This year's International Wine and Spirits Competition featured many gold medalists from around the world, but to no one's surprise, the best whiskey and best bourbon in the world both come from a single US state: Kentucky.
On October 4, the IWSC announced the trophy-winning spirits in the 2024 competition after judges tasted again this year's gold medal winners. Amidst stiff competition, Kentucky-based Coors Spirits Co.'s Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey has been named the best whiskey in the world. The best bourbon in the world also comes from the Bluegrass State, as Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.'s High Rye Bourbon Kentucky Straight Whiskey has been voted the best bourbon on the planet.
Both liqueurs offer unique flavors that won the hearts of professionals who tasted thousands of liqueurs in this year's competition.
Coors Spirits' whiskey is described as containing “big, seductive aromas of malted cereal, sweet creamy milk chocolate, and crisp red berries,” according to the IWSC. “The deliciously silky palate is dripping with candied spicy hazelnut aromas,” they said, resulting in “a gorgeous mouthfeel with a satisfying velvety finish.”
Kentucky Peerless' bourbon, meanwhile, has a smokier feel than the sweetness of Coors' whiskey.
“The nose is greeted with classic, inviting aromas of taxidermy and smoky campfire embers,” IWSC said. “On the palate, a harmonious blend of rich baking spices and sweet red fruits emerges, while a slightly dry finish reveals hints of buttery marmalade on toast.”
If you want to sip the best of the best, check out this year's cup winners and start stocking your home bar.