The World’s Best Whiskey According To The 2024 IWSC Judging

Coors Spirits Co’s, Five Trail Barrel Proof 003 Blended American Whiskey was awarded the 2024 Worldwide Whiskey trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). The IWSC, the oldest whisky competition in the world, holds one of the largest yearly judging of whiskies and is arguably the most prestigious spirits competition worldwide. This is the first time an American blended whisky has been picked as the world’s best whisky.

The Coors Spirits Company is a division of Molson Coors Beverage Company, one of the largest brewing companies globally. Known primarily for its iconic beer brands, Coors expanded into the spirits sector in 2021 with the launch of its whiskey line under the Five Trail brand. This foray into the spirits industry reflects Coors’ broader diversification strategy, aiming to leverage its brewing expertise and brand recognition to develop a strong presence in the premium whiskey market.

Five Trail is the flagship whiskey brand under Coors Spirits, created as a blend of American whiskies. The brand’s ethos focuses on combining the heritage of beer brewing with the craftsmanship of distilling and incorporating Rocky Mountain water in the production process. This blend includes bourbons, single malts, and other aged whiskeys sourced from various distilleries across the U.S., aiming to reflect the rugged spirit of the American West.

Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey, 6 YO, 58.1% ABV, 750 ml

Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 is the third release in the Five Trail Barrel Proof series. It is a higher-proof, bolder, and more robust version of the original Five Trail blend. It represents a careful blend of bourbons and other whiskeys, aiming for complexity and richness.

The whiskey is powerful and rich on the nose, with an immediate burst of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. Layers of dark fruits, primarily black cherries, prunes, and plums are complemented by spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg and a hint of rye.

This whiskey is bold and full-bodied on the palate, with pronounced flavors of caramel, butterscotch, and toffee. The rye adds a spicy backbone, with pepper, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes balancing the sweetness. The flavor profile is complex, with layers of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and toasted oak coming through as well. The higher proof gives it a warm, almost fiery kick without overwhelming the palate.

The finish is long and lingering, with a pleasant warmth that gradually fades into lingering notes of spiced oak, dark cocoa, and a touch of smoky char. The spice from the rye is persistent, but the sweetness of caramel and vanilla balances it nicely.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting:

Big enticing aromas of malted cereal, sweet creamy milk chocolate and crisp red berries. The deliciously silky palate drips with the flavors of candied spiced nuts. A gorgeous mouthfeel that boasts a satisfyingly velvety finish.

Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 offers a well-rounded, complex experience for whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate higher-proof expressions. It’s ideal for sipping neat, though a few drops of water can open up even more of its complex, layered and nuanced flavors.