WL Weller, Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 57% ABV, 750 ml.
Four Straight Bourbons have taken top honors in the first round of the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), which recently concluded in London. Five other American whiskeys also won top honors. The judging was the first round of a two-phase process that includes one round of judging in London in May and another in September in Kentucky.
The best bourbons, all winged gold medals, were from a who’s who of American whiskey. Sazerac dominated the results, taking five of the top nine awards.
The best rated American whiskey in the London rating round was Sazerac, 18 YO, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml.
Sazerac’s 18 YO rye whiskey expression is one of the finest rye whiskeys in the world and a perennial medalist in international distillery competitions. The IWSC jury described the whiskey as:
Juicy fruit, beautiful balance and excellent clarity of flavors. Oranges, leather and toasted bread with a touch of clove. The finish is classic and easy drinking, bottled at a good ABV.
Three of the top-rated bourbons, all from Sazerac with 95/100 points, read like an American bourbon honor roll: Eagle Rare, 17 YO, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml; George T Stagg, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 67.5% ABV; and WL Weller, Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 57% ABV, 750 ml.
These three whiskeys need no introduction to American bourbon enthusiasts. They are three of the world’s greatest bourbons, among the brands that have pushed the Sazerac to the top of American whiskey. Lately they are expensive and hard to find. If it’s been a while since you’ve tasted one of these American whiskey icons, it might be time to indulge.
The IWSC jury described Eagle Rare 17 YO as:
The rich aroma of new leather, lager, honey and menthol leads to a beautifully fragrant bouquet. On the palate it offers lovely weight and balance with a good fruit profile. The ending is quite disturbing and satisfying.
George T Stagg was described by the jury as:
The juicy aroma of peaches and stone fruits harmonizes beautifully with the hint of cherry and Black Forest gâteaux. Rich, earthy notes give way to a fiery finish to reveal a wonderful array of dried mango, pineapple, apple, pear and apricot.
While the jury described WL Weller as:
Indulge in the soothing scent of oranges, oak and nuts. A gorgeous palate with a perfect balance of rose, cinnamon and blackberry. The finish is warm and satisfying.
The fourth gold medalist in the bourbon category was also an American whiskey icon Four Rose, Original Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The IWSC jury described the Four Roses bourbon as:
Juicy dark fruits, caramel and fondant tempt the senses. Fragrant oak and dried tropical fruit on the nose. A perfect example of an American whiskey with depth of character. Smooth surface.
The second highest rated rye whiskey, also from Sazerac, was Thomas H Handy, Straight Rye Whisky, 62.5%, 750 ml.
The mash bills for Sazerac 17 YO Rye Whiskey and Thomas H Handy Straight Rye Whiskey, both part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, are the same. Both whiskeys use Buffalo Trace rye mash, commonly referred to as Mash Bill #2. This mash is believed to be approximately 51% rye, 39% corn and 10% malted barley.
While the slurries are the same, the main difference between them is their aging and fermentation. Sazerac 17 YO is aged for 17 years and is usually bottled at 90 proof, while Thomas H Handy is younger, barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered.
The IWSC jury described Thomas H Handy Rye Whiskey as:
Tomato Leaf and Bakewell (a type of British pudding or cake) blend harmoniously with rich vanilla pods. Classic rye flavors are elegantly balanced. Luxurious notes of roasted coffee beans, Belgian waffles and double cream lead to a fresh, indulgent finish.
The best rated Tennessee Whiskey is Chattanooga Whisky, Experimental Batch 033 Triple Peat Blended Whisky, 55.5%, 750ml. A Tennessee-inspired peaty blend of American whiskey seems out of place among these historic icons of American whiskey. It underscores how significantly the American whiskey scene is changing since the innovations of today’s craft distillers.
The IWSC panel described Chattanooga Whiskey as:
Aromas of bacon and chili spices, complemented by a hint of cola cube and tomato leaf. Pungent and aromatic, with smoky and fruity aromas. Intense smokiness leads to forest flavors and ends with the characteristic finish of an old coal stove.
A superbly flavored American whiskey is Revel Stoke, Shellshocked Roasted Pecan Flavored Whiskey. The IWSC jury described the whiskey as:
Treat yourself to the rich aroma of chocolate, honey-roasted nuts, cereal and sweet cotton candy. Enjoy the coveted nutty sweetness with a long, lingering finish. Notes of hazelnut chocolate, sweet almonds and balanced smoothness linger long after the last sip.
Finally, the top rated American Single Malt whiskey is Balcones, Montilla Single Malt Whisky, 53% ABV, 750 ml. Balcones is the leader in the American Single Malt category. The IWSC jury described the whiskey as:
Ripe dark fruits and strawberries mingle on the palate with hints of nettles and dried berries. A complex, fruity finish leaves a satisfying impression.
The first round of the IWSC American Whiskey Awards showcased some classic American whiskey icons. More will come from the second round of judging in Kentucky this September. Until then, this is a good opportunity to try some of these American whiskey classics.