Buffalo Trace Scoops Medals at IWSC 2013

* Buffalo Trace Distillery solidified its standing as the world’s most award-winning Distillery with honors from the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), results of which were released in London, England on July 24.  Taking top honors were several Buffalo Trace whiskeys, including Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, which won the first-ever Bourbon Trophy as well as:

Gold Outstanding Medal was awarded to:

• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon

Gold Medal was awarded to:

• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Silver Outstanding Medals were awarded to:

• Col. E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Bourbon
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky

Silver Medal winners included:

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Bourbon
• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

The “Gold Outstanding” and “Silver Outstanding” medals are awarded based upon the highest scores within each of those respective categories.

In total, Buffalo Trace Distillery entered 13 whiskeys in the competition, and all of them won awards.

Anna Grant, head of sales and marketing, IWSC Group said: “Due to the quality and quantity of Bourbon entries this year, the decision was taken by judges and the IWSC Competition Director to create the inaugural Bourbon Trophy. The Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 YO Whiskey impressed judges with its ‘long, spicy finish’. Congratulations to the whole team!”

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller of Buffalo Trace, commented: “We are very excited about our results and are honored to have done so well amongst some of the industry’s best. “

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

All entries are first blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass, not bottle) and then the top products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

* From Buffalo Trace press release