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Forbes
a day 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.
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The International Wine & Spirit Competition
Glencairn whiskey tasting cups with a Scotch whisky barrel in the background. The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the world's largest and oldest spirits competition. It is also among the most extensive judgings of Scotch whisky globally. The IWSC has just released its 2025 Scotch whisky judging results. Below are backgrounds and tasting notes on the seven contenders for the coveted Scotch Whisky Trophy. The winner will be announced on November 12 at the IWSC Gala in London. The Loch Lomond Distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its innovative approaches to whisky production. The distillery utilizes swan-necked and its unique, patented "straight-necked" pot stills to craft a diverse range of whiskies, from delicate, fruity expressions to richer, more complex drams. The 16 YO Waypoint Series Falls Of Falloch Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of Loch Lomond's Waypoint Series, a collection designed to showcase the versatility and depth of their whiskies. This expression is aged for 16 years in ex-bourbon oak casks and undergoes a cask finish to enhance its complexity and depth. The "Falls Of Falloch" branding evokes the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond area and symbolizes the purity of the waters used in production. The whisky is floral and fruity on the nose, featuring sweet honey, dried stone, and dark fruit notes of apricot and fig, accompanied by subtle vanilla, a herbaceous, freshly cut grass element, and seasoned oak aromas. On the palate, the whisky is smooth and creamy, balancing sweetness with a mild spiciness. It showcases caramel, citrus zest, cooked cereal/malted barley, nutmeg, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of honey, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. The oak influence fades gracefully, leaving a dry, slightly nutty aftertaste. Also from Loch Lomond Distillery, the 18-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a remarkable exploration of their peated expressions. Unlike many Highland distilleries, Loch Lomond employs a unique malting process that combines peat and clean air to dry the barley. This resulting whisky expresses a subtler peatiness than its Islay counterparts while still presenting a distinctive smoky character. This expression showcases the distillery's mastery in creating complex, layered whiskies. It's aged for 18 years in a combination of American and European oak casks, imparting an array of flavors and textures that complement its distinctive peatiness. The nose features delicate notes of cold smoke, surrounded by honey, dried fruit notes of raisins and dates, cooked cereal, baked croissant, vanilla, toasted almonds, seasoned oak, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The whisky is complex and layered on the palate, with a pervasive smokiness and earthy peat quality, showcasing cooked cereal, sweet malt, barley sugar, caramel, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of candied orange zest. The peat has a slight medicinal quality, evoking iodine, fresh seaweed, and sea air, but it is well-integrated with the more subtle flavors. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering smoke, a slight savoriness, hints of vanilla custard, and a touch of dried herbs. Glass of Scotch single malt whisky with ice on a whisky barrel. Benriach Distillery, established in 1898 in the heart of Speyside, is renowned for its rich history of producing a diverse range of single malts, from peated to unpeated expressions. The distillery has consistently embraced experimentation, particularly with its cask maturation techniques. The Benriach 2013 Vintage Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt showcases the distillery's expertise in working with different types of sherry casks. This expression is part of Benriach's ongoing exploration of cask finishing, utilizing a combination of American oak, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. The three different types of sherry casks impart rich layers of fruit, spice, and oak, providing complexity and depth, as each cask type imparts a distinct influence. The nose features an unmistakable Sherry influence, exhibiting aromas of dried fruit, including raisins, figs, and dark cherries. The Oloroso cask imparts a rich, nutty character, while the Pedro Ximénez cask adds a syrupy sweetness of toffee and molasses. There are additional notes of orange zest, oak spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove, as well as a delicate layer of honey and vanilla sweetness from the American oak cask. The whisky is full-bodied and smooth on the palate, with a pronounced mouthfeel that showcases dried apricots, plums, and dark chocolate, complemented by cinnamon, ginger, and toasted almonds. As the whisky opens, a subtle oak influence provides structure, adding hints of old wood and a touch of leather. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of sherry, dried fruits, and cocoa, and a slightly dry aftertaste. A'glac Charrann is an exceptional single malt whisky originally produced at the, now shuttered, Imperial Distillery. Secret Speyside is a specialty bottler that seeks out rare and unusual single malts. The name "A'glac Charrann" refers to the deep, rich traditions of Speyside whisky-making. The whisky was matured over nearly three decades in ex-bourbon casks of American oak. The nose features floral notes of heather and Scottish wildflowers, complemented by dried fruit aromas of apricot and golden raisins, as well as honey, almond, citrus zest, and vanilla cream. A touch of cocoa, subtle spices, and toasted oak add complexity. The whisky is robust and smooth on the palate, showcasing candied oranges, dried fruits, dark chocolate, toasted almonds, wood spices, and a subtle layer of seasoned oak. The whisky is creamy and full-bodied, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The finish is long, with lingering notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and toffee, slowly fading into a dry, slightly bitter aftertaste. Glenfiddich, one of the most iconic distilleries in Speyside, was founded in 1887 by William Grant and is still family-owned. The distillery is renowned for producing premium single malt whiskies that are globally recognized. This whisky was matured in American and European oak casks. The whisky is rich and complex on the nose, showcasing dried fruit notes of apricots, figs, and raisins, intertwined with honey, vanilla cream, citrus zest, and seasoned oak. Subtle notes of toasted almonds and marzipan add a sweet, nutty complexity. On the palate, the whisky is full-bodied and smooth, balancing sweetness and spice. The toffee and caramel flavors are complemented by dried apricots, dark cherries, and hints of toasted oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with a touch of dark chocolate. The whisky has a smooth, creamy, mouth-coating texture and a noticeable weight. The finish is long and layered, with lingering flavors of dried fruit, oak, and spice. Rosebank Distillery, once known for producing elegant and floral single malts in the Lowlands, has a storied history dating back to the 19th century. Known for its unpeated whiskies, Rosebank was celebrated for its delicate and refined flavor profiles. The distillery closed in 1993 but was revived in the early 2000s and is now operational again. The Legacy Release Three 32 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky honors the original distillery's style, showcasing a refined elegance, floral complexity, and a layered flavor profile. The whisky was matured in refill oak casks, allowing the spirit to develop its signature subtle, floral profile over time. The whisky is floral and aromatic on the nose, showcasing a bouquet of heather, honeysuckle, and violets, complemented by vanilla, creamy butterscotch, and a hint of ripe apple and pear. A subtle touch of oak lends depth, accompanied by whispers of marzipan, lightly toasted almonds, and candied orange and lemon zest. The whisky is smooth and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing sweet and floral notes, accompanied by fruity notes of ripe apples, peaches, and pears, as well as cinnamon and ginger spices, vanilla, and a hint of creamy honey. A soft, nutty undertone of almonds, a hint of white chocolate, and subtle oak notes add complexity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering floral and fruity notes and a gentle sweetness from the vanilla and honey leading to a delicate oak dryness. A seventh Gold Outstanding, yet-to-be-released expression from Ardbeg is still under embargo and will be disclosed later in the year. These six single malt Scotch whiskies are outstanding. They represent a mix of historic, revitalized, and new distilleries, all of which are shaping and expanding the aroma and taste profile of single malt Scotch whisky. It also highlights the remarkable resurgence of Loch Lomond, a distillery that has become one of the leading stars in Scotland's whisky industry. If you love Scotch whisky, you owe it to yourself to try every one of these expressions.
