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Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Whiskey—According To The 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition
A marriage of Scotch and American whiskey-making traditions, Lineage took home the top prize at the ... More 4th annual New Orleans Spirits Competition All the talk in the spirits world last week was reserved for Tales of the Cocktail, the industry's largest annual conference. But since 2022, the gathering – which takes place every July – has also played host to a lesser known judging event: The New Orleans Spirit Competition. A late arrival to the increasingly dense booze-award-industrial-complex, NOSC is looking to make up for lost time by coming out of the gates with an impressive array of professional palates. It helps, no doubt, that many of them are already in town for Tales. The competition also professes to stand out thanks to its unique evaluation format. The entries are judged, as described on its website, thusly: To be clear, the audience does not get an actual vote in the process. But they do enjoy a place in the room and are afforded an opportunity to be a part of the conversation. As such, it's a slightly more democratized process than anything else you'll see in the industry. And, as with any truly independent competition, each spirit is tasted in the blind. Ultimately, hundreds of awards are doled out ranging from Best of Category down through Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze. There's also a separate evaluation for Packaging Excellence. But what we care most about is how it all distills down in the best of the best distinctions. For that there are 11 separate 'Spirits of the Year." There can be only one for all the major liquor categories plus RTD, No & Low Elixir, and Syrups & Mixers. Today we're taking a closer look at what those panelists deemed the best whiskey of the year for 2025: Balcones Lineage, an American Single Malt distilled and aged in Waco, Texas. The unique 94-proof liquid marries whiskey making traditions typical to both the US and Scotland. To wit, it's made from a combination of Scottish and Texas-grown barley, which is then matured in refill and new oak barrels. The best of both worlds; Old and New. In the pour, this hybridization results in a sweeter, fruitier nose – raspberry, banana and apricot steal top-notes from the underlying malt. There is a dryness to the initial sip; cedar and sarsaparilla, opening up to reveal cinnamon spice in the finish. A prolonged breadiness stays with the back of the tongue long after it has gone down. All in all this is a fantastically approachable dram, particularly from this distillery – a craft darling which was purchased by Diageo in 2022. Balcones often brings to bottle higher-proof offerings that can be challenging to the whiskey novice. With Lineage, it has managed to walk that fine line, delivering something that satisfies newcomers and advanced sippers, alike. And it does so at the crowd-pleasing price of $40 a bottle. To take home the top prize, Lineage bested some big names from far more prominent genres of whiskey, including the Bourbon and Scotch categories that helped informed its creation – categories with hundreds of years of history. American Single Malt, by comparison, was only formally recognized as a style at the beginning of 2025. Perhaps laudable recognition such as this can help lift its stature on the international stage. Either way, it arrives at a pivotal time for American spirits as a whole. According to the most recent economic report from DISCUS, exports of such just reached a record high of $2.4 billion. And as of this weekend, the US and the European Union appear to be on the precipice of a new trade agreement which would keep those exports shipping out, tariff free. 'We are optimistic that in the days ahead this positive meeting and agreement will lead to a return to zero-for-zero tariffs for U.S. and EU spirits products,' says DISCUS president and CEO Chris Swonger. 'This will benefit not only our nation's distillers, but also the American workers and farmers who support them from grain to glass.' It'll also benefit European connoisseurs eager for their first sampling of American Single Malt. And for that, as the judges in New Orleans have made clear, Balcones Lineage is a sensible starting point. The whiskeys from Balcones distillery feel bold, clean and distinctly American. (Bill Hogan/Chicago ... More Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best American Whiskeys—According To The New Orleans Spirits Comp
Glass of whisky with ice, sitting on the American Flag. getty American whiskey is experiencing a thrilling renaissance—an era defined by innovation, experimentation, and a revival of classic styles. Distillers across the country are embracing bolder grain bills, alternative cask finishes, and regional identities to craft whiskeys that rival the complexity and character of the world's finest spirits. This year's top-scoring whiskeys showcased the category's remarkable diversity—from fruit-laced corn whiskeys and cask-strength Tennessee whiskey to American single malts. Nowhere is this creative momentum more evident than at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC). Held in conjunction with the renowned Tales of the Cocktail festival, the NOSC brought together a distinguished panel of judges and a global slate of entries, reaffirming its status as a premier stage for the best in contemporary distilling. Crafted in Waco, Texas, Balcones Lineage is a bridge between traditional Scotch-style single malt production techniques and the bold influence of Texas terroir. The whiskey is made from a blend of Scottish Golden Promise and Texas-grown barley and is aged in a combination of virgin and refill oak barrels under the intense Texas climate. This whiskey was picked as Best in Class Whiskey at the 2025 NOSC. The whiskey features aromas of sweet, cooked malt/cereal, apple, toasted oak, apricot, and a faint mineral note. It's rich and malty on the palate, showcasing flavors of dried dark fruit, nutmeg, roasted pecan, malted milk, and baking spices with a balance between sweetness and oak dryness. The finish is long and drying with gentle tannins, cocoa, cooked grain, and stewed orchard fruit. Starlight Distillery, located on the Huber family farm in southern Indiana, blends six generations of agricultural heritage with small-batch whiskey production. Their blackberry-flavored whiskey is part of a broader range of fruit-infused spirits, crafted using fresh local produce and aged bourbon or corn whiskey as a base. The whiskey features aromas of fresh blackberry jam, accompanied by notes of vanilla, honey, and hints of baking spices. It's rich and flavorful on the palate, with flavors of ripe blackberry compote, sweet corn whiskey, and subtle notes of clove and cinnamon. The natural fruit character is vibrant without being overly sweet. The finish is medium length, with a lingering blackberry tartness, seasoned oak, and a whisper of caramel. Uncle Nearest is a tribute to Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. The brand has quickly become one of the most awarded in American whiskey, particularly renowned for its single-barrel releases, each offering a unique character. Batch 3633 is drawn from a hand-selected cask, bottled at cask strength. The whiskey is bold and complex, featuring aromas of brown sugar, ripe banana, saddle leather, and toasted marshmallow. It's full-bodied and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, molasses, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and toasted oak. A touch of stone fruit emerges mid-palate. The finish is long, sweet, and powerful with lingering notes of wood spices, dried tobacco leaf, char, smoke, and a peppery close. Glass of American whiskey on the rocks sitting on an old wooden barrel. getty Heaven Hill Distillery, Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Corn Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $21 Mellow Corn is a cult classic among whiskey aficionados. Produced under the Bottled-in-Bond Act, this 100-proof, straight corn whiskey must be at least 80% corn and aged in used oak barrels. It's an old-school American whiskey, inexpensive yet flavorful and robust. The whiskey features aromas of sweet corn, vanilla custard, apple, and a hint of sourdough. It's creamy yet robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of buttered popcorn, toffee, fresh oak, banana, and lemon zest with an underlying, cooked, grain-forward richness. The finish is medium and slightly spicy with lingering notes of cornmeal, caramel, and charred wood. Stranahan's Diamond Peak, Barrel-Finished American Single Malt, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $80 Stranahan's, based in Denver, Colorado, was one of the first distilleries to pioneer the American single malt movement. This Diamond Peak expression is a limited-release bottling, crafted from 100% malted barley and finished in Caribbean rum casks. The exact finish varies from year to year by batch, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The whiskey boasts aromas of toasted malt, dried fig, cocoa, and vanilla, complemented by subtle notes of molasses and tropical fruit. It's bold and silky on the palate, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, cherry cordial, espresso, tropical fruits, spice box, a hint of smoke, and toasted oak. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering notes of pepper, seasoned oak, tropical fruits, and cocoa. The 2025 NOSC highlighted the extraordinary breadth and quality of American whiskey today. Heritage brands continue to honor tradition while pushing the envelope, and craft distillers are fearlessly reimagining what whiskey can be—one barrel at a time. Whether through the lush depth of a rum cask finish, the raw power of single barrel Tennessee whiskey, or the layered elegance of an American single malt, these winning expressions reflect a category that is evolving with confidence and creativity. The future of American whiskey is not only bright—it's bold, boundary-breaking, and brimming with flavor. More From Forbes
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Rye Whiskey-According To The New Orleans Spirits Comp
The Sazerac with Bitters and Rye is New Orleans' classic rye whiskey cocktail getty The American rye whiskey renaissance continues to accelerate, driven by innovation, bold grain experimentation, and a renewed appreciation for spicy, robust flavor profiles. Nowhere was this evolution more evident than at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC)—a showcase of the world's best spirits, held in tandem with the renowned Tales of the Cocktail festival. Below are the top-rated rye whiskeys from the recently completed NOSC. Since its debut in 2022, the NOSC has earned a reputation for spotlighting exceptional quality from both heritage brands and craft upstarts. This year's top-performing rye whiskeys proved just how diverse and dynamic the category has become—from rum barrel finishes and heirloom grain mash bills to malted rye experiments and age-statement powerhouses. Angel's Envy's Finished Rye is one of the most distinctive barrel-finished rye whiskeys available. Produced by Louisville Distilling Co., the brand is renowned for its unique secondary maturation approach. This rye whiskey is finished, for up to 18 months, in ex-pot still XO rum barrels from Barbados. The rye whiskey features a rich bouquet of maple syrup, molasses, allspice, and dark caramel. It's sweet and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of cinnamon-dusted baked apple, brown sugar, toasted rye bread, and spiced rum cake. The finish is long and flavorful, with lingering notes of toffee, nutmeg, and tropical fruit. The rum influence is prominent, making this a rye unlike any other—dessert-like yet with a layered complexity. Based in Dane, Wisconsin, J. Henry & Sons is a grain-to-glass craft distillery that grows its red heirloom corn and grains. The mash bill consists of 64% Spooner Rye, 14% J Henry red heirloom corn, 14% winter wheat, and 8% malted barley. Their Spooner Rye is named after a local town and honors regional agricultural heritage. This is a high-proof, barrel-finished rye matured for 5+ years and finished in cognac barrels, adding an elegant European flourish to a bold American spirit. The whiskey features herbal and earthy rye spice aromas along with dark berries, hints of fig, and French oak. It's robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of licorice root, toasted hazelnuts, cocoa, dried plum, and bold rye grain spices. The finish is long, sweet, and spicy, with lingering notes of clove, anise, and dried fruit sweetness from the cognac cask. Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Straight Rye, 47% ABV, 750 ml. $32 Launched in 2020, Elijah Craig Rye marks Heaven Hill's major entry into the straight rye category under this historic whiskey brand. It utilizes the traditional Heaven Hill rye mash bill, comprising 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, and is aged for under 4 years, making it an approachable entry-level rye. The whiskey features aromas of rye spice, vanilla, toasted/cooked cereal, and a hint of green apple. It's smooth and slightly sweet on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, dried herbs, and cinnamon with underlying notes of citrus zest and mint. The finish is medium length, with lingering notes of nutmeg and soft rye spices—an excellent rye for cocktails or sipping neat. Glass of whiskey on background of rye grain getty New Riff Distilling, Balboa Rye, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $55 This 4–5-year-old rye from Kentucky's New Riff Distilling is a single varietal rye whiskey made with the rare Balboa rye grain. This historic heirloom varietal delivers deeper, spicier, and more savory notes than traditional rye. The mash bill is 95% Balboa rye and 5% malted barley. New Riff is a respected name in the craft whiskey industry for its transparency, bottled-in-bond releases, and full-flavored spirits. The whiskey features aromas of rye bread, black peppercorn, dark honey, and clove. It's robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of sour cherry, dark chocolate, roasted malt, dried herbs, cracked black pepper, and a slight savory note. The finish is long and dry with a persistent pepperiness and earthy undertones. Balboa rye delivers a robust, old-world rye profile with a distinctive flavor profile. New Riff Distilling, 6-Year-Old Malted Rye, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $65 This expression is made with 100% malted rye grain, which enhances the body and complexity of the spirit. Aged for six years and bottled without chill filtration, this is one of the most sophisticated rye whiskeys available from New Riff. The whiskey features aromas of toasted nuts, roasted coffee beans, chocolate malt, and fruitcake. It's smooth and silky on the palate with a pronounced mouth weight, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, cooked cereal/malt, roasted almond, dates, and molasses, along with subtle rye spices. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of dried dark fruit, toffee, and a persistent chocolate finish. This whiskey will appeal to fans of both single malts and rye. Old Overholt 11-Year-Old Extra Aged Cask Strength Rye, 53.7% ABV, 750 ml. $100 One of the oldest and most respected names in American rye whiskey, Old Overholt has roots dating to 1810 in Pennsylvania. This 11-year-old cask-strength version showcases the brand's resurgence with a bold, fully matured rye. The whiskey is rich, with oak-driven complexity featuring aromas of dried cherry, leather, pipe tobacco, and spearmint. It's intense and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of black tea, toasted walnut, burnt orange peel, dark caramel, and pronounced rye spices. The finish is exceptionally long, with a gripping tannic dryness and lingering notes of rye spices, dark chocolate, and menthol. This is rye whiskey in its prime—bold, assertive, and rewarding. From the island sweetness of Angel's Envy's rum-finished rye to the old-school muscle of Old Overholt's 11-year cask-strength release, the 2025 NOSC judging revealed a category brimming with character, complexity, and creativity. Whether rooted in tradition or boldly pushing the envelope with unique grains and finishes, these medal-winning rye whiskeys reflect the depth and dynamism of the American whiskey scene. For collectors, enthusiasts, and cocktail lovers alike, this year's NOSC rye whiskey standouts offer something special in every sip—and further proof that rye's future is every bit as exciting as its storied past. More From Forbes
Observer
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Sayyid Shihab opens National Olympic Shooting Complex
MUSCAT: The National Olympic Shooting Complex (NOSC) in Muscat was opened on Monday under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. The facility's opening is in line with Oman's ongoing development and modernisation process, with the aim of harnessing all capabilities to maintain high national standards. At the outset of the ceremony, HH Sayyid Shihab unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official inauguration of the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat. The attendees then watched a visual presentation on the stages of construction of the NOSC, its facilities, services and its modern technologies and equipment. Then, HH Sayyid Shihab toured the facilities of the NOSC and listened to a briefing about every shooting range and its supporting units. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said tours the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. Sayyid Shihab opens National Olympic Shooting Complex On this occasion, HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), said that the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat constitutes a sporting accomplishment. He pointed out that the NOSC serves as a leading destination for sports talents, an incubator for marksmanship and a podium for hosting local and international events. 'This achievement reflects constant support to the sports sector by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and highlights the vital role of sports as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development in the Sultanate of Oman,' HH Sayyid Azzan added. Vice-Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), Chairman of Oman Shooting Association, said that the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat is an achievement that consolidates the Sultanate of Oman's position as an incubator for sporting excellence. He added that the facility serves as home for competencies and skills and a spacious arena for crowning Olympic champions and embracing achievements. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said inspects the facilities at the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said inspects the facilities at the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. He added that the NOSC boasts advanced facilities and features a strategic vision that elevates the status of human resources under the Royal patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, who places the advancement of sports among top priorities of comprehensive development, in line with Oman Vision 2040. The NOSC was built in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards approved by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), to meet the technical and organisational requirements that are required by the Olympic sport of shooting. The NOSC stands out as a comprehensive edifice for all shooters in Oman, embracing their ambitions and providing them with the best environment for training, competition and excellence. It is a milestone in the march of Oman Modern Renaissance and a clear symbol of the progress achieved by the Sultanate of Oman in the field of sports infrastructure. The NOSC is an embodiment of the Royal vision for empowering human resources and backing Omani sports at regional, continental and international levels. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said tours the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. The shooting facility at the National Olympic Shooting Complex. The shooting facility at the National Olympic Shooting Complex. SHOOTING RANGES The complex's main building extends over an area of 2,400 square metres and it includes a spacious open hall, administrative offices, a warehouse for weapons and a store for ammunition, in addition to a restaurant and a media broadcasting room that keeps pace with the aspirations of digital and visual coverage of tournaments and events. The NOSC also includes a 10-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,700 square metres, includes 80 targets and accommodates 80 shooters at one time. It also includes a 25-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,900 square metres and includes 50 targets that can accommodate 50 shooters at the same time. The facility also includes a 50-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,600 square metres, comprising 80 targets that can accommodate 80 shooters at one time. This makes the NOSC one of the most prominent shooting ranges in the region. The facility also has a large hall designated for final competitions. The hall occupies an area of 1,600 square metres and it can accommodate 10 shooters. The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, the chairman of Oman Shooting Association, senior officers of the SAF and other military and security services and members of Oman Shooting Association. — ONA
Observer
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
NOSC to be opened in Muscat tomorrow
MUSCAT: The National Olympic Shooting Complex (NOSC) in Muscat will be opened tomorrow under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. The establishment of the NOSC, Muscat, stems from efforts to promote the status of Omani sports at regional, continental and international levels. NOSC in Muscat will be opened tomorrow under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs.— ONA The facility stands testimony to the Sultanate of Oman's global accomplishments in the fields of developing and modernising sports facilities in accordance with the highest international standards and criteria. The NOSC is a national monument that embodies Oman's aspirations for leadership and enhances its ability to host official tournaments at various levels. — ONA
