Frank August Small Batch Bourbon may not be a whiskey that you are familiar with. But that is about to change.
In September 2025, Frank August Small Batch Bourbon won the Bourbon Trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition with a score of 98 points. The bourbon beat out big industry names such as W.L. Weller, Bulleit, and Eagle Rare to snag the trophy.
The win has thrust Frank August bourbon into the spotlight, with bourbon fans eager to find out what makes this whiskey stand out from the rest.
So, what is Frank August Bourbon? And how did it snatch the Bourbon Trophy at the IWSC? Let’s find out.
What Is Frank August Small Batch Bourbon?
Frank August was founded in 2022 by Jonathan Crocker and a small team who wanted to create a modern bourbon brand with a fresh identity. Instead of focusing on family stories or frontier legends, Frank August puts the spotlight on the whiskey itself.
The company is a non-distilling producer. That means it does not own a distillery. Instead, it sources whiskey from Kentucky and blends the best barrels.
Each small batch is made from 10 to 15 barrels, which are carefully selected to show consistency and quality. The bourbon is bottled at 100 proof, or 50% ABV, giving it a strong but approachable character. The exact age of the Small Batch Bourbon is not disclosed, but it is thought to be at least four years old.
The bottle design is another part of what makes Frank August stand out. It looks more like a modern decanter than a traditional bourbon bottle. The glass is clean and minimalist with almost no label, a style often compared to architecture or high–end design. This aesthetic has helped the brand stand apart on store shelves.
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Frank August is positioned as a premium bourbon. With a price tag of around $60-$80, it is more expensive than standard bottles but still accessible compared to ultra–luxury releases.
What Does Frank August Small Batch Bourbon Taste Like?
Frank August Small Batch Bourbon offers a profile that is both familiar and distinctive. It is bottled at 100 proof, which gives it some weight, but it remains approachable.
On the nose, you can expect inviting aromas of caramel and vanilla layered with oak. Reviewers and competition judges also noted brighter tones, such as apple tart, dried apricots, and a hint of custard. Those fruit and pastry notes give it an appealing complexity before you even take a sip.
On the palate, the bourbon balances sweetness with spice. Traditional flavors like caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla are present, but they are joined by buckwheat honey, warm baking spices, and a touch of cinnamon. The texture is smooth, and the spice is noticeable without being overwhelming. It feels refined rather than fiery.
The finish is medium to long, leaving flavors of oak, vanilla, and leather that slowly fade. The higher proof ensures that the flavors linger, but the balance means it does not come across as harsh. Instead, it leaves a gentle warmth that encourages another sip.
For drinkers who enjoy classic Kentucky bourbon character with an extra layer of fruit and pastry–like notes, Frank August offers something memorable. It manages to feel both traditional and modern, which is part of why it impressed competition judges and whiskey fans alike.
Why The IWSC Win Is Important
Frank August Small Batch Bourbon achieved its breakthrough in September 2025 when it was named World’s Best Bourbon at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), scoring an impressive 98 points in blind tastings and surpassing industry giants like Sazerac, Heaven Hill, and Four Roses. Founded in 1969, the IWSC is one of the most respected competitions in the spirits world, known for its rigorous blind judging by panels of distillers, writers, and industry veterans.
The judges praised Frank August for its balance and complexity, noting aromas of apple tart and dried apricots leading into flavours of honey, custard, and warm baking spices, finishing with leather and oak.
The result demonstrated that the young brand, launched only in 2022, could compete at the very highest level.
The success did not stop there. Frank August went on to earn two double golds and three gold medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, with the Small Batch Bourbon itself taking home gold. These accolades have firmly established the brand’s credibility among collectors, bartenders, and whiskey enthusiasts.
For Frank August, the IWSC trophy is more than a marketing win. It is a mark of authenticity that few new producers achieve. Recognition from such a respected competition boosts visibility with retailers and bars, and drives demand. The win confirmed that Frank August is not just a newcomer but a serious contender in the bourbon category.
Of course, there are many who turn up their noses at award-winning whiskeys, saying that paid-for awards do not accurately reflect unbiased tasting. Whilst that does ring true, in this case, the IWSC is a double-blind tasting competition. So, the judges do not have any idea which whiskey they are praising when points are awarded.
Additionally, although whiskey tasting is completely subjective, the IWSC employs experts from across the industry. Retailers, reviewers, journalists, and people with incredibly nuanced palates.
So, whilst winning an award might not be the be-all and end-all for every consumer, trophies can still serve as an indicator of quality good enough to impress some of the most seasoned whiskey tasters in the world.
How Does It Compare?
Frank August’s victory at the IWSC carried extra weight because of who it beat. The competition included bottles from Sazerac, Heaven Hill, and Suntory Global Spirits. These companies have long histories and loyal followings. In blind tastings, the judges did not know which brands they were sampling. That makes the result even more striking.
Compared to heritage bourbons, Frank August takes a different approach. Legacy brands often lean on tradition, age statements, and recognizable mashbills. Frank August offers no age statement, keeps its sourcing undisclosed, and focuses instead on blending and presentation. It is more modern and mysterious, and that appeals to drinkers looking for something fresh.
When set alongside other award–winners, Frank August holds its ground. Recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition champions have included heavy hitters like Elijah Craig and Blanton’s. Those are well established with reputations built over decades. Frank August stands out as a newcomer that can deliver a similar level of complexity and refinement.
For bourbon drinkers, the choice comes down to style. If you enjoy the heritage–driven experience, there are plenty of classic bottles. If you want a sleek design, a bold flavor profile, and the excitement of something new, Frank August offers that alternative. It has proven it can compete on flavor while offering a very different identity.
Where & How To Buy Frank August Small Batch Bourbon
Frank August Small Batch Bourbon sits firmly in the premium segment. The suggested retail price in the United States is around $60-$80 for a 750ml bottle. That places it above standard shelf bourbons but well below limited editions that run into the hundreds. For many drinkers, it offers a chance to experience award–winning quality without venturing into ultra–luxury prices.
The challenge is availability. Even before the IWSC win, distribution was selective. Bottles were stocked mainly at specialty shops and a handful of online retailers. Since the award, demand has surged. Many stores have sold through their allocations quickly, and some are now keeping waitlists for customers.
For UK and European buyers, the bourbon is harder to find. Frank August has not yet established broad international distribution, although the IWSC recognition could encourage importers. For now, access outside the United States is limited to a few specialist retailers or bars that manage to secure stock.
If you are hoping to buy a bottle, the best strategy is to use the Frank August retailer locator, check with respected whiskey shops, or use The Whiskey Wash Comparison Tool to find the cheapest bottle near you. When you see it available, act quickly, as batches are small and sell out fast.
Does Frank August Deserve The Hype?
Frank August Small Batch Bourbon proves that craft producers can stand shoulder to shoulder with Kentucky’s most established names. Winning World’s Best Bourbon at the IWSC showed that careful blending and a modern approach can deliver results every bit as compelling as the heritage brands.
It is not the easiest bottle to find, but it is worth the hunt. At its price point, it offers one of the most exciting drinking experiences in bourbon today.
We want to hear from you. Have you tried Frank August yet? Do you think it lives up to the hype? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. This is one bottle everyone is talking about in 2025.
