Some of the Double Gold medalists from the 2025 NYISC
Photo, J Micallef, all rigts reserved,.
The New York International Spirits Competition is one of the most respected spirits competitions in the world, known for its distinctive approach of having trade-only judges, including buyers, sommeliers, bartenders, and importers, evaluate entries. Below are the Double Gold American whiskey winners from the 2025 competition.
Founded in 2010, the NYISC takes place annually in New York City and is part of the larger International Beverage Competitions group. What sets the NYISC apart is its focus on real-world market relevance: spirits are judged not just on quality but also on price and packaging, reflecting how actual buyers and consumers assess products.
The competition accepts entries from over 40 countries and across a broad range of spirit categories, including whiskey, tequila, rum, gin, vodka, and liqueurs. Awards include Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, as well as honors like Distillery of the Year and Importer of the Year.
Winning a medal at the NYISC carries strong industry credibility, as it signifies not only excellence in production but also commercial appeal and category competitiveness in the global market.
Bourbon Whiskey
15 Stars: Three Kings, 53.5% ABV
A unique blend of straight bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys aged 15 and 11 years.
15 Stars: Triple Cask II, 52.5% ABV
A blend of Kentucky straight bourbons aged 16 and 8 years, finished in Cognac, Port, and Rum casks.
1845 Distilling Co: Preemption Texas Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV
Crafted from yellow corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley and aged a minimum of 3 years.
Augusta Distillery: Buckner’s 17-year-old, 54.15% ABV
A Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, single barrel, unfiltered, and cask strength. Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels, 43.3% ABV
Finished in port wine barrels, this bourbon is distilled in Louisville, Kentucky.
Brother’s Bond Bourbon: Brother’s Bond Bourbon Cask Strength Straight Bourbon, 57.04% ABV
A four-grain, high-rye straight bourbon whiskey with a mash bill of 65% corn, 22% rye, and 13% wheat and barley. Aged a minimum of 4 years. It’s distilled in Indiana and bottled in Columbia, Tennessee.
Redemption Ancients 18-year-old Bourbon, 51.7% ABV
An 18-year-old bourbon offering a rich and complex flavor profile.
Bib & Tucker Small Batch 6-year-old Bourbon, 46% ABV
A small batch bourbon aged for 6 years, known for its smoothness and character.
Barrels of bourbon aging in a Kentucky rick house
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George Dickel Bourbon, 45% ABV
A Tennessee bourbon known for its smooth and mellow flavor, produced in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, Garrison Brothers Cowboy 2024, 70.1% ABV
A cask strength Texas straight bourbon whiskey, known for its bold flavor.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, Garrison Brothers Guadalupe, 53.5%
A Texas straight bourbon whiskey finished in port casks, offering a unique flavor profile.
Grain & Barrel Spirits, Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV
A revival of a historic brand, this bourbon is known for its rich heritage and flavor.
Heaven Hill Brands, FEW Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV
A bottled-in-bond bourbon offering a balance of flavor and strength.
Heaven Hill Brands, Widow Jane Lucky 13 Bourbon, 46.5% ABV
A 13-year-old bourbon known for its depth and complexity.
Heaven Hill Brands, Widow Jane The Vaults Bourbon, 49.5% ABV
A limited release bourbon aged in unique casks, offering a distinctive flavor.
Heaven Hill Brands, Widow Jane Black Opal, 49.5% ABV
A premium bourbon expression finished in a Mizunara cask, known for its smoothness and character.
Heaven Hill Brands, Evan Williams Master Blend, 45% ABV
A masterfully blended bourbon offering a harmonious flavor profile.
Heaven Hill Brands, Square 6 Wheated Bourbon, 47.5% ABV
A wheated bourbon known for its smooth and mellow character.
Toasting with a glass of American whiskey
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Heaven Hill Brands, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524, 65.3% ABV
A barrel proof bourbon offering a robust and full-bodied flavor.
Heaven Hill Brands, Elijah Craig, 47% ABV
A flagship bourbon known for its balance and depth.
Heaven Hill Brands, Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 60.5% ABV
A traditional wheated bourbon offering a smooth and rich flavor profile.
Four Roses Bourbon, 40% ABV
A Kentucky bourbon known for its unique blend of ten distinct recipes, offering a complex flavor profile.
Peg Leg Porker Spirits, Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV
A Tennessee bourbon known for its smoky character, produced in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jefferson’s Ocean, Aged At Sea Voyage 31 Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV
A bourbon aged at sea, offering a unique flavor influenced by oceanic conditions.
Seelbach’s Private Reserve, Kentucky Straight Bourbon 15-Year Batch 001, 61% ABV
15-year-old bourbon, known for its depth and complexity.
Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 40% ABV
A classic Kentucky bourbon known for its smooth and approachable flavor.
Glass of whisky with ice, sitting on the American Flag.
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American Single Malt Whiskey
Balcones, Texas ‘1’ Single Malt, 53% ABV
An American single malt whiskey known for its bold and robust flavor, produced in Waco, Texas.
Bird Creek Whiskey, Small Batch Baronesse/Full Pint, 46% ABV
An American single malt whiskey crafted from heritage barley varieties, offering a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
Southern Star, American Single Malt, 45% ABV
An American single malt whiskey known for its smooth and complex character.
Tenmile Distillery, Revolutionary Series #32 American Single Malt Whisky, 46% ABV
An American single malt whiskey offering a unique and refined flavor profile.
Virginia Distillery Co, Virginia Distillery Co Cabernet Cask Select, 46.5%
An American single malt whiskey finished in Cabernet wine casks, offering a distinctive aroma and taste profile.
Glass of whiskey surrounded by rye grain
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Rye Whiskey
Larrikin Bourbon Co, Larrikin Single Barrel Rye, 60.7% ABV
A single-barrel rye whiskey known for its spicy and robust flavor.
Oaklore Distilling Co, Oaklore Story Series Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey, 46% ABV
A rye whiskey finished in port casks, offering a unique and complex flavor profile.
Sagamore Spirits, Sagamore Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, 56.1% ABV
A cask strength rye whiskey known for its bold and spicy character.
Southern Star, Double Rye, 44% ABV
A double rye whiskey offering a rich and spicy flavor profile.
Tennessee Whiskey
Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, 50% ABV
A Tennessee whiskey honoring the legacy of Nearest Green, known for its smooth and rich flavor.
American Blended Whiskey
Moët Hennessy, SirDavis American Whisky, 44% ABV
An American blended whiskey, a collaboration between Moët Hennessy and Beyoncé, offering a smooth and balanced flavor profile.
These whiskeys are the pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship, chosen not only for their aroma and taste profiles but also for their value and packaging. Relatively easy to find, any one of them would be an excellent addition to your home bar. One of these whiskeys will go on to claim the crown of America’s Best Whiskey. Can you guess which one?
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