When people think of American whiskey, the first thing that comes to mind is often bourbon, and for good reason. Kentucky, known as the heart of bourbon country, consistently produces some of the finest spirits in the world. However, the world of American whiskey has so much more to offer beyond bourbon, and 2024 has proven just that. This year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) crowned not only the best bourbon but also the best American whiskey in the world. But there’s more to the story than just bourbon, with one whiskey standing out as a unique blend that goes beyond the traditional.
Coors Spirits Co.'s Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey: Best Whiskey in the World
At the 2024 IWSC, Coors Spirits Co.'s Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey earned the title of the Best Whiskey in the World. This prestigious competition, known for testing thousands of spirits from all over the globe, brought together a panel of expert judges to determine which spirits rose above the rest. After intense retasting of this year’s gold medal winners, Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 was given the top honor.
This whiskey offers a complex and satisfying drinking experience. Described by the IWSC judges as having "big enticing aromas of malted cereal, sweet creamy milk chocolate, and crisp red berries," it certainly stands out. The flavors are rich and varied, with a silky palate that’s said to "drip with the flavors of candied spiced nuts." It's not just the flavors that captivate drinkers, but the texture as well. The whiskey has been praised for its velvety mouthfeel that delivers a “satisfyingly velvety finish.”
What makes this whiskey truly special is its blend. The Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 combines three aged straight bourbons with a Colorado single malt whiskey, all bottled straight from the barrel. This blend results in a bold, uncut whiskey that provides a powerful flavor punch while maintaining a smooth, balanced character. It is composed of the following components:
- 4-Year Wheated Bourbon (Indiana) – A blend with 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malt.
- 4-Year Four Grain Bourbon (Kentucky) – This has a more complex makeup, with 60% corn, 26% rye, 10% wheat, and 4% malt.
- 6-Year Single Malt (Colorado) – A 100% malt whiskey that adds richness to the blend.
- 12-Year Bourbon (Kentucky) – The smallest portion at 5%, this bourbon brings 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malt.
This carefully crafted blend of bourbons and single malt gives the whiskey its distinctive flavor profile. With its 58.1% alcohol content, it’s bold and uncut, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy strong, full-bodied whiskeys. It’s best enjoyed neat, on a large rock, or with a splash of water to open up the flavors further.
What Makes American Whiskey Stand Out in 2024
What makes this year’s top American whiskeys stand out isn’t just their high-quality craftsmanship but also their distinctiveness. Coors Spirits Co.’s Five Trail Barrel Proof challenges the traditional boundaries of what American whiskey can be. It blends the best of bourbon and single malt whiskey traditions, resulting in a complex yet approachable spirit.
Stock Up on 2024’s Best American Whiskey
For whiskey lovers, 2024 is a great year to explore beyond the usual offerings. While bourbon continues to dominate the American whiskey landscape, this year’s IWSC results show that there’s much more to discover. Coors Spirits Co.’s Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 is a whiskey that will intrigue and delight with its rich, multi-layered flavors and velvety mouthfeel, making it a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast.
If you're looking to elevate your whiskey collection, this award-winning spirit is the perfect place to start. Enjoy them neat, on the rocks, or with just a splash of water, and you’ll see why these Kentucky-made whiskeys have been recognized as the best in the world for 2024.
