Each year, the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) brings together judges from across the industry to assess thousands of spirits from around the world. Every bourbon in this list achieved a score of 98 or above, earning a “Spirit Gold Outstanding” medal, reserved for spirits that show exceptional quality, character, and balance.
In 2025, five bourbons hit that benchmark. Spanning Tennessee, Kentucky, and New York, these expressions represent a mix of new producers, modern blenders, and long-established names. Here’s a breakdown of the best-performing bourbons at this year’s IWSC, and what makes each one stand out.
King’s Family Distillery Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “Enticing aromas of glazed popcorn and sweet oak welcomes the senses, unfolding into a rich palate of ripe plum with delicate yellow flower notes. A well-crafted, harmonious, and sophisticated bourbon with a long, lingering finish.”
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This high-proof blended bourbon from King’s Family Distillery combines a 99% corn, 1% malted barley bourbon with a small portion of light whiskey. Both components are aged at least six years before blending and are bottled at cask strength, typically 117–121 proof. The result is a rich, corn-forward profile with added depth from the light whiskey.
Founded in 2018 by Justin and Cara King, the distillery blends and bottles in-house at its facility near the Great Smoky Mountains. The team sources mature stock but maintains full control over blending and flavor development. Tennessee Standard is one of its flagship expressions and this award signals its growing reputation in the premium bourbon space.
Frank August Small Batch
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “The alluring aroma presents a delightful mix of apple tart, custard, and intriguing dried apricots. On the palate, a refined medley of buckwheat honey, dried apricots, vanilla, and warm spice unfolds, while the finish offers a satisfying hint of leather.”
BUY NOW: $65
Frank August Small Batch is a Kentucky straight bourbon blended from just 10 to 15 barrels per batch and bottled at 100 proof. The mash bill is undisclosed, but the profile suggests a high-rye content, with notes of spice layered over sweet oak and vanilla. The bourbon is at least four years old, with no cask finishing or additives.
The brand describes the palate as “a perfect balance of heat and smoothness,” with notes of “brown and malt sugars” followed by a finish of vanilla and baking spices.
Launched in 2022, Frank August is a modern bourbon brand focused on blending heritage with design-led presentation. While the whiskey is sourced from undisclosed Kentucky distilleries, the company retains full control over barrel selection and blending. With clean branding and tightly edited releases, Frank August has positioned itself as a contemporary, design-conscious player in the bourbon world.
At around $65, the bourbon is also reasonably priced for a small batch, artisanal product.
Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “A delightful bouquet of waxy honeycomb and soft leather, complemented by herbal notes. On the palate, vibrant wood, vegetal undertones, sourdough, caramel, and whispers of chocolate and dried fruit. Peppery finish which is long and satisfying. Outstanding.”
BUY NOW: $35
Distilled at Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner, New York, this straight bourbon is made from a mash bill of 95% corn and 5% malted barley, using grain sourced from local farms. It’s aged for a minimum of three years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 92 proof. The high corn content delivers a bold, grain-forward profile with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and sweet caramel.
Hudson Whiskey was the first legal distillery in New York State since Prohibition and helped pioneer the state’s modern craft whiskey movement. Now owned by William Grant & Sons, the brand has retained its grain-to-glass ethos, with all production handled at the original Tuthilltown site. Bright Lights, Big Bourbon is its core straight bourbon expression and a bold showcase of New York distilling.
Praedictum Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “A deep, rich aroma of fudge and roasted hazelnuts greets you, intertwined with hints of beeswax and brown butter. The robust palate bursts with juicy peach and raspberry, softly mellowing into a peppery, oak-driven finish that lingers beautifully.”
BUY NOW: $499.99
Praedictum is a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon aged for 15 years and bottled at 112 proof. The mash bill isn’t officially disclosed, though it’s believed to follow a traditional high-corn, rye-based recipe. After long maturation in new charred oak, the whiskey was blended by Master Distiller Joseph O’Sullivan and bottled uncut and unfiltered.
Praedictum is produced under the Foley Family umbrella, better known for its wine portfolio.
At $499.99, it is by far the most expensive bourbon on this list. However, it is positioned as an ultra-premium expression, reflecting a wine-influenced approach to whiskey blending and a focus on long-aged, small-batch releases.
W.L. Weller 12 Year Old
Tasting Notes from IWSC Judges: “Delightful, spiced wood aromas, complemented by nuances of brown sugar, candied peel, and a whisper of menthol. Sumptuously soft on the palate, it marries maraschino cherry, marzipan, and caramel with an elegant depth. A long-lasting finish of cherry and eucalyptus captivates.”
BUY NOW: $140
W.L. Weller 12 probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. Often referred to as the “poor man’s Pappy,” it shares the same wheated mash bill and distillery as the Van Winkle line, and remains one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market. Aged for 12 years and bottled at 90 proof, it’s known for its smooth, mellow character and layered oak-driven profile.
Made at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, Weller 12 is part of a long-running series named after William Larue Weller, a 19th-century pioneer of wheated bourbon. While demand often outpaces supply, its continued performance at global competitions reinforces its place as a benchmark for the style.
Which Award-Winning Bourbon Will You Try Next?
These five bourbons represent some of the best American whiskey on the market today, at least according to the IWSC’s 2025 panel. Each earned a rare Spirit Gold Outstanding medal with a score of 98, marking them out not just for quality but for distinctiveness in a crowded field.
Whether you’re looking to revisit a classic or discover something new, this year’s results offer a useful guide to what’s worth exploring in the world of bourbon right now.
