In the heart of Covington, Kentucky, a small but mighty distillery is making waves that are being felt far beyond the Ohio River. Wenzel Whiskey, a name rooted in history and craftsmanship, has just added a dazzling collection of medals to its trophy case at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most respected events in the spirits industry. With a Double Gold for its Rectifier Rye Whiskey, a Gold for its Wheated Whiskey, and a Silver for its Sherry Finished Bourbon, Wenzel is proving that its dedication to quality is paying off in a big way. These awards aren’t just shiny hardware—they’re a testament to a distillery that’s pouring its heart into every bottle and putting Covington on the map as a hub for world-class whiskey.
A Historic Distillery with Modern Ambition
Wenzel Whiskey’s story begins in 1873, when the distillery was first established. Today, it operates out of the historic Wenzel building, a landmark nestled at the corner of Tobacco Alley and Electric Alley in Covington. This location isn’t just a cool backdrop—it’s a symbol of the distillery’s deep ties to the region’s heritage. The team at Wenzel isn’t just coasting on history, though. They’re blending old-school techniques with a bold vision for the future, and the results are showing up in their award-winning spirits.
The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a big deal in the whiskey world. It’s where the best of the best go head-to-head, judged by experts who know their stuff. For Wenzel to walk away with multiple medals in this fiercely competitive setting speaks volumes about the quality of their work. The Double Gold for their Rectifier Rye Whiskey is especially noteworthy—it’s the kind of honor that turns heads and gets people talking. Add to that a Gold for their Wheated Whiskey and a Silver for their Sherry Finished Bourbon, and it’s clear Wenzel is firing on all cylinders.
Breaking Down the Winning Spirits
Let’s talk about the stars of the show: Wenzel’s award-winning whiskeys. First up is the Rectifier Rye Whiskey, which snagged the coveted Double Gold medal. A Double Gold isn’t just a pat on the back—it means every judge on the panel gave it top marks, a rare feat that puts this rye in an elite class. This whiskey is likely a bold, spicy sipper with the kind of depth and character that rye lovers crave. While we don’t have the exact tasting notes, the Double Gold status suggests it’s a standout, balancing intensity with smoothness in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
Next, the Wheated Whiskey took home a Gold medal, another huge achievement. Wheated whiskeys are known for their softer, sweeter profiles, often appealing to bourbon fans who like a smoother ride. Wenzel’s version clearly hit the mark, earning high praise from the judges. This win highlights the distillery’s versatility— they’re not just excelling in one style but crafting exceptional spirits across the board.
Rounding out the haul is the Sherry Finished Bourbon, which earned a Silver medal. This bourbon, finished in sherry casks, likely offers a unique twist with notes of dried fruit, oak, and maybe a touch of sweetness from the sherry influence. While it didn’t reach the gold level, a Silver at this competition is still a big deal, showing that Wenzel’s experimental side is paying off. Plus, this same Sherry Finished Bourbon already made headlines earlier in 2025, winning “Best Kentucky Finished Bourbon” and “World’s Best Finished Bourbon” at the World Whiskies Awards. That’s some serious street cred for a distillery that’s still building its name.
What These Wins Mean for Wenzel and Covington
For Wenzel Whiskey, these medals are more than just bragging rights. As distillery partner Austin Dunbar put it, “To us, it isn’t just a medal—it’s a message. Wenzel is here and we’re serious about the craft.” That message is loud and clear: Wenzel is a force to be reckoned with, and they’re not slowing down. Dunbar also emphasized that the awards are a win for the entire Covington community, a nod to the local support that’s helped the distillery thrive. “These awards aren’t just a win for our team—they’re a win for Covington, for our region, and for everyone who’s believed in what we’re building at Wenzel,” he said.
Covington, a city known for its historic charm and growing food and drink scene, is getting a major boost from Wenzel’s success. The distillery’s wins shine a spotlight on Northern Kentucky as a destination for craft spirits, drawing attention from whiskey fans and tourists alike. It’s not hard to imagine visitors flocking to the Wenzel building, eager to taste the award-winning whiskeys and soak up the atmosphere of Tobacco Alley and Electric Alley. This kind of recognition can spark economic growth, from more foot traffic at local bars and restaurants to increased interest in Covington’s other craft producers.
A Growing List of Accolades
The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition isn’t Wenzel’s only claim to fame this year. Their Sherry Finished Bourbon already cleaned up at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, taking home two major titles. These back-to-back wins show that Wenzel isn’t a one-hit wonder—they’re consistently delivering top-tier spirits that hold their own against the biggest names in the industry. For a distillery based in a smaller city like Covington, this level of success is a game-changer, proving that you don’t need to be in Louisville or Bardstown to make world-class whiskey.
Wenzel’s social media posts after the San Francisco wins hinted at even bigger things to come, with a teasing “there’s more to come” that’s got whiskey fans buzzing. Whether it’s new releases, more awards, or expanded distribution, Wenzel is clearly building momentum. Their website, wenzelwhiskey.com, is the place to keep up with the latest news and get a closer look at their lineup.
Why Wenzel’s Success Matters to Whiskey Lovers
For anyone who loves whiskey, Wenzel’s rise is exciting news. Their focus on quality over flash, combined with their knack for innovation (hello, Sherry Finished Bourbon), makes them a distillery to watch. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition medals are a signal to bourbon and rye fans everywhere that Wenzel’s bottles are worth seeking out. Whether you’re a collector hunting for the next big thing or just someone who enjoys a good pour, Wenzel’s award-winning lineup deserves a spot on your radar.
What’s especially cool about Wenzel is their connection to place. Covington isn’t just where they make their whiskey—it’s part of their identity. The historic Wenzel building, the gritty charm of Tobacco Alley, the pride of representing Northern Kentucky—it all comes through in their story. When you sip a Wenzel whiskey, you’re not just tasting great spirits; you’re getting a piece of Covington’s heart and soul.
Looking Ahead for Wenzel Whiskey
As Wenzel Whiskey basks in the glow of its 2025 victories, the future looks bright. The distillery’s ability to compete with the best in the world while staying true to its roots is a balancing act they’re pulling off with style. With a Double Gold, a Gold, and a Silver from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus two major titles from the World Whiskies Awards, Wenzel is building a reputation as a heavyweight in the craft whiskey scene.
For Covington, Wenzel’s success is a point of pride and a reason to celebrate. The distillery is helping put the city on the map as a must-visit for whiskey lovers, and that’s only going to grow as Wenzel keeps racking up awards. If their social media tease is any indication, there’s plenty more in store, from new expressions to bigger plans for sharing their whiskey with the world.
If you want to dive deeper into Wenzel Whiskey’s story or check out their award-winning spirits, head over to wenzelwhiskey.com. For now, raise a glass to a Covington distillery that’s proving small-town grit and big-time talent can create something truly special.
