Latest news with #spirits
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
America's Top Bourbon, According To International Wine & Spirit Comp
Toasting with a glass of bourbon. Over 50 bourbons earned top honors at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition judging of American whiskey recently held in Kentucky. Below is a summary of the top-ranked bourbons, along with links to more detailed background information and tasting notes for each winner. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Barrel Strength Whiskey, 59.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Jefferson's Reserve Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Whiskey, 65% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Hazelwood Spirits Company, Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 5 Years Old, 67.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 65.3% Abv, 750 ml Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Whiskey Barrel Proof C924 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 11 Years Old, 64.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Old Dominick Distillery, Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Pinhook, 5 Year Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Cask Strength Bourbons From the International Wine & Spirit Competition H.K. Young Bourbon Co., Toasted Barrel Finished Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 45.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 RD1 Spirits, Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Angel's Envy, Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 43.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 Bardstown Bourbon Company, Collaboration Series Ferrand Whiskey. 12 Years Old, 56% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 15 Stars, Three Ports Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 Angel's Envy, 2024 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Best Cask Finished Bourbon From The International Wine and Spirit Competition. Praedictum, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 56% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Frank August, Cask Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 60.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve, Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 55% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 Blanton Distilling Company/Buffalo Trace, Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Blanton Distilling Company, The Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 92/100 Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 72.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100 Blanton Distilling Company, Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 62% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/100 The Old Steelhouse's Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 92/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Single Cask Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. Single barrel bourbons in a Glencairn whiskey glass Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score 94/100 Angel's Envy, Cask Strength Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Heaven Hill, Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top-Rated Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 15 Stars First West Small Batch Whiskey, 51% ABV, 5 Years Old, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome: Empty Nester Strength Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Castle & Key Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 51% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold 2025, Score: 95/100 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 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Small Batch Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. King's Family Distillery, Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 15 Stars, First West Extra Aged Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey, 54.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 Blue Run Spirits, Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, 55.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Peg Leg Porker (Teal Hollow Distilling) Black Label Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill, Evan Williams 1783 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 The Difference Bourbon, The Foundation Whiskey, 54.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Pinhook Vertical Series 9 YO Bourbon Whiskey, 57.2% abv, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Wild Turkey, 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Bulleit Frontier Whiskey's 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.6% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100. Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 91/100 Wild Turkey, 101 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/10 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 7-Years-Old, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/100 Smooth Ambler's Old Scout 7-Year-Old, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score, 90/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Gold Medal Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition Charring a white oak bourbon barrels. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Rock Town Distillery Bourbon Y'all Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Reserve 5 Barrel Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Heaven Hill Distillery Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 53.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Wilderness Trail Distillery Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 The 2025 IWSC American whiskey judging highlighted some of the top bourbons in America. All of these bourbons are outstanding, offering a diverse range of aroma and flavor profiles. Stylistically, the wheated bourbons were the standouts, but regardless of your bourbon preferences, you are bound to find a whiskey that suits your palate among these top-rated medal winners—time to start tasting.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Everything you need to stock the perfect home bar: tools, glasses, and spirits
As someone who has spent the majority of the last five years testing spirits, wines, and bar essentials, it's safe to say I know a thing or two about building a home bar. Whether that's finding you the best muddler to use (or telling you what a muddler is used for) and rounding up the most versatile spirits for your cocktails, I have even the most inexperienced mixologist covered. From cocktail tools to smooth-sipping spirits, here's everything your home bar or bar cart needs to entertain. Bar tools OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker $22.49 This functional cocktail shaker has a cap that also doubles as a jigger — allowing you to measure your pours with ease. It's completely leakproof, for even the most rigorous cocktail shakers, and weighs well under a pound for portability. The parts are easy to separate, too, and won't require you to wrestle them apart after use. Shop Beneno Wine Opener $13.99 (18% off) In a world of electric wine openers, you must be wondering why I'm recommending this option. Well, first off, I've had it for years and it's opened countless bottles of red wine for me — with ease. And also, there's something just satisfying about screwing the corkscrew off yourself — I love hearing the pop when I've finally managed to wrestle it out. This option has a great grip, and I've rarely chipped a cork on the way out. It's also a much more affordable pick compared to electric options. Shop Winco Wooden Muddler $5.69 I'm all about a wooden muddler as they're easy to clean and, in my opinion, are the most durable. I specifically use this option to gently mash fruits (especially berries) for summer cocktails. I like the larger surface area and am fond of how efficiently this can crush any berries without completely mushing them. It's all in the amount of pressure though, so make sure not to be overly aggressive when you're muddling. Shop Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs, Spoon, and Strainer $27.99 No bar cart or bar setup is complete without an ice bucket and ice tongs. An ice bucket can keep your prosecco or white wines chilled, even outside, and the tongs make it easy to scoop just the right amount of cubes into your glass. You'll also get a scooper and an ice strainer in this set, allowing you to store ice for longer — and say goodbye to that pesky melted water with ease. Shop A Bar Above Premium Bell Jigger $19.15 (13% off) Ever seen bartenders measure out their liquors before they pour it in the shaker? Yep, that's what a jigger is used for. This one offers ten internal measurements, and has a stainless steel finish that makes it durable and long-lasting — it resists rust and corrosion. It's extremely precise, and makes a great bar addition for professional and beginner mixologists alike. Shop KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set $36.99 (26% off) If you don't want the hassle of buying individual tools, this cocktail shaker set has everything you need. You'll get a Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers, corkscrew, and ice tongs within this set. Plus, a stand to hold them all. I also love that the set comes with an included recipe booklet, perfect for novice mixologists to test their skills. Shop Glasses JoyJolt Spirits Stemless Wine Glasses $17.95 (18% off) A lot of wine aficionados might say you need separate glasses for red and white wines, but if you just don't have the space, stemless wine glasses can work in a pinch. I've owned this set for a while now, and they haven't chipped, even after multiple dishwasher trips. You'll get four glasses in this (I bought two sets) and you can even shop them in fun patterns — Hello Kitty wine glasses, anyone? Shop Martini Glasses Set of 2 $19.98 From espresso martinis to dirty gin martinis, the right glass can truly elevate your drinking experience. This set of two delicate crystal glasses will make you feel like you're running a speakeasy in your living room. It's sturdy, has a comfortable grip, and looks good on a bar cart. It's also dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning. Shop Glaskey Whiskey Glasses Set of 4 $18.99 Yes, you could get the expensive Baccarat tumblers if you've got the cash, but these Amazon dupes will do just fine — and they're literally a fraction of the cost. You'll get four crystal glasses in this set. Each is scratch resistant, and dishwasher safe, and has a simple, elegant look. If for whatever reason your glasses arrive even slightly damaged, the brand will quickly issue you a replacement too. Shop JBHO Champagne Glasses $29.96 Toast to your celebrations with these durable crystal glasses. They're hand-blown, surprisingly durable, and are also dishwasher safe. It's best for champagne and sparkling wines, and holds seven ounces of liquid. Fill it to the brim or use it for a toast, either way these champagne flutes don't disappoint. Shop Vintage Art Deco Nick and Nora Coupe Glasse $49.99 Nick & Nora glasses are not a necessity for your bar cart, but they can be used for a variety of cocktails — including martinis, gimlets, and even champagne. I love the vintage design on these, and friends constantly ask me where I purchased them. I specifically use them to serve Manhattans, but the sky is the limit with what you serve in them. I'd rather you buy this set than spring for martini glasses and champagne flutes, especially if you're short on space. Shop Godinger Highball Drinking Glasses $22.79 Highballs are best used to serve mixed drinks — due to their larger capacity. This clear set is dishwasher safe, durable, and has a thick base, which the brand says adds stability and keeps these glasses from shattering. They can hold up to 14 ounces, and can even double as regular water glasses on days you're not entertaining. Shop Glenfiddich 18 year old Whiskey $158 Slightly pricier than both the more economical 12-year-old, this caramel-toned whiskey is easily a bar cart favorite. Expect notes of ripe fruit, baked apple, and oak. The flavor is deep, full, and warm — for me, it tastes like the first day of fall. Drink it neat or use it to create an old fashioned. Shop Gray Whale Gin $51.99 I love Gray Whale for its botanical flavor, featuring juniper, mint, and lime, amongst others. It pairs really well for a summer-themed martini, and tastes great with a splash of tonic water. I also love that the brand gives back to ocean conservation efforts, and protects the majestic Gray Whale with every purchase. Shop Dobel Atelier: Animales Endémicos $253 Every bottle in this limited edition collection is hand-painted by Oaxacan artisans, featuring bright, vivid, and intricate designs. This option is priced over $200 but it's well worth the price for its unique design, collector's quality, and of course, smooth, full flavor. Expect hints of chocolate, agave, and dried fruits on your tongue, and a subtle finish with a hint of smoky wood. Shop Ron Del Barrilito 3 stars $40.94 There's something about a rum old fashioned that just screams summer to me. Make your own with my favorite rum of choice, Ron del Barrilito. Made in Puerto Rico, this smooth medium-bodied rum features notes of vanilla, almonds, dry fruits, and just a hint of ripe bananas. It's just sweet enough to make it easy to drink, and leaves a lingering smoky finish on your palate long after the drink is done. Shop Del Maguey Vida Mezcal $41.96 For non-mezcal drinkers, Del Maguey is a great intro to the brand. This smoky liquor coats your palate and honestly reminds me of a deep honey and cinnamon blended together — with a hint of that smoky flavor all mezcal comes with. Drink it neat or make a margarita out of it — yes, you can use mezcal to make margaritas too. Shop Dubliner Irish Whiskey $30.84 This no-frills Irish whiskey is just what you'll crave after a long day's work. It's a smooth sip, packed with flavors of honey and smoky peppers. The finish is silky smooth and leaves a taste of sweet fruit wrapped with honey on your palate. As far as well-priced whiskeys go, Dubliner's bourbon cask aged whiskey is up there. Shop Ketel One Vodka $29.97 I'm not much of a vodka drinker, but if I had to pick, it would always be Ketel One. It pairs seamlessly well in a martini, and is silky smooth — making this one of the only vodkas I can truly stomach. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor, and tastes best chilled. Shop Mionetto 'Prestige' Organic Prosecco $13.54 No one does prosecco like Mionetto, and their organic prosecco is my favorite from their Prestige Collection. It has a rich flavor with notes of ripe golden apples, honey, pear, and peach. It's fresh, and the drink of the summer. Layer it in a spritz or sip it by itself. You and your guests won't be disappointed. Shop
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pernod Ricard plans reorganization into two main brand divisions
-- Pernod Ricard (EPA:PERP) is planning to reorganize its business by grouping its brands into two main divisions, according to an internal presentation quoted by Reuters on Wednesday. The French spirits maker reportedly confirmed it had announced an "internal project to create a more agile and simplified organisation" when contacted about the matter. The company's streamlining effort appears aimed at creating a more efficient operational structure as it navigates the current challenging market environment Related articles Pernod Ricard plans reorganization into two main brand divisions Microsoft plans to cut thousands of jobs in sales division - Bloomberg BofA starts Sandisk at Buy on margin upside, NAND recovery prospects Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pernod Ricard launches restructuring plan as spirits sales slide
By Tassilo Hummel and Emma Rumney PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) -Pernod Ricard is streamlining its business by grouping brands into two main divisions, according to internal presentation slides seen by Reuters on Wednesday, as European spirits makers grapple with a downturn in sales. Drinkers in key markets such as China and the United States have reduced spending in the face of inflation or other economic worries while international trade tariffs have also hurt sales. The world's No. 2 Western spirits maker from France told Reuters it had announced an "internal project to create a more agile and simplified organisation". It had already announced job cuts in China, where steep anti-dumping duties on Pernod's Martell cognac label have hit sales hard, as well as a plan to cut 1 billion euros ($1.15 billion) in costs by its 2029 financial year. In a staff memo reviewed by Reuters, Chief Executive Alexandre Ricard said the project, dubbed "Tomorrow 2", was intended to "further advance the simplification of our organisation". Ricard told staff in a video that the restructuring, which includes bundling administrative tasks rather than having brands operate individually, would lead to "departures", two sources said. There were no further details about the impact on jobs. In the presentation slides seen by Reuters, the company said it would organise its brands into two main units, named Gold and Crystal. The Gold division would include champagne and brands such as Martell cognac and Irish whiskey Jameson while Crystal will include Havana Club, Absolut vodka and some French aperitif brands. The company plans to implement the changes, including voluntary departures, in the last three months of 2025, the slides showed. "These changes imply the launch of local consultation processes with our social partners and employees where necessary," Pernod Ricard said without commenting on the number of jobs affected or the plan to group brands into two units. Last month rival LVMH's wines and spirits division announced plans to shrink its workforce by nearly 13%. Pernod, Diageo and Remy Cointreau have also had to adjust their growth expectations as the boom in sales enjoyed after the COVID-19 pandemic has gone into reverse. All three companies have scrapped or reduced ambitious sales targets for the coming years. Remy and other rivals, such as Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman, have also cut jobs. Diageo, the world's largest spirits maker, also plans to cut $500 million in costs and make substantial asset disposals by 2028. Pernod reported a 3% decline in third-quarter sales in April. Its shares have lost about 50% since the start of 2023 as sliding sales and tariffs have weighed on investor sentiment. ($1 = 0.8690 euros) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Pernod Ricard launches restructuring plan as spirits sales slide
PARIS/LONDON, June 18 (Reuters) - Pernod Ricard ( opens new tab is streamlining its business by grouping brands into two main divisions, according to internal presentation slides seen by Reuters on Wednesday, as European spirits makers grapple with a downturn in sales. The French spirits maker told Reuters it had announced an "internal project to create a more agile and simplified organisation". "These changes imply the launch of local consultation processes with our social partners and employees where necessary," Pernod Ricard said. It did not comment on the number of jobs affected or the plan to group brands into two units.
