Join us in raising a glass to honor the Best in Show Whiskey finalists and winner among this year’s distinguished finalists at the 2023 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.
Best Tennessee Whiskey: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Master Blend Edition – Batch 025
With every blend of Uncle Nearest, fifth generation Nearest Green descendant and our master blender, Victoria Eady Butler, selects a barrel she believes to be the most spectacular of the batch and sets it aside. For the first time ever, these select barrels have been blended together to create our most perfect blend. Known as the “Godfather of Tennessee Whiskey,” Nearest Green was the world’s first known African-American master distiller.
The astonishingly smooth nature of his whiskey began with new American oak barrels, a low barrel entry proof following filtration through sugar maple charcoal, before resting in a non-temperature controlled rickhouse for a minimum of six winters. All of his whiskey was distilled, aged, filtered, and bottled in Tennessee. We continue that tradition. Every Master Blend Edition of our premium whiskey is bottled at cask strength at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Best Canadian Whisky: Rare Hare Lucky Bastard Single Barrel Canadian Whiskey
An exceptional Canadian Whiskey imported and aged for 30 years creating a complex, dynamic whisky with worldly characteristics.Finished in Pineau Des Charentes casks, a delicate regional aperitif of western France, which has recently exploded on the high-end cocktail scene. The complex whiskey with layers of flavors and history is perfectly rounded with the delicate finish of fresh grapes and eau-de-vie from Maritime France.
Best American Blended Whiskey: High Bank Distillery Co. Whiskey War Barrel Proof
A blended rye-heavy mash that starts sweet on the front of your palate and finishes with a hint of white pepper & spice.
Best Japanese Whisky: SUEKICHI WHISKY Pure Malt Whisky
This whisky emerges from the tranquil embrace of nature. Its aroma is a delightful blend of candied orange peel and toffee, accompanied by a gentle sweet smoke. On the palate, the silky malt flavors offer a smooth sensation, complemented by notes of vanilla and toasted hazelnuts with a touch of herbal spice. The finish is buttery and fruit-forward with a subtle hint of sweet spice to complete the experience.
Best American Single Malt Whiskey: Union Horse Distilling Co. Rivalist American Single Malt Whiskey (Batch #4)
Rivalist American Single Malt Whiskey is a small batch, of artisanal whiskey made from 100% malted barley. Handcrafted from start to finish using three styles of barley (odyssey, chocolate, and caramel malts) in our copper pot still, then aged to perfection in new oak barrels. Rivalist is beautifully complex yet elegantly simple. Sit back, pour a glass, and give a toast to perfection.
Best Australian Single Malt Whisky: Callington Mill Distillery Fusion Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky
The spirit for the Apera Fusion Single Malt Whisky was crafted under the careful tutelage of Bill Lark, the brand’s founder John Ibrahim’s business partner at Old Kempton Distillery. Initially aged in 20L Australian Apera casks and further matured in 300L and 500L Apera casks from the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The Apera Fusion Tasmanian Whisky offers enticing and juicy notes of mandarin and green apple that evolve into spearmint and honey, resulting in a rich copper glow.
Best Blended Irish Whiskey: Sailor’s Home Journey Irish Whiskey
The Journey Irish Whiskey is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional and distinctive whiskey experiences. This remarkable expression undergoes a meticulously curated aging process, beginning with the initial maturation in Virgin American oak barrels. It then embarks on a second journey, finding its home in American Bourbon barrels, where it gains further depth and character. To add a unique twist, malt Irish whiskey is aged in American Bourbon barrels and then graced with a finishing touch in Jamaican Rum casks. This infusion of tropical fruit and delightful rum notes creates a unique flavor profile.
Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey: Waterford Whisky Organic Cuvée Gaia
The combination of these individual Waterford Whiskies takes the form of a masterful ensemble, the Cuvée. This enigmatic synthesis of Single Farm Origins represents a milestone in our journey—a textured, complex, and utterly captivating experience that defines Waterford Whisky. It’s our LodeStar, our ultimate expression.
Best Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Best Irish Whiskey: Sailor’s Home Haven Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Single Pot Still is a globally celebrated style of whiskey unique to Ireland – triple pot distilled, a mash bill of malted and unmalted Irish barley, and this one includes oats for a creamy mouthfeel. The brand journeyed East and West to select Spanish Oloroso Sherry and American Bourbon casks to mature this special spirit to perfection reflecting centuries of trade from Spain through Limerick and on to the New World. The Sailor’s Home was built in 1856 to provide welcome and sanctuary to seafarers on their journeys. A haven really.
Best Rye Whiskey; Best in Show Whiskey: 15 STARS First West Rye Whiskey (Batch #1)
This exceptional whiskey offers a medley of floral, dried fruit, and spice fragrances. On the palate, one can savor the flavors of dried apricot, ginger, cinnamon, green tea, and lavender, which seamlessly transition into a rich tapestry highlighting the aged rye whiskey elements. As you explore further, subtle notes of dark cocoa harmonize with classic herbal tea, honey, and tobacco undertones. The journey concludes with a long-lasting finish that elegantly balances light caramel with enduring hints of ground pepper and rye spice, leaving a lasting impression.
