Whisky – Since monks began distilling grains in Scotland and Ireland over a thousand years ago, people have been sipping whisky. Walk into a bar anywhere in the world and you are likely to be greeted by a selection of local and international whiskies you can sip neat or enjoy in a cocktail. From smokey and peaty to sweet and fruity, it is a spirit that appeals to connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
This approachability and a wide array of styles have propelled whisky to the top of the world’s alcohol stage. It is the most popular spirit in the world and has seen a boom in consumer interest over the last few decades as the millennial generation discovers it. That’s good news if you are a whisky lover, as new distilleries come online both inside traditional hot spots (Scotland, Ireland, & the United States) and outside (Australia, Japan, & Africa). There is a literal abundance of riches begging to be sipped.
But therein lies a problem. With so many fantastic bottles to try, how can anyone drinker find a bottle that stands above the rest? Luckily, a healthy array of annual international spirit competitions exist to do just that. Their expert judging panels taste a staggering array of bottles, often in blind taste tests, to locate the best bottles each year. Just like we did for bourbon, tequila, and rum, here are the best whiskies in the world, as determined by some of the top competitions in the world. Any one of these would be a worthy addition to your home bar.
Coors Spirit Co. Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey
In a significant upset, Coors Spirits Co. Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey took home the Worldwide Whisky trophy at the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition. As the oldest and one of the most prestigious events on the awards circuit, brands can go a lifetime without winning a trophy. The fact that Five Trail bested all comers en route to being the first American blended whisky to win the award highlights the amazing team behind the four-year-old brand from a company known for its beer.
Home to awards darling Blue Run Spirits, which Coors acquired in 2023, Coors Spirits Co. has been racking numerous awards since its launch. While their winning bottle, Batch 003, will be impossible to find due to its limited release, it speaks volumes about the quality of their affordable Five Trail Whiskies, which are in wide release. As for the winning bottle, here is what the judges had to say about it: Big enticing aromas of malted cereal, sweet creamy milk chocolate and crisp red berries. The deliciously silky palate drips with the flavours of candied spiced nuts. A gorgeous mouthfeel that boasts a satisfyingly velvety finish.
