In 2024, our reviews team tasted and reviewed 81 different American whiskeys including ryes, blends, and American single malts. At our inaugural Whiskey Wash Awards, 31 of these whiskeys were awarded medals, with some achieving Double Gold and Gold. The no-fee nature of our competition ensured that each whiskey was fairly assessed.
Today, I will be taking a closer look at some of the award-winning American whiskeys from The Whiskey Wash Awards 2025, breaking down recipes, and histories, and reflecting on the original reviews. You can find a full list of the medal-winning American whiskeys here.
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Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024)
Medal: Double Gold, Category Winner
Score: 10
Category: American Whiskey
Official Tasting Notes: Crème brûlée, spice, herbs, fruit, nougat
BUY NOW: $140
Original Review: Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024) Review
The 2024 release of Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey pays tribute to a pivotal figure in American distilling history while showcasing innovative maturation techniques.
This annual release honors John Shenk, the Swiss Mennonite farmer who established Shenk’s Distillery (now Michter’s) in Pennsylvania in 1753. The distillery underwent several transformations, operating as Bomberger’s in the 1800s before becoming Michter’s in the mid-20th century.
Part of Michter’s Legacy Series, this expression features a high-rye mash bill and employs the traditional sour mash process. The whiskey matures in specially selected air-dried and toasted French oak barrels from the Vosges region, bottled at 91.2 proof.
The 2024 edition demonstrates the versatility of French oak in American whiskey production, delivering a sophisticated balance of sweet, earthy, and fruity notes. Industry experts praise its exceptional smoothness, attributing this quality to the meticulous sour mash process that ensures consistency between batches.
“Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey dials itself in really, really well,” notes Nino Kilgore-Marchetti, founder of The Whiskey Wash, who reviewed the whisky in 2024. “It is just that good, as you’re left distracted considering it in the most ideal ways—truly a stunning American whiskey.”
Shenk’s Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey (2024) was awarded a Double Gold Medal and named Category Winner in the American Whiskey category at The Whiskey Wash Awards.
Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential Portside
Medal: Double Gold
Score: 10
Category: American Whiskey
Official Tasting Notes: None available
BUY NOW: N/A
Original Review: Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential Portside Review
Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential Portside is part of the recently ratified American single malt category. Distilled from 100% 2-row pale malted barley, the whiskey was aged in ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in a combination of first fill ruby port, first fill amontillado sherry, and virgin French oak casks.
At the time of release, Cedar Ridge Master Blender, Murphy Quint, said: “For this release in particular, I wanted to do something with a lot of Port influence. I like to produce big, bold, meaty single malts, so I decided to utilize First-Fill Ruby Port casks in order to capture maximum port flavor. To round it out, I married it with single malt finished in a First-Fill Amontillado Sherry Butt and one Virgin French Oak cask. The end result is definitely port-dominated, but it has a nice twist to it due to the Sherry and French Oak influence.”
The QuintEssential Portside was bottled at 117.2 proof and originally retailed for $99.99.
Upon review in April 2024, Nino Kilgore-Marchetti marveled at the result of multi-cask finishing. Awarding the single malt 10 out of 10, he said: “This finishes warm and beautiful, like a gentle kiss on a summer night, fading off like something you’re afraid you might never experience again.
“Cedar Ridge has consistently produced impressive whiskeys, and this one continues the tradition but is a step up even more. The multi-cask finish steals the show—get a bottle or three, trust me.”
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Amrut Collaborative Series
Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: American Whiskey
Official Tasting Notes: Baked cherry, campfire, vanilla, cinnamon, herbal tea, ginger
BUY NOW: $130
Original Review: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Amrut Collaborative Series Review
Bardstown Bourbon Co. is a modern and advanced distillery located in Bardstown, Kentucky, the spiritual home of bourbon. The Collaborative Series is a continuation of the distillery’s innovative practices and involves producing unique whiskeys alongside other distillers and brewers.
This particular expression was produced in collaboration with Amrut Indian Whisky. The whiskey is a blend of Indiana ryes and Kentucky bourbons produced from varying mash bills and aged for various lengths of time. The two rye whiskies were finished in Amrut Indian single malt whisky barrels for 18 months. The breakdown is as follows:
- 43% Indiana Rye Aged 9 Years – 45% corn, 51% rye, 4% malted barley – finished for 18 months in Amrut barrels
- 20% Indiana Rye Aged 8 Years – 95% rye, 5% malted barley – finished for 18 months in Amrut barrels
- 17% Kentucky Bourbon Aged 14 Years – 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
- 15% Kentucky Bourbon Aged 10 Years – 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
- 5% Kentucky Bourbon Aged 11 Years – 78% corn, 13% rye, 9% malted barley
“Amrut is creating some beautiful liquid right now. Their use of malted barley, distilled and aged in a warm, humid climate is such an interesting bridge between Scottish whisky and bourbon,” said Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development at the time of release. “It’s fascinating to see how our rye blend absorbed characteristics of both the peated and unpeated Amrut barrels, resulting in a unique depth of flavor and character.”
Nino Kilgore Marchetti tasted the Bardstown Bourbon Co. Amrut Collaborative Series in June 2024. Scoring the whiskey a 9 out of 10, he said: “Bardstown Bourbon Co. Amrut Collaborative Series is a complex blend to pull off, particularly considering the Amrut Indian single malt cask finish component. And it pulls it off exceptionally well, so much so that you’ll surprise yourself with how the flavors of this roll on in your memory long after you’ve put the glass down.”
Virginia Distillery Company Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt
Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: American Whiskey
Official Tasting Notes: Honeycomb, apricot, gingerbread, lemon, red berries, soft smoke, cocoa, baking spice
BUY NOW: $44.99
Original Review: Virginia Distillery Company Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt Review
Virginia Distillery Company’s Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt was born of a desire to “expand consumer access to this growing category by providing a bold line of American Single Malts at an introductory price point.”
Established in 2011, Virginia Distillery Company is located in Lovingston, Virginia, and uses copper pot stills imported from Scotland to distill its single malts.
This particular whiskey was initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a combination of tawny port casks from Portugal and port-style wine casks from a winery in Virginia.
“The level of matured stocks we’ve reached has enabled us to introduce an entry-level priced product within the American Single Malt category. Representing a significant development for our business,” Gareth Moore said when this whiskey was released. “We remain committed to leading the American Single Malt movement. This new house-brand will serve as the gateway to the American Single Malt category. It will be showcased alongside our luxury brand, Courage & Conviction, allowing us to cater to a broad spectrum of consumer preferences and price points.”
Nino Kilgore Marchetti awarded this whiskey a 9 out of 10 upon tasting in August 2024, saying: “Virginia Distillery Company Port Cask Reserve American Single Malt represents a solid example of its category type, particularly considering the price value and the cask finish. This is an outstanding sipper and one well worth the lower cost of admission.”
Virginia Distillery Company prides itself on its affordable and accessible single malts. This will undoubtedly allow more drinkers to explore the American single malt category, which has recently been ratified by the TTB.
Westward Whiskey Vienna Malt
Medal: Gold
Score: 9
Category: American Whiskey
Official Tasting Notes: Maple candies, banana bread, orchard fruit, floral, honey, coconut macaroon, banana pudding, Danish butter cookie, toasted nuts, sponge cake, mint, oak
BUY NOW: $99.95
Original Review: Westward Whiskey Vienna Malt
Westward Whiskey Vienna Malt is an expression born from a happy accident. The team at Westward Whiskey was a little confused when they received a shipment of two-row Vienna malt barley instead of their standard two-row pale barley. Rather than leave the malt go to waste, however, the team saw an opportunity to create something special.
So, Westward Whiskey fermented this Vienna malt with Chico yeast and distilled the mash into this award-winning expression. Drinkers were fascinated by the difference that barley types can make to the final profile of a single malt.
“Largely unexplored by whiskey-makers but prized by brewers for its red color and rich, full-bodied character that appears in Oktoberfests and some IPAs,” said Westward Master Blender Miles Munroe at the time of its release, “using Vienna malted barley empowered us to create a well-rounded whiskey with notes of biscuit, honeyed malt, and rich caramel.
“Thanks to our roots as craft brewers and our desire to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making, we’ve ventured into the unknown and brought back something special.”
Scoring the whiskey a 9 out of 10 in April 2024, Nino said: “If you’re looking for a fascinating “accident” turned into an outstanding American single malt, go no further than this whiskey. It hits all the right marks for being a classic alternative to the traditional Westward style.”
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This experimental American single malt was a Westward Whiskey Club exclusive and remains available exclusively to members through Westward Whiskey’s website.
Established in 2004, Westward Whiskey is located in Portland, Oregon. The distillery specializes in American single malt whiskey, crafted from Pacific Northwest barley and ale yeast, and aged in new American oak barrels. Their core range includes the Original American Single Malt, as well as expressions finished in stout and Pinot Noir casks, reflecting the region’s rich brewing and winemaking traditions.
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