The results are out! North American Whiskey and RTD Global Judging in Kentucky
This year’s IWSC Global Judging for North American Whiskey and RTDs took place in Bardstown, Kentucky at the Heaven Hill Experience.
With entries drawn from across North America, of the medals awarded 4% of entries received a Gold Outstanding medal, 11% Gold, 54% Silver, and 31% Bronze. These results underscore the rigour of the IWSC’s evaluation process, where every medal recognises quality, and the top tiers reflect drinks of exceptional merit.
This year’s front runners
The 2025 Gold Outstanding medals come from various origins and whiskey types, illustrating the variety and quality presented to this year’s judging panels.
This year one American Single Malt achieved a Gold Outstanding, The Notch Nantucket Island 12 Year Old Single MaltWhisky from Triple Eight Distillery in Massachusetts, which Frank Dobbins III described as having “Star anise, peanut brittle, and black pepper” and a “palate with an interplay of black pepper spice and peanut brittle.”
A recent release from an established name that charmed the judges was Star Hill Farm Wheated Whiskey from Makers Mark. Pinhook Vertical Series 9 Year Old Rye, illustrated of the rising tide of quality in Rye whiskey observed during the session. Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon Whiskey from King’s Family Distillery also wowed the judges, picking up the fourth Gold Outstanding.
The remaining Gold Outstanding winners all went to straight Bourbon’s: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Praedictum and Frank August. Praedictum is a new name at the IWSC and judges found “deep, rich aroma of fudge and roasted hazelnuts” and a “robust palate bursts with juicy peach and raspberry, softly mellowing into a peppery, oak-driven finish that lingers beautifully.”
Regional dominance, with a broader footprint
Unsurprisingly, Kentucky once again led the field medal wins, with more than 50% awarded to whiskies originating from the state. This sustained dominance reflects Kentucky's infrastructure, legacy and access to seasoned production expertise. However, entries from Indiana, Colorado, Tennessee and beyond demonstrated that excellence in American whiskey is not geographically confined.
Judges remarked specifically on the strength of rye whiskies from newer regions. Frank Dobbins III noted that “the rye flight was particularly enlightening in that it was so varied, and the overall quality was outstanding. Whether it was from Utah, Colorado, Iowa, or Indiana, the flavours are all true to the category at their core, but exciting in the journey.” Ryan Chetiyawardana agreed, adding that “positively, the rye space was fascinating and had some incredible whiskies.”
Quality through consistency
Beyond isolated high scores, this year’s judging process revealed producers who demonstrated consistency across a portfolio. Names such as 15 Stars, Frank August and Bulleit Frontier Whiskey all received five or more medals with each maintaining an average score above 92 points.
These producers were able to balance ambition and technical control. As one judge put it, “Each of the top scoring spirits shared a complexity and well-roundedness, but also something surprising. Typically, they were incredibly enjoyable, even at a high proof, but there are a few that punch well above their weight at a lower proof as well.” (Frank Dobbins III)
Lesser known producers also made an impact. Triple Eight Distillery from Massachusetts, achieved an average score of 93.5 across four entries, showing that consistent excellence is not limited to heritage brands. For buyers and distributors, this offers reassurance that quality benchmarks are being met by both legacy producers and those building newer reputations.
What made the winners stand out?
Across the panel, judges repeatedly cited balance, integration and character as key attributes of top-scoring entries. Millie Milliken observed that “being well balanced, surprising or just a brilliant rendition on their category” helped set leading entries apart, while Reece Sims highlighted spirits that showed “clarity of style and well-integrated maturity”.
Notably, higher ABV was not always a guarantee of quality. Several judges pointed to younger or lighter spirits that “punched above their weight” due to their completeness and ability to evolve in the glass. There was particular praise for entries that created a journey on the palate, demonstrating progression and length without overwhelming the drinker.
Highlights and discussions
Straight Bourbon continues to serve as a benchmark, accounting for a significant share of Gold and Gold Outstanding medals. However, the panel also noted the rise in complexity and range within subcategories such as Bottled-in-Bond and Small Batch. According to Reece Sims, entries such as Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Wilderness Trail Distillery Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon illustrated “how diverse consumer expectations within the Bottled in Bond category have become.”
The RTD category sparked more division. While certain entries, such as a FS Beverages Alc-A-Chino Bourbon Vanilla and the restrained SanTan Spirits Espresso Martini, were praised for originality, others were seen as less successful. One judge remarked on “savoury” RTDs that were “not for everyone. Think of them like alcoholic soups.”
A Maturing Market with a Bright Future
The 2025 judging in Kentucky highlighted a sector that is expanding not just in volume, but in sophistication. American whiskey is showing that it can offer both category clarity and creative expansion. From structured bourbons to expressive ryes, the message was clear: quality is now coming from many corners, and in many forms.
As one judge summarised, “today’s top-scoring spirits stood out for their balance, clarity of style, and well-integrated maturity. Whether bold or subtle, they felt complete.” (Reece Sims)
It’s a sentiment that speaks not just to judging standards, but to what consumers are increasingly seeking from their whiskey experiences.
The full results can be viewed on the IWSC website. The Gold and Gold Outstanding Awards are listed below.
Gold Outstanding and Gold Medal Winners
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