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Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Rums: According To The 2025 International Wine And Spirit Competition
The Gold Outstanding medal winners in the rum category from the 2025 IWSC. Rum has come a long way since it was first distilled on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean Island in the 17th century. Back then, it was a much rougher spirit that was known by the names 'kill-devil' and 'rumbullion' due to its high proof, pungency, and harsh flavors, not the smooth sipper of today. Spread across the globe by the British Navy, it became one of the first truly international spirits. Luckily, those days are gone, and we are blessed with an abundance of rum distillers from across the globe crafting some fantastic liquid sunshine. From traditional rum houses in the Caribbean to up-and-comers in Australia, everywhere you turn, there is a new and exotic bottle of rum just begging to be sipped. If you are looking to find the best of the best, look no further. The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), one of the oldest and most prestigious annual global spirit judging events, just released the results for their 2025 event. Six rums were awarded a Gold Outstanding award by earning a score between 98-100 points from its blind judging panel made up of industry experts. Each of them is in the running for the IWSC's Rum Trophy to be awarded at their gala event in November. Any one of these bottles would be a worthy addition to any collection if you can lay your hands on one. Here is a brief recap of each with the judge's notes. From the heart of Jamaica, Worthy Park's 109 is a potent invitation to pure, unadulterated rum flavor. This isn't for the faint of heart; it's a high-proof, pot-still masterpiece, bursting with the wild, untamed "hogo" that defines Jamaican rum. It's a raw, unfiltered experience from a distillery that was named the IWSC Rum Producer of the Year in 2023. Made from a blend of 3-year-old rum aged in once-used American White Oak ex-bourbon casks, it is packed with flavor. Here is what the judges had to say about it: The nose opens with earthy notes and dark dried fruit, complemented by a hint of caramel and chocolate. The palate reveals a smooth creaminess, bursting with dried fruits, caramel, and molasses. A long, pleasant finish with a touch of pepper. A rare gem from Martinique, this 15-year rum from Clément Rhum is a testament to the elegance of Rhum Agricole, a style that is rapidly gaining fans due to its terroir-driven character. Crafted from fresh sugarcane juice, it transcends typical rum, offering a grassy, vegetal complexity that deepens with age. This private cask selection, made exclusively for Whisky Brokers Associates, was aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels and is a result of a selection of casks chosen by Cellarmaster Julien Thimon. It's a collector's dream and a journey into the heart of Martinique's rum heritage. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Ginger cake, molasses, and dried fruits, complemented by a hint of dark chocolate and polished wood. The palate unfolds with a rich fruitcake and cigar, brightened by orange zest and baking spices, leading to a warming finish. From Barbados's master blenders, Foursquare, comes Equidem, a 14-year-old expression of balanced brilliance. Master Distiller and Blender Richard Seale's rums are celebrated worldwide for their deeply complex flavors and subtle blends. In fact, this rum took home the 2024 IWSC Rum Trophy and is crafted from a mix of two 14-year-old rums. The first was aged five years in ex-bourbon barrels and nine years in ex-cognac casks, and the second spent twelve years in ex-bourbon barrels and two years in ex-Camus Cognac casks. The resultant liquid is quite special. Here is what the judges had to say about it: The aroma entices with vibrant tropical fruit and subtle hints of wood, complemented by warm spices and caramel. On the palate, it unfolds smoothly, revealing creamy molasses and dried fruit. The experience lingers with a long, sweet, and peppery finish. Hailing from North Queensland, Australia, the Mt. Uncle Distillery is the perfect poster child for today's modern rum makers. Opened in 2001, they have made a name for themselves by pushing the boundaries and challenging the assumptions surrounding rum. For their small-batch FNQ Rums (Far North Queensland), they used locally sourced sugarcane syrup distilled in-house in a pot still. Not much else is known about the rum since it hasn't been released to the public yet. However, rest assured that when it does, it will quickly disappear. Here is what the judges had to say about it: The aroma reveals creamy vanilla intertwined with subtle oak, peppery heat, and balanced jalapeño. The palate showcases alluring touches of caramel, banana, and coconut, rounded off by classic raisin. A rich, sweet finish lingers with a delightful complexity. Outstanding. Monymusk Plantation Rums are distilled and blended by the National Rums of Jamaica. This joint venture distiller owns the legendary Long Pond and Clarendon Distilleries on the island. Made in their historic facilities, the team behind this rum has hundreds of years of experience to draw upon in crafting Monymusk. The name originates from a sugar estate that once produced rum and sugar before the abolition of slavery and continues to support the distillery with Jamaican molasses to this day. Monymusk Special Reserve is a blend of matured rums that have been aged for at least 10 years before bottling. Blending pot and column still rums, it balances the signature Jamaican "funk" with the smoothness of age. Here is what the judges had to say: Gingerbread latte and warming cinnamon, accompanied by rich baking spices. Tropical fruits and sweet oak, masterfully balanced with nutmeg. The experience lingers, revealing a long, complex finish that echoes banana and fruity nuances, leaving a beautifully oily grip. This one is a mystery. Made by Hong Shing Winery Co. in Taiwan, Nine to One Rum is only available in the Far East. It is made in a custom continuous distiller that the team at Nine to One crafted themselves and uses ingredients from the region. If you are an adventurous individual who finds yourself in Taiwan and is looking for a great rum, search it out. Otherwise, you probably won't see it anytime soon in the global market. Here is what the judges had to say about it: A vibrant nose revealing green apples with a hint of sugary banana juice. On the palate, a warm, smooth texture that balances beautifully with its off-dry character. The finish is clean and well-structured, exhibiting a delightful lingering warmth. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best American Whiskeys From The NY International Spirits Competition
Some of the Double Gold medalists from the 2025 NYISC The New York International Spirits Competition is one of the most respected spirits competitions in the world, known for its distinctive approach of having trade-only judges, including buyers, sommeliers, bartenders, and importers, evaluate entries. Below are the Double Gold American whiskey winners from the 2025 competition. Founded in 2010, the NYISC takes place annually in New York City and is part of the larger International Beverage Competitions group. What sets the NYISC apart is its focus on real-world market relevance: spirits are judged not just on quality but also on price and packaging, reflecting how actual buyers and consumers assess products. The competition accepts entries from over 40 countries and across a broad range of spirit categories, including whiskey, tequila, rum, gin, vodka, and liqueurs. Awards include Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, as well as honors like Distillery of the Year and Importer of the Year. Winning a medal at the NYISC carries strong industry credibility, as it signifies not only excellence in production but also commercial appeal and category competitiveness in the global market. A unique blend of straight bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys aged 15 and 11 years. A blend of Kentucky straight bourbons aged 16 and 8 years, finished in Cognac, Port, and Rum casks. Crafted from yellow corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley and aged a minimum of 3 years. A Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, single barrel, unfiltered, and cask strength. Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky. Finished in port wine barrels, this bourbon is distilled in Louisville, Kentucky. A four-grain, high-rye straight bourbon whiskey with a mash bill of 65% corn, 22% rye, and 13% wheat and barley. Aged a minimum of 4 years. It's distilled in Indiana and bottled in Columbia, Tennessee. An 18-year-old bourbon offering a rich and complex flavor profile. A small batch bourbon aged for 6 years, known for its smoothness and character. Barrels of bourbon aging in a Kentucky rick house A Tennessee bourbon known for its smooth and mellow flavor, produced in Tullahoma, Tennessee. A cask strength Texas straight bourbon whiskey, known for its bold flavor. A Texas straight bourbon whiskey finished in port casks, offering a unique flavor profile. A revival of a historic brand, this bourbon is known for its rich heritage and flavor. A bottled-in-bond bourbon offering a balance of flavor and strength. A 13-year-old bourbon known for its depth and complexity. A limited release bourbon aged in unique casks, offering a distinctive flavor. A premium bourbon expression finished in a Mizunara cask, known for its smoothness and character. A masterfully blended bourbon offering a harmonious flavor profile. A wheated bourbon known for its smooth and mellow character. Toasting with a glass of American whiskey A barrel proof bourbon offering a robust and full-bodied flavor. A flagship bourbon known for its balance and depth. A traditional wheated bourbon offering a smooth and rich flavor profile. A Kentucky bourbon known for its unique blend of ten distinct recipes, offering a complex flavor profile. A Tennessee bourbon known for its smoky character, produced in Nashville, Tennessee. A bourbon aged at sea, offering a unique flavor influenced by oceanic conditions. 15-year-old bourbon, known for its depth and complexity. A classic Kentucky bourbon known for its smooth and approachable flavor. Glass of whisky with ice, sitting on the American Flag. An American single malt whiskey known for its bold and robust flavor, produced in Waco, Texas. An American single malt whiskey crafted from heritage barley varieties, offering a rich and nuanced flavor profile. An American single malt whiskey known for its smooth and complex character. An American single malt whiskey offering a unique and refined flavor profile. An American single malt whiskey finished in Cabernet wine casks, offering a distinctive aroma and taste profile. Glass of whiskey surrounded by rye grain A single-barrel rye whiskey known for its spicy and robust flavor. A rye whiskey finished in port casks, offering a unique and complex flavor profile. A cask strength rye whiskey known for its bold and spicy character. A double rye whiskey offering a rich and spicy flavor profile. A Tennessee whiskey honoring the legacy of Nearest Green, known for its smooth and rich flavor. An American blended whiskey, a collaboration between Moët Hennessy and Beyoncé, offering a smooth and balanced flavor profile. These whiskeys are the pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship, chosen not only for their aroma and taste profiles but also for their value and packaging. Relatively easy to find, any one of them would be an excellent addition to your home bar. One of these whiskeys will go on to claim the crown of America's Best Whiskey. Can you guess which one?
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: The Best Bourbon's
Whiskey glasses on barrel in a whiskey distillery. De Agostini via Getty Images In the 115 years since it was founded, Father's Day has seen countless numbers of ho-hum gifts bestowed upon Dad in appreciation of an often thankless job. We all know the scene. Dad opens his gift and acts like the tie, hat, gardening tool, book, or other such item was just what he wanted. Everyone smiles, and Dad goes back to his routine, often setting his gift aside to be quickly forgotten. But it doesn't have to be like that. Instead, you can go against the norm and drop a fantastic bottle of bourbon into your father's lap this year. If he loves a good cocktail, it should bring a big smile to his face and provide many happy thoughts each time he enjoys it. Hopefully, he will even share a sip with you to show his appreciation for finally getting something he truly wanted. But where do you find a truly special bottle of bourbon? Look no further than the recently released Best In Class finalists at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As one of the world's most prestigious competitions, distillers send their best bottles to the event, hoping to Wow their judges. This year, the event singled out 35 bourbons from a field of over 500 bottles across eight separate categories; these are the crème of the crop. All are in the running to be named the World's Best Bourbon. But many of them are virtually impossible to lay your hands on-they are limited releases, experimental batches, and such. I scoured the list, and here are nine bottles that you can lay your hands on if you act quickly. All are reasonably priced, can be ordered online, and should blow your Dad's mind. If my kids are reading this, you know what I want. Hailing from Vail, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company pays homage to the soldiers of the legendary US Army division that was formed during World War II and trained nearby. Many of its veterans returned home to establish numerous ski areas in the US, including Vail. Their bourbon was named a finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon-Up to 5 Years category. The judges had this to say about it: Candied orange peels and brown sugar peaches on the nose, with chocolate-covered orange peels, white pepper, and vanilla on the palate—a big, bold finish. You can order one here. For decades, Old Grand Dad was a bottom-shelf straight bourbon that was overlooked and ignored. First bottled in 1882, it was a working man's whiskey known for its reliable burn upfront with a smooth finish. Although not particularly special, it was a solid sip that was often overshadowed by other flashier bourbons. All of that changed in 2024 when the brand released a limited edition 16-year-old version, which pays homage to its original recipe. The judges loved it and made it a finalist in the Straight Bourbon category. Here is what they said about it: Aromas of dust and leather lead to a palate rich with banana foster and cookies and cream. You can order one here. Every bourbon lover should have a bottle of 1792 under their roof; it's just that simple. First produced in 2002 by the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, it has been a perennial winner in all major spirits competitions and is loved by bourbon connoisseurs. The fact that it was named a finalist in the Best In Class Small Batch Bourbon (up to 5 Years) surprised no one, as it routinely lands there. What is surprising is that it is still affordably priced at around $32 after two decades, which is a rarity in today's market. The judges said this about it: Blueberries, vanilla, and minerality on the nose with a taste that is delicious, finishing with astringent black pepper and chocolate. You can order one here. If you are looking to treat Dad to a bottle that he has never heard of yet will love, then look no further. The Widow Jane Distillery in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, crafted this beautiful thirteen-year-old bourbon from Kentucky and Tennessee stocks. Proofed using pure limestone water from the famous Rosedale Mines one hundred miles north of the distillery to impart a distinctive minerality. It was named a finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon Aged 11 Years and Older category, and the judges called out its butterscotch and seasoned oak wood notes complemented by a long, sweet finish. You can order one here. Direct from the heart of Texas, Garrison Brothers Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon is a bold beauty that delivers with each sip of its undiluted, cask-strength liquid. Each barrel is hand-selected by their Master Distiller, Donnis Todd, due to its distinct flavors that were formed during the long summer days and cold winter nights in Hye, Texas, where it is distilled and aged. As the first bourbon distiller outside Kentucky and Tennessee, the team at Garrison Brothers knows what they are doing, so it shouldn't surprise anyone they were named a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey-Up to 10 Years Category. The judges had this to say about it: Explosive aromas of brown sugar, caramel, and leather on the nose with a noticeable palate of orange zest, cherry syrup, and seasoned oak. You can order one here. Every so often, a distiller tries something off the beaten path, and it works. That is the case with this bourbon, made entirely from Jimmy Red corn —a rare heirloom variety known for its rich flavors —revived by High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. Bottled from a single barrel to showcase the unique liquid each bottling can present, it can offer a slightly different flavor profile, making it the perfect bourbon to include in a vertical tasting. It was named a finalist in the Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey-Up to 10 Years category. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of black cherries, oak, and cinnamon oatmeal with a palate of cherry syrup with crème de cassis, black pepper, and vanilla with a medium-length finish. You can order one here. If your Dad likes a sweeter and smoother bourbon, then this is the bottle you want to get him. As one of Heaven Hill's impressive Grain to Glass series of bourbons, it is designed to showcase the legendary distiller's small-batch craftsmanship by working with a unique corn seed varietal to produce a distinctive bourbon with each release. By featuring a higher wheat mashbill that was aged for over six years, they have created a whiskey that is wonderfully easy to sip. It was named a finalist in the Wheated Bourbon category, and the judges called out its rich and creamy palate with a long finish that featured molasses, brown sugar, dried fruit, nuts, and oak spices. You can order one here. Hailing from Michigan, the team behind Fox & Oden aims to honor and preserve the legacy of pre-prohibition whiskey blending and finishing. They do that by sourcing liquid from some of America's top distillers and then masterfully creating a liquid that blends old-world techniques with new-school ideas. The result is a lineup of bottles that have rapidly established themselves on the world competition stage. Their Double-Oaked Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a blend of 8-15-year-old bourbons that underwent secondary aging in new charred oak barrels and was named a finalist in the Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon Category. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of vanilla and seasoned oak that are followed by a candied sweetness with a long, sweet, and spicy finish. You can order one here. Over the last decade, bourbon drinkers have rediscovered rye, one of the oldest styles of whiskey made in the United States, which almost died out after Prohibition. Known for its distinctive spiciness and bold flavors, rye whiskeys have become a favorite of bartenders and can form the backbone of a great cocktail. This offering from Whiskey Tree, a relatively new distiller producing some exceptional spirits, features a high rye bill that has been double-oaked and bottled at 100-105 proof. It is also a finalist in the Special Barrel-Finished Category and offers a spicy punch. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Persistent spicy notes surround rich caramel, vanilla, and ripe apple aromas. The palate features flavors of caramel apple, rye toast, cinnamon, and black pepper, with a long, spicy finish. You can order one here. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
