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Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Whiskey—According To The 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition
A marriage of Scotch and American whiskey-making traditions, Lineage took home the top prize at the ... More 4th annual New Orleans Spirits Competition All the talk in the spirits world last week was reserved for Tales of the Cocktail, the industry's largest annual conference. But since 2022, the gathering – which takes place every July – has also played host to a lesser known judging event: The New Orleans Spirit Competition. A late arrival to the increasingly dense booze-award-industrial-complex, NOSC is looking to make up for lost time by coming out of the gates with an impressive array of professional palates. It helps, no doubt, that many of them are already in town for Tales. The competition also professes to stand out thanks to its unique evaluation format. The entries are judged, as described on its website, thusly: To be clear, the audience does not get an actual vote in the process. But they do enjoy a place in the room and are afforded an opportunity to be a part of the conversation. As such, it's a slightly more democratized process than anything else you'll see in the industry. And, as with any truly independent competition, each spirit is tasted in the blind. Ultimately, hundreds of awards are doled out ranging from Best of Category down through Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze. There's also a separate evaluation for Packaging Excellence. But what we care most about is how it all distills down in the best of the best distinctions. For that there are 11 separate 'Spirits of the Year." There can be only one for all the major liquor categories plus RTD, No & Low Elixir, and Syrups & Mixers. Today we're taking a closer look at what those panelists deemed the best whiskey of the year for 2025: Balcones Lineage, an American Single Malt distilled and aged in Waco, Texas. The unique 94-proof liquid marries whiskey making traditions typical to both the US and Scotland. To wit, it's made from a combination of Scottish and Texas-grown barley, which is then matured in refill and new oak barrels. The best of both worlds; Old and New. In the pour, this hybridization results in a sweeter, fruitier nose – raspberry, banana and apricot steal top-notes from the underlying malt. There is a dryness to the initial sip; cedar and sarsaparilla, opening up to reveal cinnamon spice in the finish. A prolonged breadiness stays with the back of the tongue long after it has gone down. All in all this is a fantastically approachable dram, particularly from this distillery – a craft darling which was purchased by Diageo in 2022. Balcones often brings to bottle higher-proof offerings that can be challenging to the whiskey novice. With Lineage, it has managed to walk that fine line, delivering something that satisfies newcomers and advanced sippers, alike. And it does so at the crowd-pleasing price of $40 a bottle. To take home the top prize, Lineage bested some big names from far more prominent genres of whiskey, including the Bourbon and Scotch categories that helped informed its creation – categories with hundreds of years of history. American Single Malt, by comparison, was only formally recognized as a style at the beginning of 2025. Perhaps laudable recognition such as this can help lift its stature on the international stage. Either way, it arrives at a pivotal time for American spirits as a whole. According to the most recent economic report from DISCUS, exports of such just reached a record high of $2.4 billion. And as of this weekend, the US and the European Union appear to be on the precipice of a new trade agreement which would keep those exports shipping out, tariff free. 'We are optimistic that in the days ahead this positive meeting and agreement will lead to a return to zero-for-zero tariffs for U.S. and EU spirits products,' says DISCUS president and CEO Chris Swonger. 'This will benefit not only our nation's distillers, but also the American workers and farmers who support them from grain to glass.' It'll also benefit European connoisseurs eager for their first sampling of American Single Malt. And for that, as the judges in New Orleans have made clear, Balcones Lineage is a sensible starting point. The whiskeys from Balcones distillery feel bold, clean and distinctly American. (Bill Hogan/Chicago ... More Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best American Whiskeys—According To The New Orleans Spirits Comp
Glass of whisky with ice, sitting on the American Flag. getty American whiskey is experiencing a thrilling renaissance—an era defined by innovation, experimentation, and a revival of classic styles. Distillers across the country are embracing bolder grain bills, alternative cask finishes, and regional identities to craft whiskeys that rival the complexity and character of the world's finest spirits. This year's top-scoring whiskeys showcased the category's remarkable diversity—from fruit-laced corn whiskeys and cask-strength Tennessee whiskey to American single malts. Nowhere is this creative momentum more evident than at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC). Held in conjunction with the renowned Tales of the Cocktail festival, the NOSC brought together a distinguished panel of judges and a global slate of entries, reaffirming its status as a premier stage for the best in contemporary distilling. Crafted in Waco, Texas, Balcones Lineage is a bridge between traditional Scotch-style single malt production techniques and the bold influence of Texas terroir. The whiskey is made from a blend of Scottish Golden Promise and Texas-grown barley and is aged in a combination of virgin and refill oak barrels under the intense Texas climate. This whiskey was picked as Best in Class Whiskey at the 2025 NOSC. The whiskey features aromas of sweet, cooked malt/cereal, apple, toasted oak, apricot, and a faint mineral note. It's rich and malty on the palate, showcasing flavors of dried dark fruit, nutmeg, roasted pecan, malted milk, and baking spices with a balance between sweetness and oak dryness. The finish is long and drying with gentle tannins, cocoa, cooked grain, and stewed orchard fruit. Starlight Distillery, located on the Huber family farm in southern Indiana, blends six generations of agricultural heritage with small-batch whiskey production. Their blackberry-flavored whiskey is part of a broader range of fruit-infused spirits, crafted using fresh local produce and aged bourbon or corn whiskey as a base. The whiskey features aromas of fresh blackberry jam, accompanied by notes of vanilla, honey, and hints of baking spices. It's rich and flavorful on the palate, with flavors of ripe blackberry compote, sweet corn whiskey, and subtle notes of clove and cinnamon. The natural fruit character is vibrant without being overly sweet. The finish is medium length, with a lingering blackberry tartness, seasoned oak, and a whisper of caramel. Uncle Nearest is a tribute to Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. The brand has quickly become one of the most awarded in American whiskey, particularly renowned for its single-barrel releases, each offering a unique character. Batch 3633 is drawn from a hand-selected cask, bottled at cask strength. The whiskey is bold and complex, featuring aromas of brown sugar, ripe banana, saddle leather, and toasted marshmallow. It's full-bodied and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, molasses, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and toasted oak. A touch of stone fruit emerges mid-palate. The finish is long, sweet, and powerful with lingering notes of wood spices, dried tobacco leaf, char, smoke, and a peppery close. Glass of American whiskey on the rocks sitting on an old wooden barrel. getty Heaven Hill Distillery, Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Corn Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $21 Mellow Corn is a cult classic among whiskey aficionados. Produced under the Bottled-in-Bond Act, this 100-proof, straight corn whiskey must be at least 80% corn and aged in used oak barrels. It's an old-school American whiskey, inexpensive yet flavorful and robust. The whiskey features aromas of sweet corn, vanilla custard, apple, and a hint of sourdough. It's creamy yet robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of buttered popcorn, toffee, fresh oak, banana, and lemon zest with an underlying, cooked, grain-forward richness. The finish is medium and slightly spicy with lingering notes of cornmeal, caramel, and charred wood. Stranahan's Diamond Peak, Barrel-Finished American Single Malt, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $80 Stranahan's, based in Denver, Colorado, was one of the first distilleries to pioneer the American single malt movement. This Diamond Peak expression is a limited-release bottling, crafted from 100% malted barley and finished in Caribbean rum casks. The exact finish varies from year to year by batch, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The whiskey boasts aromas of toasted malt, dried fig, cocoa, and vanilla, complemented by subtle notes of molasses and tropical fruit. It's bold and silky on the palate, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, cherry cordial, espresso, tropical fruits, spice box, a hint of smoke, and toasted oak. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering notes of pepper, seasoned oak, tropical fruits, and cocoa. The 2025 NOSC highlighted the extraordinary breadth and quality of American whiskey today. Heritage brands continue to honor tradition while pushing the envelope, and craft distillers are fearlessly reimagining what whiskey can be—one barrel at a time. Whether through the lush depth of a rum cask finish, the raw power of single barrel Tennessee whiskey, or the layered elegance of an American single malt, these winning expressions reflect a category that is evolving with confidence and creativity. The future of American whiskey is not only bright—it's bold, boundary-breaking, and brimming with flavor. More From Forbes
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Bourbon-According To The New Orleans Spirits Competition
Orleans and Bourbon intersection Streets Sign. Held in conjunction with Tails of the Cocktail, the New Orleans Spirit Competition is one of America's top whiskey judgings, getty The New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC) is an annual, internationally recognized spirits judging event held in conjunction with Tales of the Cocktail, one of the world's premier cocktail festivals. Established in 2022, the competition quickly gained credibility for its expert panels, rigorous standards, and focus on both craft and large-scale producers. Below are the top bourbons from the 2025 NOSC spirits judging. Heaven Hill's Bottled-in-Bond expression pays homage to one of America's most enduring whiskey traditions, reflecting the standards of the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act. It's aged a minimum of four years, bottled at 100 proof, and distilled by a single distillery within a single distilling season. This straight bourbon, typically aged for around seven years, showcases the craftsmanship and legacy of Heaven Hill. The whiskey features aromas of caramel, vanilla, cornbread, accented by toasted oak and a hint of black pepper. It's rich and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of toffee, charred oak, nutmeg, and baking spices, balanced by dark honey and a touch of dried orange zest. The finish is long, sweet, and flavorful, with lingering notes of wood spices, seasoned oak tannins, and vanilla. This approachable small-batch bourbon honors the founding year of Evan Williams' original distillery. Aged longer than the standard Black Label, it delivers remarkable smoothness and depth for its price point. The whiskey features aromas of vanilla and caramel with hints of seasoned oak, roasted nuts, and a trace of fresh buttered corn. It's smooth, with a candied sweetness on the palate, showcasing notes of brown sugar, marshmallow, and subtle cinnamon spice. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of seasoned oak and vanilla. Starlight Distillery Carl T. Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $45 Starlight Distillery, part of the Huber family's farm operations in Indiana, blends heritage agriculture with modern distillation techniques. Carl T. is their flagship bourbon, named after patriarch Carl T. Huber. Aged four to five years in new charred oak, it captures the terroir of the Midwest grain belt. The bourbon is a blend of two mash bills: a three-grain mash bill of 60% corn, 20% rye, and 20% malted barley, and a four-grain mash bill of 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, and 9% wheat. The whiskey features aromas of roasted corn, ripe apple, cinnamon, and baking spices. It's smooth and flavorful on the palate, showcasing caramelized sugar, dark fruit, graham cracker, and a gentle rye spice backbone. The finish is medium-long and sweet with lingering notes of wood spices, chocolate, and fruitcake flavors. A sample of bourbon whiskey in a glass being evaluated. getty Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series, Wheated Bourbon, 60.5% ABV, 700 ml. $152 Part of Heaven Hill's limited Grain to Glass initiative, this wheated bourbon spotlights local grains and traditional fermentation and distillation techniques. It showcases the softer, sweeter character of wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill. Aged for 5-10 years, it's six years old on average. The whiskey is matured on floors three, four, and five in rickhouse W3. The bourbon features aromas of buttery pastry, dried cherry, cinnamon toast, and honeysuckle. It's smooth and velvety on the palate, with flavors of baked apple, butterscotch, almond nougat, and spiced honey. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of wood spices, cooked grain sweetness, and a subtle hint of aged tobacco leaf. Old Grand-Dad 16 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $206 This ultra-aged expression from the storied Old Grand-Dad label is a rare gem. Distilled from a high-rye mash bill and matured for 16 years, it offers a powerful and complex profile. It's bottled at a robust proof, featuring intense flavors and appealing to seasoned bourbon drinkers. The bourbon features intense aromas of leather, burnt sugar, aged tobacco, and stewed black cherries. It's robust and spicy on the palate, showcasing bold rye spices, black pepper, dark chocolate, black walnut, molasses, and charred oak. The finish is exceptionally long with lingering notes of black pepper, rye spices, and a dry, earthy leather note. Green River 1885, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 42.5% ABV, 750 ml. $30 Revived in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River is one of the oldest bourbon brands in the state. This young but lively bourbon is part of the brand's comeback, emphasizing high-quality production even at a youthful age. The mash bill consists of 76% corn, 15% rye, and 9% malted barley. The bourbon features aromas of vanilla pudding, cooked grain, and cinnamon candy. It's light-bodied on the palate and slightly sweet, showcasing flavors of cornbread, green apple, caramel drizzle, and allspice. The finish is relatively short, crisp and spicy, with lingering notes of toasted oak, caramel and black pepper. Blackland Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $87 Crafted in Fort Worth, Texas, this bold Texas bourbon is made from a proprietary grain bill that includes flint corn and triticale. The intense Texas heat accelerates the maturation process, creating a robust and flavorful spirit even at a young age. The whiskey features aromas of mesquite, molasses, roasted corn, and saddle leather. It's robust and full-flavored on the palate, showcasing flavors of charred wood, dark fruit compote, chili pepper, and wood spices. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of charred oak, dried herbs, and a savory, slightly saline note. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 63.5% ABV, 750 ml. $62 This innovative expression takes traditional Elijah Craig Small Batch and finishes it in custom-toasted new oak barrels. The toasting process enhances sweetness and wood influence without overwhelming char, making this a cult favorite. The bourbon features aromas of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, dark caramel, and a hint of cocoa. It's rich and sweet on the palate with dessert-like flavors of vanilla custard, cinnamon toast, maple, and roasted nuts. The finish is long, sweet, and velvety, with lingering notes of wood spices, chocolate, seasoned oak, and caramel. Low Gap Old Fussbudget 8 Year, Cask Strength Straight Bourbon, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $130 Produced in small batches in Mendocino County, California, Low Gap is known for its grain-to-glass approach. The Old Fussbudget is a high-proof, barrel-finished bourbon aged for eight years and often showcases a range of finishing casks such as port or sherry. The mash bill consists of 65% corn, 20% malted barley, and 15% malted rye. The bourbon features aromas of fig, pipe tobacco, espresso, and plum jam. It's intense and full-bodied on the palate, with dark chocolate, wood spices, prune, dried herbs, and candied citrus zest. The finish is long, dry, and warming with lingering notes of oak, bittersweet cocoa, and wood spices. The bourbons honored at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition reflect the incredible diversity and creativity shaping America's whiskey landscape today. Whether drawn from deep Kentucky roots or crafted by rising stars in Indiana, Texas, or California, each expression embodies a unique perspective on America's native spirit. From the accessible charm of Evan Williams 1783 to the bold maturity of Old Granddad 16-Year-Old, these award-winning bourbons deliver a rich spectrum of aromas, textures, and finishes that speak to both heritage and innovation. For collectors, connoisseurs, and curious sippers alike, these top NOSC medalists offer a masterclass in what makes American bourbon so globally revered. More From Forbes
Forbes
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Cheech And Chong THC Seltzers Highlighted At Tales Of The Cocktail
Cannabis culture icons Cheech & Chong will present awards at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans ... More later this month while highlighting their High & Dry hemp THC seltzers. In what is being described as 'a groundbreaking cultural first for both the cannabis and spirits industries,' New Orleans' Tales of the Cocktail has named High & Dry THC-infused seltzers from iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong as the first cannabis beverage sponsor for the Spirited Awards. The nonprofit organization Tales of the Cocktail Foundation works to empower the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy and community support. At its annual conference held in New Orleans each July, the group brings the hospitality industry together for an event 'that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other,' according to organizers. Cheech & Chong's High & Dry seltzers come in a variety of flavors and feature 5mg of THC per can. The conference also honors leaders from the global cocktail industry with its coveted Spirited Awards in categories such as World's Best Cocktail Bar, World's Best Cocktail Menu and Tales Visionary Award, among others. Cheech & Chong's High & Dry Seltzers are hemp-based THC-infused canned beverages designed to deliver the psychoactive effects of cannabis in a palatable, drinkable formulation. A growing category that is gaining market share, hemp-derived THC beverages have become a common sight at liquor stores and bars in some states since the legalization of hemp agriculture and products via the 2018 Farm Bill. First Cannabis Beverage Spirited Awards Sponsor This year marks the first time that the Spirited Awards has embraced a cannabis brand as an official sponsor of the event. As part of the festivities, weed culture heroes Cheech & Chong (Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong) will present the Spirited Awards for the Best Broadcast, Podcast or Online Video Series and the Best Cocktail and Spirits Publication. The High & Dry seltzers will also be highlighted throughout the Tales of the Cocktail experience, giving bartenders and other industry professionals an opportunity to sample the products and learn how they integrate with the cocktail world. 'We're not just bringing drinks-we're bringing the culture,' Chong, co-founder of Cheech & Chong's Beverages, said in a statement from the company. 'High & Dry is all about fun, connection, and new experiences. And Tales of the Cocktail is the perfect place to share it.' Hemp-THC Drinks A 'Whole New Category' In Cannabis Consumption In an exclusive interview, Marin says that hemp-derived THC beverages including the High & Dry Seltzers and the company's High Tea THC-infused iced tea offerings make cannabis accessible to a wide range of consumers. 'It's a whole new category, it's a brand-new way of enjoying the herb,' says. 'And we want to go to where the people are, and make it easier, so you can get your you're drink at a grocery store, you know? And that makes it a lot easier for when you go watch your kid play soccer.' Cheech Marin (l) and Tommy Chong Cheech & Chong's THC infused seltzers are available in a variety of flavors, as are the High Tea canned iced tea drinks. When asked what sets his THC-infused beverages apart from the others in a market crowed with weed drinks, Marin notes one important difference. 'Well, you know, they're called Cheech and Chong,' he replies with a chuckle. 'And everybody knows that name. So, we hope that this stands for high quality and enjoyability and accessibility and you know, we kind of want to spread the news. At a certain age, you get kind of wary of smoking, you know, and I know the age. Hemp or THC in a liquid form, that's a lot better.' Tales of the Cocktail kicks off on July 20 in New Orleans and runs through July 25.
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
World's Best Bars: The Nominees For The 2025 Spirited Awards
There ought to be a few of drinks on the house tonight at the best bars in the world as the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation announced its nominees for the 2025 Spirited Awards. Launched in 2007 and considered to be among the hospitality industry's highest honors, the Spirited Awards are part of the annual Tales of the Cocktail festival held in New Orleans in July, honoring the top bars, bartenders, brand ambassadors, and spirits journalists from around the world. The awards are selected by a jury of hospitality peers—acclaimed bartenders, bar owners, and journalists and authors. (Forbes is the official media partner of the Spirited Awards.) Once again, there are many familiar watering holes among this year's nominees. Hong Kong's Bar Leone (named Best New International Cocktail Bar at the 2024 Spirited Awards) built on its early success and received three nominations: Best International Bartender, Best Bar Team and Best International Cocktail Bar. And Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy, which won Best International Bar Team in 2024 and whose cofounder, Eric Van Beek, was named International Bartender of the Year last year, was also nominated for Best International Cocktail Bar. In the United States, Denver's Yacht Club, which was named Best U.S. Cocktail Bar last year, received a nomination for Best U.S. Bar Team and McClain Hedges picked up a nomination for U.S. Bartender of the Year. And Allegory, at Washington, D.C.'s Eaton Hotel, which was named Best U.S. Hotel Bar last year and is home to 2024's U.S. Bartender of the Year, Kapri Robinson, was also nominated for Best U.S. Bar Team. New York continued to flex its cocktail muscle. Three of the four nominees for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar can be found in Manhattan: Bar Snack, Clemente Bar and Sip & Guzzle. (The fourth nominee, ViceVersa, is in Miami). And Overstory, in the Financial District, was nominated again for Best U.S. Cocktail Bar. For those who want an atlas of nominees, Tales of the Cocktail built an interactive map of the world's best bars in 2021. Most nominees will have to wait until July 24 to learn if they actually won a Spirited Award, but there are at least two bars (The Bar at Keens Steakhouse in New York and Madrid's Bar Cock) and two bartenders (Lynette Marrero and Ian Burrell), who can raise a glass in celebration tonight. Both Keens and Bar Cock will be celebrated as Timeless bars for their decades of innovation and service. Burrell, who began his career as a bartender in London in the 1990s, reinvented himself as a 'global rum ambassador' some 20 years ago, will be presented with the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award at the Spirited Awards. The charismatic Burrell has represented many different rum brands over the years—and cofounded Equiano rum in 2020—and is renowned in the industry for a presentation style he calls 'edutainment.' Marrero, meanwhile, is a veteran New York bartender who was named Best Bar Mentor at the 2019 Spirited Awards, and will be honored with the Tales Visionary Award. In addition to cofounding Speed Rack, an international bartending competition for women, she is the mixologist behind Delola, Jennifer Lopez' line of bottled cocktails. 2025 Spirited Awards Nominees New York's Overstory is nominated again for Best U.S. Cocktail Bar. Hong Kong's Bar Leone is nominated for Best International Cocktail Bar Harry N. Abrams Veteran rum ambassador Ian Burrell will be awarded the Helen Lawrenson Lifetime Achievement Award.
