DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Irons One Bourbon Whiskey Char #4
(Irons Distillery, AL) 90° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, fudge, chocolate, maple ice cream, clotted cream, butter cream, butter, brown sugar, demerara, muscovado, molasses, honey, pecan pie, cereal, toast, dried fruit, lemon, verbena leaves, nutmeg, pepper, earthiness, musty, smoke, oak, sherry, vermouth, rum-like, warm like a hug.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, demerara syrup, powdered sugar, honey bundt cake, vanilla, mascarpone, black cherry, lemon, tropical fruit, pineapple, burnt orange, dried fruit, bitter chocolate, hazelnut creamer, caraway, oats, cereal, cinnamon syrup, cinnamon, spicy, earthy, peaty, smoky, woody, pine, pleasant.
Finish: Toffee, vanilla, butter, cream, cappuccino, candied walnut, walnut, demerara, pineapple, citrus, dried fruit, orange blossoms, Big Red gum, cinnamon, spices, wood, complex
Double Gold Medal

St. Augustine Distillery – The Saint Bourbon Whiskey
(St. Augustine Distillery, FL)  Aged 3 yrs - 114.4° prf
Nose: Toffee, butterscotch, creamy, caramel, burnt molasses, cocoa, nougat, vanilla, raisins, citrus, eucalyptus, minty, menthol, grassy, tarragon, cinnamon, toasted almond, toasted oats, toasty, tobacco, sherry, vermouth, oak, hoppy piney beauty.
Palate: Dried tropical fruit, honey, ginger, citrus, almond, corn chips, chamomile, mint julep, spearmint, star anise, anise, orange spice, cinnamon candy, cinnamon, clove, spicy, tobacco, wet stone, peat, moss, smoky, wood, vermouth, creamy, smooth.
Finish: Creamy, caramel, pie, apple, pineapple, tropical fruit, ginger, eucalyptus, mint, spearmint, wintergreen, mint julep, cinnamon, spices, black pepper, nutty, oak, waterfall.
Double Gold Medal

Batchers’ Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Cask Strength
(Litchfield Distillery, CT) Aged min. 2 yrs. 124.9° prf
Nose: Lemon, orange, clementine, passionfruit, pineapple, tropical fruit, peach, pear, strawberry, sweet berries, dried fruit, fruit gum, limoncello, sprite, mint, spearmint, licorice.
Palate: Citrus, orange peel, melon, raspberry, sweet cherries, dried peaches, custard, honey, dark chocolate, herbs, mint, grassy, fennel, sandalwood, clove.
Finish: Orange, orange peel, sweet cane, candied citrus, Juicy Fruit gum, chocolate covered orange peel, vanilla, spicy, pepper, delish.
Double Gold Medal

Crooked Furrow Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
(Proof Artisan Distillers, ND)  Aged 3 yrs. 85° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, cream, molasses, maple syrup, soft maple, vanilla, pineapple, banana, mango, orange, floral, mint, raw almonds, nutty, pepper, pink peppercorn, tobacco leaves, campfire, smoke, tea tree, dark wood, oak, sherry, down comforter.
Palate: Caramel, charred bittersweet chocolate, cream, sugarcane, molasses, vanilla, honey, green apple, toasted coconut, toasted hazelnut, nutmeg, cinnamon, biscuit, leather, salty, peaty, woodsy, smoky oak, complex.
Finish: Vanilla, marzipan, honey, warm corn, mint, wintergreen, red pepper, black pepper, peppery, cumin seed, cinnamon, light spice, stone, tobacco, leather, peat, smoky, wood, smooth, great structure.
Double Gold Medal

Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey
(Yellow Rose Distilling, TX)  Aged min. 1 yr. 92° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, fudge, chocolate cream, brown sugar, cream caramel, vanilla, molasses, maple syrup, honey, gingerbread, tangerine, dates, raisins, rye, cereal, pecans, cashew, walnut, nutty, burnt hazelnut coffee, toasty, oaky, barrel-aged sherry.
Palate: Toffee, butterscotch, caramel, dark chocolate, molasses, vanilla cream, buckwheat honey, cinnamon toast crunch, gingerbread, apricot, strawberry, orange, citrus, orange peel, prunes, raisins, sultanas, chamomile, tea, celery seeds, caraway seeds, coffee, hazelnut, walnut, smoky, rich, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, chocolate, vanilla, honey, ginger, hazelnut, cinnamon, allspice, spices, pepper, tobacco, toasty, woody, well-balanced, complex, clean, soft.
Double Gold Medal

FEW Bourbon Whiskey
(Few Spirits, IL) 93° prf
Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, cocoa, marzipan, maple sugar, vanilla, honey, candied fruit, pear, green apple, honeysuckle, floral, mint, hazelnut, almond, nutty, wheat, toast, leather, pine, oak.
Palate: Toffee, cocoa, hot chocolate, creamy, marzipan, cotton candy, brown cane sugar, molasses, aged maple syrup, simple syrup, honey, cherry, stone fruit, citrus, verbena, clover, mint, sage, spicy pepper, peppery, light rye, biscuit with butter, char, mild cedar, balanced, gentle, silky smooth.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, sweet cream, vanilla, honey, candied fruit, madeira, juniper berries, lavender, wintergreen, sage, light spice, pepper, rye, cherry wood, balanced sweet and salty, smooth, soft, velvety, pleasant, nicely done.
Double Gold Medal

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Cooper’s Legacy Bourbon Whiskey
(Cooperstown Distillery, NY)  Blend of 2 & 3 y.o. bourbons. 100° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, cooked butterscotch, sticky toffee pudding, whipped cream, marzipan, maple syrup, vanilla, honey, pineapple, corn, eucalyptus, herbal, nutty, limestone, toasted, pine.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, butterscotch, white chocolate, clotted cream, brown butter, demerara, white sugar, honey candy, fresh plums, orange, grapefruit, citrus, green pepper, toast, nutty, clove, earthy, woody, oak.
Finish: Toffee, dark chocolate, cocoa, creamy, vanilla, apricot, charred citrus, citrus, ginger, eucalyptus, apple pie spice, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, spicy, strong tea, toasty, pine, well-balanced.
Gold Medal

Low Gap California Whiskey Bourbon
(Craft Distillers, CA)  Aged 2 yrs. 86.4° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, creamy caramel, clotted cream, sweet cream, dark chocolate, fudge, mocha latte, maple, vanilla, honey, green apple slices, Bartlett pear, dried fruit, orange blossom water, floral, biscuit.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, demerara, toasted sugar, chocolate, crème brulee, candy apples dipped in toffee, mocha, honey, orange, eucalyptus, sage, green leaves, coconut, almond, walnut, hazelnut, mild oak, very spicy, silky.
Finish: Caramel, spicy chocolate, demerara, honey, herbal, cinnamon, spicy, tobacco, oak, sherry, clean, soft, smooth, rich, pleasant.
Gold Medal

Cinder Dick Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Durango Craft Spirits, CO)  Aged 2 yrs, 94° prf
Nose: Caramel, caramel pudding, caramel turtles, dark chocolate, toasted chocolate, molasses, clotted cream, pineapple, roasted pineapple, raisins, dried fruit, cracked corn, fritos, corn chips, buttered popcorn, toast, peanut butter, hazelnut, walnut, white flowers, green leaves, musty mushroom, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, caramel fudge, fudge, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa, toffee, nougat, vanilla, honey, apricot, blueberry, citrus, orange, ginger, caramel corn, corn chips, almond, walnut, hazelnut, pepper, licorice, leather, balanced.
Finish: Toffee, fudge, chocolate, marzipan, cherry, walnuts, spicy, pepper, cigar, fire pit, charred barrels, slight pine, soft, delicate, gentle.
Gold Medal

Jimmy’s Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Kiepersol Distillery, TX) 90° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, treacle, dark brown sugar, toasted sugar, crème brulee, orange creamsicle, orange, tropical fruit, fire-roasted corn, toasted almond, nutty, blossoms, white flowers, menthol, green wood, amaro.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, gingerbread, maple, treacle, vanilla, buttery, creamy, clotted cream, mascarpone, marmalade, orange, lemon curd, strawberry, raisins, herbs, tea leaves, wheat, elderflower, peppermint, anise, canella, nutmeg, spices.
Finish: Caramel, honey, marmalade, apricot, dried fruit, citrus, herb, tea leaves, minty, canella, thyme, spice, pepper, velvety, soft, smooth, elegant.
Gold Medal

914 Westchester NY Bourbon Whiskey
(StillTheOne Distillery, NY)  Aged 30 ms. in #4 char barrels. 90° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, molasses, maple, sugarcane, candy corn, creamy, vanilla, orange, citrus, orange Creamsicle, dates, ginger, faint elderflower, grass, black tea leaves, biscuit, hazelnut, cardamom, oak.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, cream, maple. molasses, cola, vanilla, cereal, herbs, black tea, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, baking spices, spice, pepper, tobacco, nutty, clove, pepper, smoke, char, oak, good balance, smooth, very approachable, excellent.
Finish: Caramel, creamy, vanilla, raisins, sweet pepper, citrus, black tea, nutty, mint, cinnamon, allspice, spice, smoke, barrel, oak, balanced, smooth, nice finish, awesome.
Gold Medal

Watershed Distillery Bourbon Whiskey
(Watershed Distillery, OH) 90° prf
Nose: Chocolate, Nutella, maple syrup, treacle, honey, sugar cookies, French toast, toast, biscuit, sweet corn, apple, orange peel, grassy, plantain, almonds, walnuts, nuts, cinnamon, clove, allspice, leather, earthy, woody, pine, cedar, mahogany.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, butter cream, vanilla, brown sugar, muscovado, treacle, honey, orange marmalade, apricot, banana, plum, Red Delicious apple, lemon, bitter orange, stewed citrus peel, maple walnut scones, almond, cereal, biscuit, nutmeg, clove oil, spicy, white peppercorn, eucalyptus, mint, salty, oily cedar, dark wood, oak, char.
Finish: Chocolate, molasses, apricot, orange peel, bergamot oil, hazelnut syrup, almond, clove, cinnamon, allspice, tea leaves, rye, wood, oak, fire, clean.
Gold Medal

Southern Tier Distilling Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Southern Tier Distilling, NY)  Aged min. 2 yrs. 88° prf
Nose: Caramel, chocolate, vanilla, buttery, butter cookie, ripe banana, toasted coconut, orange, pear, green apple, dried apple, blossom, grassy, green leaves, straw, hay, damp hay, dry sour mash, leather, new car smell, tobacco, bamboo, pine, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, molasses, brown sugar, cacao, coffee fudge, creamy, marzipan, honey, fried dough with sugar, pear, dates, raisin, dried fruits, apricot pit, orange flower, eucalyptus, licorice, walnut, almond, dry pecan, pepper, tobacco leaves, leather, oak, clean.
Finish: Vanilla, apples, walnut, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, baking spices, spicy, tobacco, chewing tobacco, fire, wood, oaky, soft, smooth, elegant.
Gold Medal

Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Buffalo Trace Distillery, KY) 100° prf
Nose: Toffee, chocolate, creamy, nougat, taffy, marzipan, treacle, honey, vanilla, ripe pineapple, pear, green apple skins, citrus, corn, cereal, gardenia, floral, nuts, cinnamon, stewed nutmeg, cedar, oak.
Palate: Marzipan, Creamsicle, honey, apple, green apple, sweet apples, green apple skins, blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, stewed berries, apricot, peach, pear, lychee, cantaloupe, coconut, raisins, orange blossom, grass, clove, cinnamon, fireball, pepper, woody.
Finish: Toasted buttercream, honey, apricot, peach, cherry, raspberry, acai, lychee, dates, green leaves, onion seed, almond, pepper, cedar, well-balanced, clean, fresh, silky, soft, gentle, elegant, delicious.
Gold Medal

Devils River Texas Bourbon Whiskey
(Devils River Whiskey, TX)  Barrel strength. 117° prf
Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, cocoa, brown sugar, maple, fragrant maple syrup accentuated by heat, mocha latte, sweet cream, honey, bread pudding, ripe banana, dried fruit, walnut, cinnamon, oregano, tobacco leaves, autumn, chalk, oak, Calvados.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, caramelized brown sugar, marzipan, white chocolate, vanilla, honey, corn, caramel corn, banana, coconut, dates, figs, pineapple, strawberry, orange, lemon, citrus, Thanksgiving dressing, pepper, cardamom, sherry.
Finish: Toffee, cocoa, light vanilla, honey, orange peel, mint, cardamom, spicy, pepper, stone, smoky chipotle, oaky, clean, fresh, smooth, satisfying,
Gold Medal

J. Carver Brickyard Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(J. Carver Distillery, MN)  Aged min. 3 yrs. 84° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, clotted cream, demerara, maple, cane sugar, vanilla, butter cookies, banana wafers, granola, bakery, café au lait, chocolate covered orange, apricot, banana, banana peel, fresh figs, apple, orange peel, orange blossom, black tea, light sherry, oak.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, fudge, vanilla wafers dipped in mascarpone, sweet vanilla cookies, spice cake, honey candy, honey, cranberry, green apple, pomelo, citrus peel, canella, mint, light spice, black tea leaves, sherry, wood barrel, oak, mahogany.
Finish: Vanilla candy, buttery, mascarpone, honey, dried pineapple, apple, orange, orange blossom, cereal, dried leaves, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, spicy, smoky, cedar, soft, smooth.
Gold Medal

James T. Kirk Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Silver Screen Bottling Co., TN & KY)  Aged 12 yrs. 90° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, toffee, dark muscovado, marzipan, vanilla, cream soda, chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate orange, flamed orange rind, honey, pineapple, dry apple, oat cereal, toast, rosemary, white pepper, burnt coffee, tobacco, cigar box, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, caramel, milk chocolate, molasses, maple, chocolate orange, vanilla, whipped cream, apple pie, dried apple, pear, cherry, lime, citrus, green tea, eucalyptus, wintergreen, mint, spicy, rye, pine, cedar, oak, limestone, complex.
Finish: Dark chocolate, creamy, vanilla, orange, eucalyptus, mint, licorice, clove, spicy, rye, pepper, pine, cherry wood, limestone, rich, burst of heat, super-soft.
Gold Medal

St. Augustine Distillery Port Finished Florida Bourbon
(St. Augustine Distillery, FL)  Aged 2 yrr. 102° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, milk chocolate, molasses, cane sugar, demerara, creamy, vanilla, vanilla cream soda, maple, honey, bread pudding, orange, candied walnuts, toasted almond, nutty, licorice, coffee beans, hazelnut coffee from Dunkin’s, oak, spice.
Palate: Caramel, creamy, dark chocolate, bread pudding, floral, heather, sandalwood, walnut, toasted almond, hazelnut, nutty, licorice, anise, cinnamon, baking spice, spicy, tobacco, peat, oak, soft mouthfeel, elegant.
Finish: Dark chocolate, cocoa, creamy, vanilla, corn, grain, orange, elderflower, herbal, grass, licorice, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, spicy, tobacco, tannins, wood, dark wood, balanced, easy, delightful.
Gold Medal

Arizona Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Arizona Craft Beverage, AZ) 100° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, pudding, brown sugar, powdered sugar, banana cream, banana, cherry, plum, date, dried tropical fruit, toast, popcorn, almond, roasted walnuts, cinnamon, spices, white flowers, orange, citrus, green olives, mossy, wet stone, river water, pine forest.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, buttery, spicy cream, vanilla, sugarcane, banana, dried pineapple, orange, citrus, heather, hazelnut, nutty, popcorn, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, mint, tobacco, oak.
Finish: Chocolate, treacle, dried tropical fruit, candied ginger, lemon peel, mint, spice, allspice, pepper, chalky, mineral, wet stones, bamboo, oak, smooth.
Gold Medal

Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey #3 char
(Rabbit Hole Spirits, KY)  Aged over 2 yrs. 95° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, nougat, saltwater taffy, creamy, vanilla, luscious maple, maple syrup, clover honey, candy apple, stewed apple, red apple, mandarin, orange peel, creamy coconut, Big Red gum, hay, walnut, hazelnut, pine.
Palate: Toffee, chocolate, fudge, creamy, vanilla, maple syrup, honey, pineapple, orange, orange zest, green apple, heather, dried flowers, hazelnut, almond, sweet orange spice, ginger, canella, clove, licorice, pepper, musty, peat, pine, cedar, oak, balanced, soft, gentle.
Finish: Toffee, Nutella, sugarcane, dried fruit, ginger, spearmint, peppermint schnapps, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, baking spice, white pepper, pepper, salty, bamboo, charred oak, woody, old wood, silky, soft.
Gold Medal

Crooked Furrow Harvest Blend Bourbon Whiskey
(Proof Artisan Distillers, ND)  Aged 2 yrs. 88.4° prf
Nose: Toffee, butterscotch, caramel, sweet butter, fudge, maple syrup, cane sugar, molasses, cocoa, vanilla, honey, apple pie, peach, green apple, orange, dried apricot, wheat, toast, green leaves, nutmeg, allspice, leather, mineral, pine, cedar, fino sherry, smooth.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, fudge, cane sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, clotted cream, brown butter, creamy, oatmeal, sweet corn, honey, red apple, lemon, orange, banana, elderflower, rye, toast, warm almonds, clove, cinnamon, baking spice, spices, pink peppercorn, peppery, oak, old oak, velvety, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, chocolate, creamy, vanilla, demerara sugar, orange, ginger, mint, grain, rye, nutty, burnt cinnamon, clove, allspice, spicy, black pepper, peppery, salty, smoky, oak, smooth.
Gold Medal

JSB Reserve Single Barrel
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Jane's Saddlebag, KY)  Ltd. Edition. Aged 11 yrs. 88° prf
Nose: Caramel, milk chocolate, treacle, sweet corn, banana, Haribo gummy worms, Bazooka Joe bubblegum, vanilla, banana, raisins, dried fruit, candied ginger, corn, orange, citrus, apple, rosewater, fresh grass, vegetal, grains, almond.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, milk chocolate, Caribbean vanilla soda, vanilla, cola nuts, banana, grapefruit, toasted corn, almond, vegetal, malty, grain, toasty, straw, woody, pine, oak, rum-like, balanced, smooth, fresh.
Finish: Vanilla ice cream, vanilla, corn, ginger, banana, dried fruit, molasses, citrus, rye, coffee, cinnamon, clove, spicy, hints of wood, scotch-like, easy, well rounded, good finish, favorite.
Gold Medal

Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Speak Easy Spirits, TN)  Aged 12 yrs. 93.9° prf
Nose: Toffee, chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, clotted cream, sweet cream, cane sugar, smoked maple, molasses, vanilla bean, café au lait, apricot, peach, apple, dried apple, dried pear, bitter orange, lemon peel, sweet sage, hazelnut, toasted nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon.
Palate: Dark rich chocolate, caramel, cream, vanilla, burnt sugar, maple, honey, wild honey, pound cake, animal crackers, black cherry, walnut, herbal, anise, mint, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, white pepper, pepper, tobacco, smoky, woody, oak, Speyside sherry bomb, balanced, interesting.
Finish: Milk chocolate, banana Laffy Taffy, honey, marmalade, laurel, mint, hazelnut, almond, clove, pepper, leather, pipe smoke, peppered wood, oaky, cedar, clean, gentle, big, rich.
Gold Medal

Stroudwater Distillery Belfry Double Barreled Bourbon Whiskey
(Stroudwater Distillery, ME) 90° prf
Nose: Fudgy caramel, molasses, cane sugar, toasted sugar, maple, vanilla, cream soda, Granny Smith apple, red apple, fresh apricot, melon, dates, dried dark fruit, orange zest, floral, almonds, hint of toasted hazelnut, dark wood, new oak, oak.
Palate: Caramel, creamy toffee, cream, cocoa, dry cocoa, Werther’s Original candy, sugarcane, honey, mesquite honey, apricot, cranberry, tropical fruit, dates, orange, citrus, mint, barley, beer, toast, rye, hazelnut, nutmeg, spice, white pepper, pepper, leather, wood, oak, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, dark chocolate, citrus, orange, orange peel, orange zest, flowery, biscuit, coffee, hazelnut, nutmeg, clove, spicy, white peppercorn, pepper, licorice, tobacco, tannic, bitter wood, complex, smooth, interesting.
Gold Medal

Missouri Ridge Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
(Missouri Ridge Distillery, MO)  Aged 1 yr 68 days. 94° prf
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, buttery, maple, honey, bananas foster, banana, mango, dried apricots, dried cherries, apple, red apple skins, sour apple, rose, grated corn, cereal, hay, grass, leaves, verbena, licorice, nutmeg.
Palate: Smoky caramel, buttery, sugarcane, fermented honey, vanilla, apricot, mango, banana, tropical fruit, apple, tea leaves, biscuit, roasted nuts, Big Red gum, cinnamon, toasted cinnamon, clove, baking spice, pepper, musty, earthy, green wood.
Finish: Toffee, dark chocolate, hazelnut, nutty, cinnamon, Big Red gum, spicy, white pepper, dried leaves, charcoal, smoky, green wood, well balanced, soft, fresh.
Gold Medal

Batchers’ Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Litchfield Distillery, CT)  Aged min. 2 yrs. 86° prf
Nose: Caramel, cocoa, clotted cream, creamy treacle, banana bread, fresh peeled bananas, dried banana, banana peels, gingered molasses, green apple candy, apple, citrus, blossom, green leaves, Big Red, light cinnamon, nutmeg, spice, leather, light oak.
Palate: Caramel, creamy, vanilla candy, sugar syrup, honey, maduros (brown sugar, banana), peppered banana bread, gingerbread, banana, unripe banana, pineapple, apricot, apple, pear, lemon, orange, orange peel, elderflower, licorice, anise, nutty, pine, oak.
Finish: Caramel, apricot, orange marmalade, apple, sugar syrup, hay, dry toast, bread, yeast, sour mash, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, pepper, wood, mild oak, rich, balanced, easy drinking.
Gold Medal

Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Conecuh Ridge Distillery, AL) 92° prf
Nose: Caramel, buttery, Werther’s Original, maple, vanilla latte, peach, pear, ripe banana, pineapple, cherry, orange, dried apricot, white raisins, biscuits, toasted oats, grains, malty, hay, grass, mint, cinnamon, green wood, pine, toasted oak.
Palate: Caramel, molasses, clotted cream, honey, orange, orange peel, lemon zest, citrus, cherry, raisins, prunes, sweet corn, rye toast, bakery, spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon, spices, pepper, leather, stone, fresh forest pine, pine, toasted oak, well-rounded.
Finish: Caramel, banana, raisin, orange, lime, citrus, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, spicy, toasty wood, oaky.
Gold Medal

Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Iron Smoke Distillery, NY)  Aged min. 2 yrs. in #3 char barrels. 88° prf
Nose: Toffee, sugarcane, vanilla, apricot, apple, lemon, prune, plantain, popcorn, wheat, grain, sweet grain, cereal, rye, fresh roasted peanuts, elderflower, floral notes, black tea leaves, grass, mint, cardamom, tobacco, musty, earthy, smoke, sawdust, balsam wood, woody, cedar, new wood barrel, oak barrel, oak.
Palate: Toffee, butterscotch, buttery, creamy, vanilla, sweet corn, orange, lemon, citrus, green plantain, tea leaves, mint, eucalyptus, grass, straw, walnut, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, bay leaf, spice, pepper, tobacco, leather, wood, oak, balanced, smooth, delightful.
Finish: Vanilla, maple, wheat, lavender, grass, mint, cinnamon, cardamom, spicy, mild pepper, leather, tannic, smoky, woody, new wood, oak, fresh.
Gold Medal

SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Widow Jane Blend of Straight Bourbons
(Widow Jane Distillery, NY)  Aged 10 yrs. 91° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, clotted cream, demerara, molasses, honey, candy apple, dried fruit, orange, citrus, orange oil, apple skins, fresh-baked bread, toast, cereal, Cherrios, nutty, toasted walnut bitters, floral, mint, menthol, green leaves, vegetal, baking spice, cooked cinnamon sticks, leather, bacon, oak.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, molasses, vanilla, tropical fruit punch, mixed fruit, red berry, citrus, orange, coconut, raisins, dried fruit, orange blossom, herbal, green leaves, olives, raw walnuts, black pepper, cinnamon, tobacco, char, stone.
Finish: Coffee with cream, buttery, vanilla, honey, raisins, orange zest, eucalyptus, sage, clove, celery seed, spicy, black pepper, mineral, wood, oaky, rich, full-bodied, complex, tastes like an Old Fashioned.
Silver Medal

Notary Bourbon Whiskey
(O.H.S.O. Distillery, AZ)  Aged 1 yr. 89° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, nougat, fudge, maple syrup, vanilla, banana, raisin, prune, Asian pear, green apple, citrus, carnations, straw, green leaves, minty, menthol, spice, talcum powder, fresh bread, cereal, toast, coffee, leather, char, oak, rich.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, marzipan, creamy, whipped cream, orange blossom honey, orange, bitter lemon, ginger, grass, mint, spearmint, hazelnut, nutty, clove, allspice, coffee, toasted oak, rich.
Finish: Vanilla, treacle, dark raisins, floral, spearmint, almond, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, coffee, char, touch of smoke, dark oak, oaky, sherry, rich, clean, silky, smooth.
Silver Medal

Tommyrotter Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Tommyrotter Distillery, IN & NY)  Napa Valley Heritage Cask. 95° prf
Nose: Toffee, fudge, light cocoa, treacle, vanilla, candied prunes, stone fruit, cherry, figs, orange peel, orange zest, dried quince, stewed fruits, almonds, heather, straw, dried mint, wheat, pine.
Palate: Butterscotch, caramel, chocolate, sugarcane, vanilla, marmalade, candied figs, orange, orange zest, burnt orange, black cherry, dried fruit, tea leaves, toast, almond, nutty, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, spicy, beef jerky, pepper, oaky, fire, heat.
Finish: Cherry, stewed pineapple, orange zest, simple syrup, dried almond, tea leaves, clove, spice, pepper, salty, wood, cedar, oak, great wood treatment, complex, rich, elegant, tasty.
Silver Medal

Crooked Fox Bourbon Whiskey
(Southern Champion, TX) 80° prf
Nose: Toffee, soft caramel, maple syrup, vanilla, pie crust, honey, caramel apples, candied orange, fresh-cut apple, Granny Smith apple, green apple skin, pear, citrus, lemon peel, banana, tropical fruit, cherry, lavender, wintergreen, green leaves, grass, hay, nutty, spice, peppercorn, leather, woody.
Palate: Toffee, taffy, cane sugar, vanilla, honey, caramel apples, fresh corn, raisin, figs, apricot, Granny Smith apple, pineapple, mango, orange, orange peel, orange blossom, chamomile, tea, cinnamon, clove, spices, pepper, white pepper, oak, complex.
Finish: Caramel, honey, fig newtons, green apple, orange, tropical fruit, dry corn, eucalyptus, mint, menthol, clove, spicy, woody, oak, smooth, relaxed.
Silver Medal

The Dark Door Washington Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Wildwood Spirits, WA)  Aged 2 yrs. 91.4° prf
Nose: Caramel nougat, vanilla, molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar, sugarcane, honey, pineapple, apricot, charred orange peel, citrus, cooked almonds, hazelnut, coffee, toasty, hay, mint, clove, nutmeg, thyme, bacon fat, oak barrel, spicy oak.
Palate: Chocolate, vanilla, demerara, brown sugar, clover honey, molasses-dipped biscuits, buttery, oatmeal, bready, almond flour, apricot, tropical fruit, dates, ginger, orange blossom, citrus, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, clove, mulling spices, spicy, pepper, celery seed, Earl Grey tea, tobacco, limestone, peaty, pine.
Finish: Sweet cream, whipped cream, tropical fruit, orange, lemon, dried lemon peel, orange blossom, grass, eucalyptus, rye, tarragon, spicy, pepper, salty, limestone, balanced, sharp, smooth.
Silver Medal

Rabbit Hole Straight Bourbon Whiskey PX
(Rabbit Hole Spirits, KY)  Finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry barrels. 93° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, toasted brown sugar, molasses, cane sugar, vanilla, honey, maple French toast, butter, clarified butter, creamy, cream soda, toasted coconut, concord grape, green leaves, hay, toast, birch beer, tobacco.
Palate: Caramel, extra dark chocolate, spicy brown sugar, marmalade, orange, lemon candy, apricot, coconut, grape, raisins, dried grass, mint, peppermint, fennel, anise, licorice, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, tobacco.
Finish: Caramel, buttery, sugarcane, black currant, orange, lemon, herbs, green leaves, wet forest, mint, thin mints, clove, spicy, red pepper, pepper, woody, oak, complex, rich full mouthfeel.
Silver Medal

Sugar House Distillery Bourbon Whiskey
(Sugar House Distillery, UT) 92° prf
Nose: Toffee, butterscotch, caramel, treacle, molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, clotted cream, pear, prune, fresh dates, green leaves, hay, straw, popcorn, salty almonds, nutmeg, cinnamon, tobacco, earthy, wet chopped wood, oak, cedar, Fino sherry, Pedro Ximenez.
Palate: Brown sugar, dark sugar, creamy, vanilla, marmalade, orange, apricot, pear, citrus, dried fruit, elderflower, mint, Big Red gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, rye, bread, tobacco, grassy, moss, earthy, applewood smoke, wood, oak, pine, mead, tangy.
Finish: Brown sugar, tropical gumballs, orange, burnt pineapple, raisins, green apple, grass, wintergreen, spearmint, pepper, hay, tea tree, tannic, wood, pine, oak, smooth.
Silver Medal

Eighteen 33 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Boone County Distilling Co., KY)  Aged 12 yrs. 90.8° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, vanilla fudge, taffy, molasses, treacle, brown sugar, sugarcane, maple, syrup, vanilla, toasted caramel, chocolate covered melon, honey, apricot, banana, citrus peel, dried fruit, dried pineapple, figs, green apple, mint, fresh-baked bread, smoke, oak, sherry casks.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, creamy, clotted cream, chocolate, molasses, powdered sugar, simple syrup, vanilla, shortbread cookie, biascotti, honey, marmalade, coconut, raspberry, cranberry, orange, lemon, lime, tart apple, cinnamon, clove, spice, tobacco, limestone, dusty, pine, toasted oak, balanced wood.
Finish: Caramel, molasses, demerara, dark sugar, vanilla, honey, walnut coffee cake, sweet corn, pineapple, tropical fruit, citrus, tart apple, coffee, walnut, spicy, white pepper, limestone smoky, dark oak, pine, balance of wood, spice and sweet.
Silver Medal

Tower 56 Bourbon Whiskey
(Tower 56 Distilling, CO)  Aged 13 ms. 90° prf
Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, white fudge, clotted cream, whipped cream, heavy cream, treacle, simple syrup, maple sugar, jaggery, raisin syrup, honey, vanilla, vanilla bean, sugar cookie, bananas foster, banana, tropical fruit, crushed toasted pineapple, raisins, stewed green apples, citrus, blossom, pecan, nutty, limestone, oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, fudge, butter cream, chocolate, molasses, sugarcane, simple syrup, clotted cream, vanilla, vanilla cream, cookies, banana, unripe banana, tropical fruit, green apple candy, red apple, orange peel, white raisins, charred sweet corn, rose, light spice, limestone, oak.
Finish: Toffee, caramel, Werther’s Original, vanilla, chocolate cake, demerara, candied apple skins, tropical fruit, orange, floral, pecans, cinnamon, spicy, very hot and peppery, salty, toast, oak, silky, smooth, elegant.
Silver Medal

Grand Traverse Distillery 100% Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Grand Traverse Distillery, MI) 92° prf
Nose: Cocoa powder, maple syrup, butter, honey, toasted coconut, raisins, apricot, pineapple, banana, apple, bitter melon, grassy, green tea leaves, biscuit, toast, wheat, straw, hay, hazelnut, nutty, nutmeg, dark spice, leather, wood, oak, madeira, sherry.
Palate: Molasses, green apple, lemon, herbal, wheat, cereal, grassy, eucalyptus, mint, menthol, peppermint, anise, licorice, hazelnut, clove, nutmeg, white pepper, minerals, leather, earthy, smoke, barrel char, piney, oak, dry oak, young, scotch-like.
Finish: Raisins, sweet sherry, herbal, heather, almond, nutty, clove, spicy, pepper, tobacco, wet stones, peaty, oak.
Silver Medal