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Forbes
12 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
Best Cask Finished Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Glass of bourbon with smoking cigar with old barrel getty Four cask finished bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. The IWSC is one of the world's largest spirit competitions. This is the second year they have held an American whiskey judging in Kentucky. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) does not have a formal, codified definition for "cask finished whiskey" in the same way it defines categories like Bottled-in-Bond or Straight Bourbon Whiskey. However, the TTB does regulate how cask finishing must be disclosed and labeled on American whiskey, particularly when it involves spirits that undergo additional maturation in used or non-traditional barrels. Traditionally, the term 'cask finish' is used in the whiskey industry to designate a spirit that was 'finished' or underwent additional maturation in a cask that previously held another liquid, typically wine, especially sweet, fortified wines, beer, or spirits. The term is also applied, however, to casks made from white oak species other than American oak, such as Japanese Oak (Mizunara) or French oak. It can also be applied to American oak barrels that undergo non-traditional treatments, such as toasting rather than charring. In some cases, it can even be applied to whiskey that is double casked, using two charred barrels of American oak to magnify the influence of the cask wood. All the whiskeys below were designated as cask finished by their producers, although the nature of the finish varies significantly. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 H.K. Young is a boutique label focused on finishing techniques and barrel selection. This bourbon undergoes additional aging in toasted American white oak barrels, a process that enhances sweetness and spice while softening the tannins. The whiskey features notes of toasted marshmallow, banana bread, and cocoa on the nose. The palate is smooth and creamy, showcasing caramel, dark chocolate, and cinnamon. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of graham cracker, wood spices, and maple syrup—a perfect after-dinner dessert whiskey. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'resinous notes and fresh oak meet delicate florals on the nose. The palate presents a dry, nutty profile with juicy sultana (raisins), fig, and spicy flavors that persist through to the finish.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92 Based in Lexington, Kentucky, RD1 Spirits specializes in premium finishes and innovative small-batch whiskeys. This expression blends traditional Kentucky bourbon with a dual finishing in rare Japanese Mizunara oak and French oak casks, offering an expanded aroma and flavor profile with a layered, nuanced complexity. The whiskey features an exotic bouquet of sandalwood, ginger root, coconut husk, and rose petals on the nose. The palate is creamy and complex, showcasing layers of caramel, butterscotch, spiced fig, lemongrass, and vanilla, enhanced by Mizunara's signature incense and herbal complexity, as well as hints of red berries and stone fruits. Additionally, the French oak imparts polished tannins and notes of baking spice. The finish is long and aromatic, with lingering notes of floral, cinnamon bark, and white pepper—a remarkably well-integrated, elegant, and nuanced whiskey. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'full and creamy with bright notes of yellow peach and raspberry, with hints of black tea and honey. Well-balanced with a dry, lingering finish.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91 This flagship release was among the first cask finished bourbons and helped popularize the contemporary bourbon-finished-in-wine-barrels trend. Angel's Envy uses traditional straight bourbon matured in American oak, then finished in ruby Port wine barrels, adding both a broader fruit profile and richness. On the nose, the whiskey features fig, vanilla, ripe plum, and red berry notes. The palate is silky and smooth, offering cherry syrup, raisin bread, caramel, and baking spices. The Port cask finish introduces soft tannin and jammy fruit undertones. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of cocoa, stewed fruits, and a touch of toasted nutmeg. The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'a sweet and fruity profile with decadent notes of caramel corn, peach, and hazelnut. The palate enjoys notes of dry oak and cinnamon.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 Bardstown Bourbon's Collaboration Series partners with world-class spirits houses for unique cask finishes. The Ferrand edition is a blend of seven and eleven year old bourbon finished in Pierre Ferrand Cognac casks, adding layers of Cognac character to their house-distilled Kentucky bourbon. The whiskey features aromas of dried apricot, honeysuckle, and baking spice on the nose. On the palate, the Cognac influence is readily apparent, showcasing flavors of honey, golden raisin, peach, toasted almond, and spices. The finish is smooth, rich, and well-rounded, with lingering notes of floral, seasoned oak, and citrus zest. The IWSC Judging panel described the bourbon as revealing 'luscious, overripe mango - inviting and rich. On the palate, a creamy texture gives way to a vibrant peppery kick, complemented by playful plum and brown sugar notes.' Two other cask finished bourbons scored 90 points. 15 Stars, Three Ports Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml, and Angel's Envy, 2024 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. Cask finished bourbons are expanding the aroma and flavor profile of American whiskey, adding new dimensions of flavor and texture while still preserving the core profile of bourbon. These whiskeys are outstanding, reasonably priced, and readily available. If you're looking to explore bourbon further and expand your flavor profile, these whiskeys are an excellent place to start.
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Top Cask Strength Bourbons From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Glass of bourbon whiskey with ice cubes on a barrel. Seven cask strength bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. One entry scored a Gold Outstanding, the highest medal given by the IWSC, and one bourbon scored a Gold medal. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys. The terms 'cask strength', barrel proof,' and 'full proof' are widely used in the American whiskey industry. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) does not provide a formal legal definition for these terms. However, it does allow their use under certain conditions, provided they 'are truthful and not misleading.' Specifically, whiskeys labelled as cask strength should not have any dilution with water and be bottled at the same proof at which they are drawn from the barrel. In practice, 'a variance of up to 1% ABV is tolerated due to standard processing losses or to ensure uniformity across multiple bottlings.' Historically, most bourbons were bottled at 40% ABV, resulting in a significant difference between regular proof and cask-strength bottlings. With the advent of craft distillers, many whiskeys are now bottled at high proofs, making the distinction between regular and cask-strength bottlings somewhat ambiguous. The trend towards more extended maturation among whiskey producers also means that ABV percentages in casks have been increasing. Consequently, notwithstanding the TTB guidelines, many whiskeys with cask-strength ABVs may undergo more than a 1% dilution. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Known for its high-rye mash bill, Bulleit Barrel Strength is a non-chill-filtered, uncut whiskey bottled straight from the barrel. Crafted at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky, it presents a bolder, more robust take on the classic Bulleit profile. The whiskey features intense aromas of orange zest, clove, and burnt sugar on the nose. It's robust and spicy on the palate, showcasing cinnamon, dark toffee, charred oak, and cherry cola. The finish is long, smooth, and peppery, with lingering notes of leather, licorice, and toasted pecans—a powerful yet exceptionally smooth high-proof whiskey. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing 'delicate aromas of orange blossom and sweet apricot jam. The palate reveals delightful flavors of honeysuckle and hard caramel, punctuated by white pepper and a hint of green apple. It concludes beautifully with a captivating, smooth, lingering sweetness.' Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Jefferson's Reserve Cask Strength is a high-proof version of their flagship Reserve expression. Blended from older barrels and bottled uncut, it highlights the artistry of the brand's barrel selection and small-batch blending. The whiskey features aromas of vanilla, roasted hazelnuts, oak spices, and plum jam. The palate showcases layers of dark chocolate, molasses, nutmeg, and apricot. The high proof brings heightened flavor intensity without overpowering the whiskey. The finish is long, with lingering notes of cinnamon, seasoned oak, and a hint of espresso. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting, 'a rich and complex character which lures you in with roasted coffee, red rice, pecan, and plum notes. The palate is bold, with pronounced flavors, featuring layers of sweet brown sugar and toasted oak. A poised and harmonious bourbon.' Carafe and glass of bourbon whisky on old wooden cask. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Smokeye Hill is a rising craft label bottled by Hazelwood Spirits. The company is known for sourcing high-quality, high-rye bourbon aged to barrel proof. It appeals to purists seeking unfiltered, bold expressions of bourbon. The whiskey presents notes of smoke, caramel, singed marshmallow, and dusty spice on the nose. The palate exhibits a candied sweetness, featuring notes of candied orange zest, saddle leather, tobacco, and cracked black pepper. The finish is long and earthy, with lingering notes of charred oak and a hint of rye spice. The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'characterful and earthy on the nose, inviting exploration. The palate delivers a vibrant, jammy brightness, complemented by intriguing impressions of leather and smoke. Dynamic, with a lingering finish of coffee and deep caramel.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 This bourbon is part of the acclaimed Barrel Proof series, B524, a May 2024 release. It offers Elijah Craig's signature 12-year-old bourbon at full strength, uncut and non-chill filtered. The whiskey is bold and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of cocoa powder, brown sugar, and toasted pecan. The palate showcases cinnamon toast, maple syrup, cherry syrup, with spice notes of clove and allspice. The finish is long and dry, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and dark chocolate. The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as showcasing 'enticing aromas of Turkish delight, red fruits, and dried flowers unfold before a rich, nutty palate with flavors of caramel, fig, and leather. The finish is satisfying, marked by lingering tones of dark roast coffee and sweet hay.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93 The C924, a September 2024 release of Elijah Craig's Barrel Proof line, is known for its balance and warmth at barrel strength. It continues the brand's program of showcasing maturity and boldness. The bourbon features aromas of butterscotch, baked apple, and leather. It's creamy and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, stone fruit, roasted nuts, black tea, vanilla, and burnt orange. The finish is long and spicy with lingering notes of barrel char and butterscotch. The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'sweet and inviting, featuring bright nectarine, peach, and apricot, complemented by toasted marshmallow and clove. The palate reveals a concentrated warmth and layers of sweet spice, cherry, and crème caramel, before a long, graceful finish.' Also scoring 90 points or more were Old Dominick Distillery, Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml, 92/100, and Pinhook, 5 Year Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.1% ABV, 750 ml, 91/100. These cask strength whiskies are bold and flavorful, a throwback to 19th-century-style bourbon. The higher proof intensifies the aroma and flavor profile, making these bourbons incredibly aromatic and robust. Cask strength whiskeys aren't for everyone, but if you are looking for a big, bold whiskey, this list of top-ranked cask strength bourbons from the IWSC is a good place to start.
