The results are in for the prestigious IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) North American Tasting Competition. Winners include a bourbon and two American rums.
Judges from around the world were in Bardstown, Kentucky in early June for “The Olympics of the Drink Industry.” They were “sipping, spitting, and double-blind judging” a variety of North American Whiskey, Ready to Drink (RTD), vodka, rum, tequila and liqueur for the contest.
Whiskey Network was invited to tag along with the judges for an afternoon outing at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Watch for that story soon in The Bourbon Tutor column.
IWSC North American Tasting Competition
Only Five Spirits Reached Gold Outstanding
- 99 Points – Lochs of Jura Barrel 10 YO Bourbon Whiskey by Bardstown Bourbon Company (Available at retail later this summer)
- 98 Points – Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond 4 YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Willett Distillery
- 98 Points – Coors Whiskey Company Blended American Malt Whiskey 8 Years by Coors Spirits Company
- 98 Points – Banter White Rum from American Cane
- 98 Points – Desert Diamond Distillery Gold Miner Barrel Reserve Platinum 10 YO Rum
For a complete list of the 2026 North American tasting results, visit IWSC 2026 tasting results | IWSC
Source: IWSC
"Each year, there are more unique submissions and excellent liquids. The future looks very exciting for U.S. Whiskey, it was really good to see some whiskeys that were super balanced with some really great oak integration, and generally high quality, particularly within the bourbon and rye categories."
About The IWSC
(From the organization): Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the "Olympics of the drinks industry," the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, it offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks. Partners of IWSC's Global Judging in Kentucky include: James B. Beam Distilling Co., Maker's Mark, Angel's Envy, Heaven Hill Brands, Kentucky Eagle, Glencairn, Total Wine & More, Mint Experiences, and Buzick Construction. About the IWSC Competition Global Judging Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by Strategy and Business Development Director Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today, wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.
