The 2026 American Craft Spirits Competition spotlighted five exceptional American whiskeys, each winning Double Gold for their unique recipes and innovative ageing techniques. From Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon to Unbound Spirits' The Maelstrom Saga Series, these bottles showcase diverse flavors, cask finishes, and regional ingredients, making them standout choices for whiskey enthusiasts.
American craft whiskeys are gaining attention for their distinctive recipes, regional ingredients and experimental ageing techniques, and the 2026 American Craft Spirits Competition has put several of these expressions in the spotlight. We bring you five American whiskeys that won Double Gold at the competition, along with their tasting notes and US prices. This year's award-winning bottles include Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon, Chapline Distillery Cannonade Texas Bourbon, Hoot + Howl Amaro Cask Bourbon, KO Distiller's Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon and Unbound Spirits The Maelstrom Saga Series 1: The Reckoning. While some stand out for their unusual grain combinations, others bring an interesting twist through cask finishing and maturation. Check out what makes each of these award-winning American whiskeys worth knowing about.
Belle Meade Reserve brings together high-rye bourbons sourced from MGP (now Sempreon) and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Aged between seven and 11 years and bottled at 108.3 proof, it sits above the brand's Classic expression. Its tasting profile moves through vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, toffee, black cherry and cocoa, with nutmeg and nougat adding further depth.
Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Award: Double Gold
Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Price: US$91.99
Made in Bulverde, Texas, Cannonade builds on Chapline's Meticulum bourbon recipe, adding blue corn to a mash bill that includes South Texas white corn, malted barley and caramelised triticale. It is produced as a single-barrel release and bottled at cask strength. Expect salted caramel, clove, floral notes and an earthy edge.
Chapline Distillery Cannonade Texas Bourbon Whiskey Award: Double Gold
Chapline Distillery Cannonade Texas Bourbon Whiskey Price: price not listed
This Colorado-made bourbon takes a less familiar finishing route. Hoot + Howl blends seven-year-old bourbon and gives it a full year in a Sicilian amaro cask, bringing herbal and bittersweet notes into the whiskey. The tasting profile includes marshmallow, red fruit, cocoa, charred spice, ripe cherry and milk chocolate.
Hoot + Howl Amaro Cask Bourbon Whiskey Award: Double Gold
Hoot + Howl Amaro Cask Bourbon Whiskey Price: US$79
Produced in Manassas, Virginia, KO Distilling's Bottled-in-Bond bourbon uses locally grown corn, wheat and malted barley in a 70:20:10 recipe. It is aged for at least four years in new charred American oak and bottled at 100 proof. Vanilla, caramel, baking spice, apricot, toffee and almond shape its tasting profile.
KO Distiller's Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Award: Double Gold
KO Distiller's Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Price: US$69.99
Unbound Spirits has experimented with ageing barrels aboard boats on Lake Michigan, an approach that gives its whiskey an unusual point of difference. The Reckoning is a nine-year-old straight bourbon from an undisclosed distiller, re-casked in new toasted barrels and bottled at 122 proof. The first release comprised just 332 bottles and is now sold out.
Unbound Spirits The Maelstrom Saga Series 1: The Reckoning Whiskey Award: Double Gold
Unbound Spirits The Maelstrom Saga Series 1: The Reckoning Whiskey Price: Sold out
Note: The US prices listed above for Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon, Chapline Distillery Cannonade Texas Bourbon, Hoot + Howl Amaro Cask Bourbon, KO Distiller's Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon and Unbound Spirits The Maelstrom Saga Series 1: The Reckoning are approximate published retail references. Actual prices may vary depending on the retailer, taxes and availability.