Five Spirits Take Gold Outstanding, Including a 99 point Bourbon and Two American Rums
June 16, 2026 (London, UK) — The Olympics of the Drink Industry concluded in the Bourbon Capital of the World as spirits industry professionals from around the globe descended upon Bardstown, KY, to judge the IWSC’s (International Wine & Spirits Competition) North American Whiskey, Ready to Drink (RTD), Gin, Vodka, Rum, Tequila and Liqueur competition on June 4-5, 2026. After two days of sipping, spitting, and double-blind judging, they have released the results.
This is the first year the IWSC judging included the Rum category, and of those submitted, two rum entries achieved Gold Outstanding status.
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
“I’m really excited about what’s happening in America right now with rum,” said Dawn Davies, MW, Commercial Buying Director, Specialty Drinks and The Whisky Exchange. “That was a standout surprise to me, and honestly, some of the rums were absolutely fantastic.”
The IWSC is considered the most prestigious of the spirit award competitions, with a very low overall medal rate, making it all the more meaningful for those brands that do take home the honors. This year, only 1.3% of entrants received the top honor of Gold Outstanding at the North American competition. A gold outstanding means the brand has scored between 98-100 points and is described as “an outstanding spirit with a naturally exceptional balance, complexity and power. An example that immediately sets itself apart from others in the category.”
Medals awarded include Gold Outstanding,Gold, Silver and Bronze. In addition to the Gold Outstanding medals, judges also awarded 44 Gold medals and 176 Silver medals across all categories.
Overall, the judges were impressed by the quality of the submissions and the increasing diversity across North America’s spirits industry. “Each year, there are more unique submissions and excellent liquids,” continued Davies. “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.”
Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London.
For a complete list of the 2026 North American tasting results, visit IWSC 2026 tasting results | IWSC
About the IWSC
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.
