Buffalo Trace Distillery is awarded the inaugural Bourbon Trophy for its Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 YO Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery, the Kentucky based distiller, has been awarded the inaugural Bourbon Trophy at this year’s International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

Judges at the world leading Competition described the Whiskey as “vanilla dominated to start”, becoming “more complex with almonds, chocolate, old leather and a hint of mint plus all the ripe summer fruits”.

Sazerac, the independent family owned company which owns Buffalo Trace, also won 13 other medals in the Competition, including two Gold medals; one for its 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and one for Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace, commented: “We are very excited about our results and are honored to have done so well amongst some of the industry’s best.“

Anna Grant, Head of Sales & Marketing, IWSC Group Ltd said: “Due to the quality and quantity of Bourbon entries this year, the decision was taken by judges and the IWSC Competition Director to create the inaugural Bourbon Trophy. The Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 YO Whiskey impressed judges with its ‘long, spicy finish’. Congratulations to the whole team!”.

Other winners at the Competition included Adnams Copper House Distillery who picked up the coveted Gin trophy, and Asbach, who won the Worldwide Brandy Trophy for their Asbach Private Brand 8 Jahre Gerdeift, their win marks the first time a German distillery has triumphed in this category since its introduction in 1984.

UK Supermarket own labels also found success, with Lidl’s 6 Year Old, Western Gold Bourbon Whiskey, awarded the Competition’s top medal honour, a Gold Outstanding Award. Meanwhile, Aldi won 2 Gold medals from the independent judging panel for their Glen Marnoch Single Malt Scotch (18 Year Old) and Highland Black Blended Scotch Whisky (8 Year Old).