Award Winning Craft Whiskeys

Award Winning Craft Whiskeys

For whiskey enthusiasts, 2025 has started off spectacularly in the center of America's craft distilling scene. Several notable distilleries, including Larrikin Bourbon Co., New York Distilling Co., Rare Character, Old Dominick Distillery, and Woodinville Whiskey Co., have been recognized as winners of the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC), San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), and ASCOT Awards. Their medals are a measure of actual greatness since these contests, which are evaluated by prominent members of the business such as bartenders, buyers, and sommeliers, take into account factors such as price, packaging, and market appeal in addition to taste. These award-winning spirits are worth looking for if you're a middle-aged man in the United States who enjoys a nice pour. This is an in-depth analysis of the whiskeys that were the talk of the party.

Woodinville Whiskey Co. 100% Rye

Woodinville Whiskey Co. shone at the 2025 SFWSC, with their Flagship 100% Rye earning a Double Gold and an impressive 96 points. Crafted from rye grown on the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington, this grain-to-glass whiskey is distilled in Woodinville and aged back in Quincy’s barrelhouses, embracing two distinct Washington terroirs for a unique flavor profile. At 90 proof and aged over five years, it delivers aromas of cinnamon, clove, and fruit leather, with a palate of caramel, wood spice, and honey, finishing long and memorable. Co-Founder Orlin Sorensen notes the distillery’s hands-on approach, saying, “It’s not the most efficient way to make whiskey, but it’s worth it for something extraordinary.” Available nationally for $40, this rye is a go-to for men who want a bold, spicy pour with a story of craftsmanship. Woodinville’s tease of an upcoming older 100% Rye release only adds to the excitement for whiskey fans looking to elevate their collection.

Old Dominick Cask Strength Bourbon and Bonded Tennessee Whiskey

Old Dominick Distillery, the only whiskey distillery in West Tennessee, brought its Southern grit to the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it earned Double Gold medals for both its Cask Strength Bourbon and Bonded Tennessee Whiskey. Based in Memphis, Old Dominick has built a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts, and these awards mark the distillery’s highest achievement at this prestigious competition, run by The Tasting Alliance for its rigorous blind evaluations. Lead Distiller David Valentine, a Memphis native, credits the wins to meticulous care at every step, from grain sourcing to barrel aging. “Every decision, from mashbill to aging time, is about quality,” Valentine says, emphasizing the extra effort that goes into crafting spirits that stand out. Both the Cask Strength Bourbon and Bonded Tennessee Whiskey have won over whiskey reviewers and casual drinkers alike, offering bold, rich flavors that shine whether sipped neat or shared with friends. Available at the distillery or Memphis-area retailers, these whiskeys are a testament to Old Dominick’s commitment to excellence, perfect for guys who appreciate a taste of Tennessee tradition.

Opulent Orchard

New York Distilling Co. caught attention at the ASCOT Awards with their Opulent Orchard, a 7-year-old rye whiskey finished in apple brandy casks. This unique spirit, part of their Single Distillery Series, nabbed a Double Platinum award. The judges praised its orchard fruit nose, balanced rye spice, and slight char on the finish, calling it a “very nice display of a finished rye.” With a mashbill of 72% rye, 16% corn, and 12% malted barley, Opulent Orchard delivers a nose of fresh apples, rye spice, and black licorice. On the palate, expect cinnamon applesauce, apple pie, warm oak, and wintergreen mint, with a spicy, peppery finish. Bottled at 114.9 proof with only 410 bottles produced, this non-chill filtered whiskey is a rare gem. New York Distilling Co., one of the first urban distilleries in the U.S., has a history of pushing boundaries with rye, and this release shows why they’re a favorite for whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy bold, fruit-forward flavors.

Rare Character Batch 02 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Rare Character also had a strong showing at the 2025 SFWSC, one of the world’s top spirits competitions. Their Batch 02 Kentucky Straight Bourbon took home a Double Gold with an impressive 98 points. This blend combines sugar-driven and spice-rich Kentucky bourbons with oak-heavy barrels from Indiana, creating a complex flavor profile. Expect aromas of burnt caramel, orange marmalade, vanilla wafer, and pumpkin snickerdoodle, with a syrupy mouthfeel bursting with honey, cinnamon graham cracker, leather, and roasted almonds. The long, citrusy finish ties it together with creamy vanilla and baking spices.

Rare Character Batch 01 Kentucky Straight Whiskey

Their Batch 01 Kentucky Straight Whiskey, a blend of 6- to 10-year-old whiskeys, earned a Gold medal with 91 points. This mix of Kentucky light Whiskey and bourbon offers depth with notes of tobacco, charred oak, honey nut cereal, and brown butter, finishing with honey-glazed pastry and clove.

Rare Character Single Barrel Series Bourbon

Finally, their Single Barrel Series Bourbon (Barrel GLN-124), an 8+ year high-rye bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malt), also scored a Gold at 91 points. Aged in western Kentucky’s cooler warehouse floors, it boasts a silky mouthfeel with flavors of cinnamon, charred oak, strawberry syrup, and toffee, ending with a long finish of honey, maple, and holiday baking spices. These whiskeys appeal to men who savor intricate, layered pours that spark conversation over a poker game or a backyard barbecue.

Larrikin Single Barrel High Wheat Rye

Larrikin Bourbon Co. made waves at the NYISC, a prestigious event held annually in New York City since 2010. Known for its trade-only judging panel, the NYISC evaluates spirits from over 40 countries across categories like whiskey, gin, vodka, and more. Larrikin’s Single Barrel High Wheat Rye clinched a Double Gold, earning a stellar 98 points and the title of “Best Rye.” This whiskey’s bold, spicy profile stood out, proving it’s a must-try for rye fans. Not stopping there, Larrikin’s American Maple Finished Single Barrel Bourbon also secured a Double Gold, blending sweet maple notes with classic bourbon warmth. Their Single Barrel Bourbon and Decade Rye Cognac Cask both scored 95 points for Gold medals, while their Bottled in Bond expression and Rosewater Bourbon earned Silver with 93 points. At the Monterey International Competition, Larrikin added to their haul with Platinum and Gold awards for their Decade Rye and Bottled in Bond whiskeys, plus a “Best Gin” title for Fat Wombat Gin (92 points) and a Gold for Fat Wombat Vodka (93 points). These wins solidify Larrikin’s reputation as a powerhouse in craft distilling, appealing to guys who value quality and innovation in their glass.

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