricots, dehydrated stone fruit, dried fruits, stewed apricots, baked apple, apple, toasted coconut, buttery popcorn, toasted peanut butter, nutty, oats, cinnamon, seasonal spice, hints of green tobacco, moss, earth, cigar box, raw wood, woody, oaky, char, complex.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, buttery, toffee, maple, sweet vanilla, orange blossom honey, Madeira cake, baked fruit, pineapple, apricot, tropical fruit, orange, citrus, unripe blueberry, grapes, sweet corn, roasted peanuts, nutty, eucalyptus, coffee grounds, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, leather, tannins, oak, nicely balanced wood & spice, round, smooth, creamy, silky texture, complex.
Finish: Caramel, honey, cherry, corn, grain, cereal, hazelnut, nutty, almond shells, light clove, pepper, spicy, woody, oak, balanced, smooth, nice, easy, pleasant, yummy.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



St. Augustine Distillery Florida Straight Bourbon Whiskey



B. Bird Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Kentucky Artisan Distillery, KY)  Aged 2 years.  100° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, treacle, vanilla, buttery, caramel corn, coconut, golden raisin, fruit gum, orange pekoe, lightly floral, grape nuts, grain, cooked grain, nutmeg, cinnamon, spice, brine, earth, woody, oak, toast, smoky.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, creamy, toasted butter, molasses, brown sugar, honey, sweet cherry, candied apple, red apple, lemon, orange, orange zest, grain, corn muffin, pastry dough, marzipan, toasted pecans, hazelnut, nutty, Cinnabuns, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, potpourri, spice, mincemeat pie, deep heat, pine, woody.
Finish: Caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, orange peel, cereal, malty, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, refreshing spice, spicy wood, leafy, grappa-like, mildly sweet, light heat, lingering, evens out on the finish, soft, matured, interesting, alive, nice, flavorful, tasty.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



B. Bird Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon
(TX)  Aged at least 18 months.  :95° prf

Nose: Caramel, treacle, brown sugar, vanilla, nougat, maple, honey, sweet corn, apricot, dried apricots, mango, stone fruit, coconut, hazelnut, walnut, light toast, cereal, grain, hay, mint, menthol, nutmeg, cinnamon, leather, worn leather, clay, earth, musty, new wood, birch wood, pine, oak, charred wood, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, dark chocolate, treacle, molasses, brown sugar, demerara, cane sugar, maple, maple fudge, vanilla, biscuits with hot honey, raisins, dried fruit, cinnamon-raisin, apricot, mango, orange, citrus, corn, sweet corn, roasted corn, pastry dough, biscuit, grain, toasted coconut, hazelnut, coffee, spicy, tobacco, leather, oak, toasted oak, woody.
Finish: Toffee, buttery, vanilla, cooked honey, marzipan, dried fruit, caramelized corn, fried chicken batter, biscuit, cereal, grain, toast, tannic, leather, mild smoke, wood, oak, balanced, rich, very nice, pleasant.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon



Striped Bourbon Whiskey
(Striped Pig Distillery, SC)  Aged minimum 6 months.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, treacle, chocolate, nougat, vanilla, maple, brown sugar, molasses, raw honey, bananas Foster, apricot, dried cherries, peanut brittle, nutty, popcorn, Graham cracker, toast, grain, oats, cereal, porridge, mash, cinnamon cooked mash, dry hay, sage, leathery, new wood, wet stone, oloroso.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, nougat, cocoa, deep brown sugar, cooked honey, apricot, sugar cookies, marzipan, almond, peanut butter, corn, corn husk, grain, rye, black licorice, green apple, orange, lemon, citrus, clove, peppery, dried grass, wood, oak, sherry, balanced, creamy mouthfeel, pleasant.
Finish: Hazelnut, almond, nutty, toast, cookie/cake, orange peel, apple, anise, grassy, hay, hot cinnamon, lingering spice, wine, tannic, woody, smoky, pleasant warmth, smooth, layered, alive, pleasant, beautiful.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Striped Bourbon Whiskey



Luckenbach Road Straight Bourbon Whiskey
( Luckenbach Road Whiskey Distillery, TX)  Aged 3 years.   88° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, treacle, demerara, ribbon candy, vanilla, cream, honey, raisins, banana, peach, fields of peaches, orange, Creamsicle, MacIntosh apple, faint grapes, sweet wine, floral, biscuit, grain, almond, light nutmeg, cinnamon, Christmas spices, herbal, fresh green leaves, pine needles, hint of cedar, oak.
Palate: Caramel, treacle, dark sugar, demerara, nougat, vanilla, creamy, butter, honey, honey fruit, baked & candied fruit, candied apples, apple pie, raisins, balanced marmalade, orange, orange zest, citrus, pineapple, banana, grapes, green tea, eucalyptus, burnt almond, nutty, toasted oats, oak, nice mouthfeel, creamy mouthfeel, velvety mouthfeel, dessert, sherry, Old Fashioned cocktail, great blend of flavors.
Finish: Vanilla pudding cake, treacle, raw honey, honey oats, red apple, orange zest, citrus, eucalyptus, wheat toast, filbert nuts, baking spices, spicy, pepper, white pepper, leather, tannic, lingering, very round, even, smooth, enjoyable.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Luckenbach Road Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Taconic Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Barrel Strength

(NY)  115° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, cane sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, maple, vanilla, poached pears, bananas Foster, butter, breakfast, marzipan, walnuts, licorice, mint, cloves, cinnamon, spice, pepper, tobacco, leather, wheat, toasted bread, toasted oak, fresh cut wood, oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, fudge, brown sugar, sugarcane, maple, dark honey, creamy, vanilla, pineapple, orange, ginger, walnut, cereal, toasted oats, toast, coffee, peppermint, allspice, cinnamon, spice, bitter herbs, leather, oak, smoke, fire, zesty, oloroso sherry, Old Fashioned cocktail, mouthwatering.
Finish: Toffee, maple fudge, butter, light nuttiness, spiced coffee, white pepper, spicy, leather, sweet oak, woody, well balanced, an easy sipper, palate kicker, a nice bourbon with oomph, delicious.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Taconic Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey



SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Crooked Furrow Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Proof Artisan Distillers, SD)  Aged 4 years.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, milk chocolate, cream, butterscotch, dark brown sugar, cane sugar, syrup, vanilla, marzipan, honey, dried cherry, raisins, mashed banana, ripe mango, apricot, summer fruit, apple, pear, orange, citrus, sweet corn bread, corn, oatmeal, peanut butter, chestnuts, roasted nuts, grain, clove, cinnamon, spice, leather, earth, oak, woody, char.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, treacle, cocoa powder, cane, honey, raisin, stewed prunes, baked apple, green apple, pear, citrus, oatmeal, prune, corn, grain, cereal, grass, green leaves, cinnamon, clove, coffee, burnt nuts, tobacco leaves, coconut husk, earth, wood, oak, nice heat, well balanced, creamy.
Finish: Caramel, dark chocolate fudge, creamy, sweet vanilla, light honey, orange zest, orange, citrus, grass, herbal, Ricola, cinnamon, clove, pepper, leather, spicy oak, char, balanced, round, layered, assertive, memorable, pleasant.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Crooked Furrow Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Xavier Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Next Century Spirits, NC)  Finished in sherry casks.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, brown sugar, demerara, sugar cane, powdered sugar, vanilla, brown butter, honey, dried apricots, raisin, orange peel, bananas Foster, banana, mango, pluots, honeysuckle, floral, biscuit, chopped walnuts, nutmeg, clove, spices, oak, hint of smoke, campfire, sherry, Old Fashioned cocktail.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, buttery, treacle, vanilla, maple, honey, marmalade, honeyed fruit, raisin, coconut, dried apple, elderberry, unripe pear, melon, bergamot, bright citrus notes, burnt orange peel, herbs, rose, wheat, walnuts, clove, cinnamon, round spice, spicy, tobacco leaf, leather, toasted, oak, sherry, Old Fashioned cocktail, rich, creamy, velvety, silky.
Finish: Caramel, buttery, dark muscovado, prune, baked apple, orange, malt, nutty, cinnamon, lingering spice, oak, balanced, soft, smooth, creamy, flavorful.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Xavier Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Corner Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Corner Creek Distillery, FL)  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, salted caramel, creamy, toffee, chocolate, Payday candy bar, Charleston Chew, maple, honey, ginger bread, dates, prunes, peach, apricot, pear, black cherry, cranberry, raspberry, red berries, green apple, star anise, orange peel, citrus, grain, toast, almond, peanuts, anise, tea, pickled veggies, pickles, slight brine, white pepper, toasted wood, cedar, oak.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, creamy, buttery, vanilla, brown sugar, maple, honey, baked apple, baked fruit pies, Fig Newton, prune, dried fruits, lemon marmalade, orange, citrus, raisin bread, raisin bran, licorice, almonds, nutty, clove, cinnamon, spicy, dry tea leaves, oak, sherry, port wine, soft mouthfeel, balanced, approachable.
Finish: Dried fruits, maple, honey, demerara, burnt sugar, creamed corn, cinnamon, clove, spicy chili, briny, oak, char, balanced, different, very interesting, very smooth, soft, creamy, mouthwatering, very good.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Corner Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey



West Branch Bourbon Whiskey
(West Branch Distilling Co., PA)  88° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, treacle, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, vanilla, butter, nougat, marzipan, dried fruits, cocoa, hazelnut, nutty, popcorn, corn, bread, grains, porridge, coffee, spice, cinnamon, allspice, herbaceous, tobacco tones, linseed oil, leather, musty, fresh cut oak, sweet oak, heavy char.
Palate: Caramel, caramelized, toffee, dark sugars, chocolate, chocolate fudge, butter, creamy, vanilla extract, vanilla, deep honey, banana, roasted corn, walnut, almond, grain, cereal, elderflower, baking spices, tobacco, cedar box, new wood, oak, toasted, smoky, slightly tannic, wood, char, cognac notes, well balanced, rich, classic.
Finish: Toffee, sweet chocolate, pecan pie, dried apricot, cereal, rye, pepper, spicy, black pepper, smoky, campfire, char, woody, oak, pleasant heat, complex, classic, well made, nice, velvety, tasty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



West Branch Bourbon Whiskey



King's Family Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(TN)  Wheated.  115.5 ° prf

Nose: Caramel, salted caramel, creamy, toffee, chocolate, Payday candy bar, Charleston Chew, maple, honey, ginger bread, dates, prunes, peach, apricot, pear, black cherry, cranberry, raspberry, red berries, green apple, star anise, orange peel, citrus, grain, toast, almond, peanuts, anise, tea, pickled veggies, pickles, slight brine, white pepper, toasted wood, cedar, oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, molasses, real sugarcane, demerara, honey, toasted coconut, candied orange, apricot jam, pineapple, banana peel, cherry, cranberry, green apple, orange, citrus, mint, anise, nutty, clove, cinnamon, allspice, spicy, fermented corn, leather, toast, oak, sherry, creamy mouthfeel, zesty.
Finish: Caramel creme, buttery, citrus, mint, spicy, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, toasty crust, oak, musty, sherry, warming heat, mouth filling, bold, zesty, pleasant, lovely.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



King's Family Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Gentry Bourbon Whiskey
(Local Choice Spirits, SC)  Aged at least 6 months.  90° prf

Nose: Toffee, caramel, muscovado, demerara sugar, cane sugar, vanilla, buttery, marzipan, honey, fruit gum, cherry, pineapple, orange peel, lemon, citrus, green apple, pear skin, corn, pastry dough, cereal, oatmeal, toast, biscuit, licorice, grassy, hint of mint, lightly floral, blossom, cinnamon, sweet spices, light wood, oaky, sherry.
Palate: Butterscotch, sweet molasses, dark sugar, vanilla, nougat, honey, roasted pineapple, golden raisins, mango slices, dried apricot, roasted grapes, orange peel, lemon, apple, pastry, citrus, baked pie, pie crust, dough, nutty, tea leaves, hay, anise, grassy, cinnamon, allspice, clove, nutmeg, spicy, white pepper, leather, coconut husk, wood, oak, char, sherry, cognac, smooth.
Finish: Vanilla, fruit gum, walnut pie, biscuit, anise, light menthol, herbal, allspice, cinnamon, clove, tarragon, spicy, zingy, leather, toasted oak, wood, port, balanced, round, interesting, velvety, delicate, pretty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Gentry Bourbon Whiskey



Motorhead – Ace of Spades Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Sturgis Edition

(Proof Artisan Distillers, SD)  Aged 4 years.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, brown sugar, chocolate, cream, vanilla, nougat, orange candy, candied ginger, dried fruit, orange peel, citrus, cooked peaches, banana, corn notes, pastry dough, grain, licorice, floral, grassy, clove, hints of nutmeg, resin, hay, musty, wet wood, oak, cedar notes.
Palate: Caramel, fudge, butterscotch, creamy, whipped cream, cane sugar, honey, dried pineapple, dates, peach cobbler, mango, orange, orange peel, orange zest, light lemon, citrus, green apple, corn notes, biscuit, toast, nutty, hints of clove, leather, dark wood, oak, balanced, bright, thick mouthfeel, silky texture, soft, easy drinking.
Finish: Butterscotch, sherry, floral, cinnamon, spices, pepper, woody, smoky, pleasant heat, no complaints, very balanced, nice complexity, lively, extra soft, creamy, silky.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Motorhead Ace of Spades Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Beanball Bourbon Whiskey
(Cooperstown Distillery, NY)  Aged minimum 18 months.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, dark sugar, molasses, vanilla, nougat, cooked honey, stewed strawberries, ripe red apple, apple skin, corn, wheat, grain, oats, cereal, chestnut, pecans, almond, toasted walnut, clove, nutmeg, tobacco, leather, brine, raw wood, lightly toasted wood, pine, sherry.
Palate: Toffee, demerara, nougat, clotted cream, vanilla, stewed cherries, prunes, raisins, dried apricot, red berries, pastry dough, spiced cake, ginger, grain, wheat, cereal, sweet mash, sweet corn, roasted corn, toasted pecans, walnut shell, bright citrus, green apple, mint, cinnamon gum, spicy, tobacco, musty, oak, sweet oak, sherry, rain, well balanced, savory.
Finish: Whipped cream, butter, molasses, brown sugar, honey oatmeal, baked fruit, coconut, biscuit, orange, lemon, grapefruit, grassy, nutmeg, clove, fireball, spicy, wood, pleasant heat, good length, balanced, even, silky, soft, complex, nice, tasty, really pleasant.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Beanball Bourbon Whiskey



Tommy Bahama Bourbon Whiskey
Distillers Select

(Coral Cay Distilling, WA)  Aged 4 years.  93° prf

Nose: Vanilla, creamy butter, cereal, honey oats, dried fruits, honey, apple Jolly Rancher, cherry candy, fruit gum, lemon bar, citrus, roasted pineapple, pineapple, papaya, peach, tropical fruit, agave, juniper, grass, herbs, eucalyptus, menthol, toast, oak, pine tree, pine, wood, fresh.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, maple, fruit cake, tropical fruits, fruit gum, pineapple, papaya, bright apple, orange, orange peel, lemon, lemon zest, citrus, juniper, grass, mint, menthol, licorice, malt, nutty, grain, oats, cereal, clove, habanero, pepper, leather, pine tree, oak, woody, barrel aged gin, fresh, silky.
Finish: Sugarcane, molasses, honey, peach, lemony, citrus, corn, oats, herbal, mint, anise, licorice, cinnamon, spicy, leather, pine, tannic from oak, balanced heat, great after dinner, very nice, enjoyable.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Tommy Bahama Bourbon Whiskey



R.M. Rose Forefather Georgia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Randolph Rose Distilling Co., GA)  Bottled-in-Bond.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, candy apple, cotton candy, dried cherry, toasted bread, light grain, peanuts, light spices, hops, tannins, earth, woodsy, oak.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, honey, dried cherry, raisin, cola, orange zest, orange peel, burnt orange, mulled orange, lemon, citrus, orange spice, allspice, nutmeg, spicy, peppery, almond, burnt toast, burnt wood, wood, oak, tannins, complex, rich.
Finish: Lingering orange zest, orange, dried cherries, lemon, bitters, floral, tangy pepper, peppery, spicy, walnuts, light oak, complex, creamy, mouthwatering.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



R.M. Rose Forefather Georgia Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Maryland Whiskey Co. Bourbon Whiskey
Single Cask

(MD)  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, dark chocolate, fudge, cream, buttermilk, molasses, brown sugar, cane sugar, maple syrup, sweet corn, cherry, fig, grain, rye, rich walnut, coffee, green apple, grassy, green leaves, tobacco leaves, spice, leather, earth, saw dust, wood, toasted wood, oak, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, vanilla, cream, butter, toasted coconut, banana bread, dried apricots, orange peel, orange rind, roasted corn, cereal, oats, elderflower, tea leaves, mint, eucalyptus, nutty, coffee grounds, pepper, black pepper, spice explodes, tobacco leaves, tobacco, tannin, oak, wood, char, sherry forward, creamy, soft.
Finish: Butterscotch, buttery, prune, mint, dill, herbal, cinnamon, clove, pepper, white pepper, lingering spice, burnt toast, woody, oak, balanced, really interesting, very distinct, smooth, lively, flavorful.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Maryland Whiskey Co. Bourbon Whiskey



Crostwater Bourbon Whiskey
(Holy Water Distillery, PA)  Aged at least 1 year.  80° prf

Nose: Milk chocolate, cocoa nibs, hints of toffee, molasses, maple syrup, honey, dried apricot, orange peel, papaya, pineapple, banana, cherry, Granny Smith apple, Bazooka bubble gum, new blossom, tea leaf, grass, almond paste, toast, French toast, leather, funky, musty, clean cut wood planks, toasted oak, char.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, molasses, maple, honey, vanilla bean, vanilla cake, spiced cookies, almond cookies, marzipan, apple custard, Double Bubble bubblegum, pink bubblegum, cherry, raspberry, strawberry, banana, pineapple, pear, tropical, Kirschwasser, cereal, toast, peppery notes, earthy, woody, young wood, pine, oak.
Finish: Caramel, butterscotch, honey, lingering cherry, strawberry, banana, hint of orange, Juicy Fruit gum, bubblegum notes carry through, ginger, clove, spice, peppery, leather, musty, woodsy, cedar, clean, soft.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Crostwater Bourbon Whiskey



BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS


Black Anvil Bourbon Whiskey
(Blacksmith Distillery, MO)  Aged minimum 2 months.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, chocolate, malted milk balls, hot cocoa, cream, butter, deep cane sugar, honey, baked apple, pear, cherry, raisin, dried fruit, sweet roasted corn, peanut, almond, grassy, fresh leaves, hints of clove, leather sofa, leather, musty hay, earth, tree bark, new wood, pine, oak, charred wood, scotch-like, complex.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, browned butter, molasses, vanilla, creamy, roasted corn, corn, baked apples, ripe apple, cherry, prune, orange oil, citrus, biscuit, cereal notes, eucalyptus, clove, spices, musty, earthy, peaty, oak, young oak, pine, wood, char, sherry, very approachable.
Finish: Caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon & sugar, cereal notes, burnt grains, clove, black pepper, spicy, cedar notes, smoky, spicy kick, nice heat, rich, pleasant.


Bronze Medal
bronze medal

 

Black Anvil Bourbon Whiskey



Country Smooth Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Country Smooth Spirits, TN/IN)  Aged at least 2 years.  86° prf

Nose: Caramel, salted caramel, butterscotch, toffee, molasses, vanilla, cream, buttery, honey, fruit cake, stewed apples, mango, stone fruit, citrus, grain, cereal, toasted almond, flowery notes, floral, grass, cinnamon, clove, hint of leather, sawdust, wet wood, fresh cut oak, char.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, marshmallow, creamy, vanilla, brown sugar, demerara, clover honey, candied fruit, apricot, mango, hints of orange, apple, cereal, toasted brioche, toasted oats, wheat, toasted almond, lightly nutty, sweet grass, eucalyptus, hint of mint, cinnamon, clove, sherry wine, tannic, toasted, cedar, wood, nicely balanced, round, pleasant.
Finish: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, corn, orange peel, ginger, anise, wine, leather, dried tobacco leaf, oak, sweet & sour, balanced, all in harmony, soft, smooth, pleasant.


Bronze Medal
bronze medal

Country Smooth Straight Bourbon Whiskey



Cumberland Gap Straight Bourbon
(Next Century Spirits, NC)  Aged minimum 2 years.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, chocolate, cream, vanilla, maple syrup, dark muscovado, brown sugar, pastry, cookies, cherry pie, cherry, bananas Foster, banana, ripe banana peel, fruit salad, Jolly Rancher, pineapple, ripe Anjou pear, sweet apple, orange, orange peel, light citrus, floral, sweet anise, grassy, green grass, cinnamon, clove, leather, woodsy, oak, toast.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, treacle, vanilla, honey, pastry, biscuits, Bisquick, cereal grains, toasted oats, pineapple, orange, citrus, tropical, herbs, mint, licorice, almond, clove, cinnamon, hot honey sauce, peppers, spicy, leather, tannic, new wood, raw wood, oak, light char, smoke, fire, zingy, sherry, rich body, well balanced.
Finish: Caramel, vanilla, cereal, orange rind, fennel, anise, minty, eucalyptus, spicy, peppery, black pepper, tannic, oaky, well made, extremely balanced, closes nicely, smooth.


Bronze Medal
bronze medal

Cumberland Gap Straight Bourbon



Cantilever Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Voyageurs Reserve

(Cantilever Bridge Distillery, MN)  Aged no less than 2 years.  80° prf

Nose: Caramel, nougat, vanilla, banana, orange peel, citrus, rye, grain, nutmeg, tannic, wood, oak.
Palate: Caramel, buttery, vanilla, orange peel, ginger, black tea, rye, grain, red pepper, spicy, black pepper, leather, tannic, oak, char.
Finish: Grain, lime, citrus, spicy, white pepper, black pepper, young wood, balanced, flavorful.


Bronze Medal
bronze medal

Cantilever Straight Bourbon Whiskey

 

 

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