Top Small Batch Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Two glass of small batch bourbon whiskey with ice.
Nine Small Batch Bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. One entry scored a Gold Outstanding, the highest medal awarded by the IWSC, and four bourbons received Gold medals. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys.
Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100
Frank August is a modern, premium bourbon brand launched in 2022, emphasizing transparency and minimalist intervention in the production process. The whiskey is distilled and aged in Kentucky, then carefully blended in small batches and bottled at 100 proof. The mash bill is not disclosed.
The bourbon is rich and layered, featuring notes of cinnamon, clove, and toasted coconut followed by caramel, vanilla, and dark cherry, underpinned by toasted oak and a dusting of cocoa powder. It's lush and silky on the palate with a pronounced mouth weight. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of pipe tobacco, orange zest, and baking spices.
The IWSC Judging panel described the whiskey as '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.'
Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100
Produced by Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Small Batch blends bourbons aged 8 to 12 years and is known for being one of the first distillers to popularize the 'small batch' category. It's bottled at 94 proof and reflects the signature Heaven Hill style—traditional, well-rounded, and intensely flavorful.
The whiskey presents notes of vanilla cream, baking spice, and toasted oak on the nose. The palate showcases layers of caramel, roasted peanuts, dark dried fruit, a hint of cinnamon spice, and some barrel char. The finish is medium-length, with lingering notes of leather and caramelized sugar.
The IWSC Judging panel described the whiskey as exhibiting 'inviting aromas of crème brûlée, crisp apple and green banana. The juicy palate is rich with jammy orchard fruits and is complemented by shortbread biscuits, honeycomb, black pepper, creamy marzipan, and lingering sweet cinnamon.'
Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100
First West is a small batch expression by 15 Stars, a luxury whiskey brand created by a father-son duo, Rick and Ricky Johnson. It blends bourbons from multiple states and ages, some as old as 15 years. The 'First West' designation honors Kentucky's entry into the United States as the 14th state and the first state West of the Appalachian Mountains.
The whisky features aromas of honeycomb, citrus zest, and butterscotch on the nose. The palate is smooth and silky, showcasing flavors of pear, cinnamon, maple syrup, and pecan pie. Bright fruit notes and a gentle rye kick balance the blend's complexity. The finish is long and polished, with lingering notes of oak, mint, and dried apricot.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'the bouquet opens with vibrant red berries and a sprinkle of confectioner's sugar. On the palate, a delightful interplay of chestnut honey, fresh almond, and tea emerges. A well-crafted and balanced bourbon.'
Charring a white oak bourbon barrels. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100
Created by Jim Gaffigan, Fathertime Bourbon is a small, craft label that leans into storytelling with tongue-in-cheek names and limited-release bottlings. This high-proof bourbon—humorously named 'Second Child Syndrome'—is uncut and unfiltered, reflecting a traditional, richly layered flavor profile.
The whiskey is robust and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of molasses, saddle leather, and fig jam. The palate is robust and chewy, showcasing notes of brown sugar, tobacco leaf, roasted almonds, dark cherry, a hint of cinnamon, and cocoa. The finish is long and spicy with lingering notes of oak char and vanilla.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'the aroma bursts with roast pineapple and a hint of cardamom toast. On the palate, a rich fullness unfolds, harmonizing toffee and cherry with subtle oak. The finish is beautifully balanced, leaving a lingering warmth that invites another sip.'
Spirit Gold 2025, Score: 95/100
Castle & Key Distillery revived the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and began producing its grain-to-bottle bourbon in 2014. Their small batch bourbon is high-rye and aged at least four years in the unique climate of their underground rickhouses.
The whiskey is fresh and aromatic on the nose, featuring notes of candied orange, spearmint, and a cooked cereal/grain-forward sweetness. The palate reveals honeyed rye, cinnamon toast, and a hint of apple. The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of caramel, fresh oak, and a trace of mint tea.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing, 'inviting aromas of spun sugar and yellow blossoms with hints of fresh acorn and honeyed sweetness. The palate is creamy and refined, unfolding with flavors of Mirabelle plum and cola nut. Lingering notes of warming cinnamon and brown sugar grace the grippy finish.'
Also scoring 90 points or more were Fathertime Bourbon, Firstborn Edition Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml, 92/100 points; Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml, 91/100 and Fathertime Bourbon, The Middle Child Mystery Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 91/100
Small-batch whiskeys are where terroir can shine, highlighting a region's style and flavor profile. Unlike single-cask offerings, whose output is usually quite limited, small-batch bottlings are a little easier to find and tend to have more consistency between batches.
All of the small-batch bourbons are outstanding. They are all bottled at above-average proof, with several at cask strength, delivering an intense and robust flavor profile. If you love bourbon, these expressions are well worth seeking out.
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