Top Single Cask Bourbon Crowned By International Wine & Spirits Comp.
A glass of bourbon on a single cask.
Eight single-cask bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. One entry scored a Gold Outstanding, the highest medal given by the IWSC, and one bourbon scored a Gold medal. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys.
Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100
Praedictum, a rising star in the ultra-premium bourbon category, focuses on limited release bottlings sourced from aged Kentucky stocks. The bourbon is expertly blended to emphasize richness, balance, and complexity. The brand is named after the Latin word for 'prophecy,' reflecting the company's commitment to crafting innovative whiskeys that are rooted in tradition.
The nose is rich and aromatic, featuring notes of cherry syrup, pipe tobacco, old leather, vanilla, and wood spices. The bourbon is smooth and silky on the palate, showcasing layered flavors of burnt sugar, roasted pecan, cinnamon, plum jam, wood spices, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, sweet, complex, and flavorful, with lingering notes of cacao, licorice, and char.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring '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.'
Award: Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100
Frank August's Cask Strength Single Barrel program represents the brand's most sophisticated and complex bottlings. Each barrel is individually selected and bottled uncut to showcase its unique character.
The whiskey is bold and aromatic on the nose, featuring brown sugar, fresh-cut oak, cinnamon, and espresso. On the palate, it showcases flavors of black cherry, charred orange peel, cocoa, and candied ginger. The alcohol heat is unmistakable yet generally well-integrated. The finish is long and sweet with lingering notes of old leather, nutmeg, and burnt caramel.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'bursting with youthful wood and pecan notes, the palate enjoys a masterful interplay of sweet plum, blackberry, and butterscotch, enlivened by a generous dusting of black pepper. An aromatic and flavorsome bourbon made with excellent craftsmanship.'
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100
A hallmark expression from Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, this Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve expression features non-chill-filtered, hand-selected single barrels bottled at 110 proof. Each barrel is aged in the top floors of their rickhouses for extra depth.
The whiskey features a classic Wild Turkey profile but with greater intensity. It features caramel, ripe apple, clove, and roasted peanut on the nose. The palate is bold and spicy, showcasing notes of toffee, vanilla, dried fig, cinnamon, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and layered, with lingering notes of black pepper, char, and toasted coconut.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the Russell's Reserve as exhibiting 'wood and resin aromas mingle with ash, blueberry, and vanilla custard. The palate is moreish and decadent, revealing cinnamon, pie crust, and chocolate notes.'
Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100
Introduced in 1984, Blanton's, named after Albert B. Blanton, was the first widely released single-barrel bourbon. It's matured in Warehouse H and bottled at 93 proof. Its consistently rich profile and collectible stoppers have given it a cult following.
The whiskey is rich and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of honey, citrus peel, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and leather. The palate is silky and sweet, showcasing flavors of cinnamon, dark chocolate, orange zest, and baking spices. The finish is medium length, with lingering notes of toasted oak, soft tobacco, and a trace of mint.
The IWSC Tasting Panel described the whiskey as 'rich coffee and mango lead the nose, unfolding into black tea and muskmelon. The creamy palate is well-rounded, offering a lifted sultana note, ending with an elegant finish.'
Also scoring above 90 points were Blanton Distilling Company, The Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml., 92/100; Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 72.5% ABV, 750 ml., 91/100; Blanton Distilling Company, Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 62% ABV, 750 ml, 90/100; and The Old Steelhouse's Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml, 92/100.
Single barrels are in many ways the epitome of bourbon's complexity and sophistication. Each barrel is unique, presenting an intriguing and sometimes irreproducible aroma and flavor profile. This is truly the best that bourbon can be. All these single-barrel bourbons are outstanding and well worth investigating. Some of them are quite reasonably priced. They are all worth a taste, and any one of them would make an excellent addition to your bar.
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