Daniel Davis
Discover the Denver International Spirits Competition
The Denver International Spirits Competition (bourbon-and-whisky-bottles-for-sale-by-pa-liquor-control-board-on-patch/” title=”Score Rare Bourbon and Whisky Bottles for Sale by PA Liquor Control Board on Patch!”>whiskey-to-new-heights/” title=”Bulleit's 12-Year-Old Rye Takes Whiskey to New Heights”>DISC) is celebrated as the largest spirits competition in The Rockies. This annual event, featuring a double-blind tasting, showcases a wide variety of spirits from whiskey and bourbon to tequila and vodka.
The 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition, organized by the Wine Country Network, took place in Broomfield, CO, from March 2nd to March 10th, 2024. Spirits entered in the competition have the chance to earn silver, gold, or double gold medals. Additionally, three outstanding spirits receive the Best In Show awards.
Highlighting Double Gold and Best In Show Winners
Rather than list every gold medal winner, we’re focusing on the outstanding Double Gold and Best In Show winners in the American whiskey and bourbon categories. Read on to discover which whiskeys and bourbons emerged victorious, learn about their history, tasting notes, and where to find them.
William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Medal: Best of Show – 1st Place
Tasting Notes: Dark brown sugar, vanilla bean, stewed cherry, brown sugar crumble
BUY NOW: $1,500
A masterpiece from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a wheated bourbon named after William Larue Weller, a pioneer who replaced rye with wheat in bourbon recipes. The 2023 release was aged for 12 years and 6 months and bottled at 133.6 proof. This bourbon is renowned, having also earned the title of Master at the American Whiskey Masters in 2023.
Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Medal: Best of Show – 3rd Place
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, brown sugar, rye spice, cherries, cloves, smoke
BUY NOW: $197.94
Another gem from Buffalo Trace, Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named for George T. Stagg, an important figure in bourbon history. This expression, bottled at a higher proof, accentuates rye spice. Released in batches four times a year, it’s a bit easier to obtain than its Antique Collection counterpart.
Copper Sky Distillery Switch Rail Single Malt
Medal: Double Gold
Tasting Notes: Smoky, earthy, malt, chocolate
BUY NOW: N/A
Produced in Longmont, Colorado, by the Copper Sky Distillery, this single malt is bottled at 90 proof. While information is limited, the distillery’s commitment to high-quality American whiskey is evident, and the Double Gold medal signifies its excellence.
Dunamis Interstellar Bourbon
Medal: Double Gold
Tasting Notes: Oak, vanilla, toffee, citrus, caramel
BUY NOW: $61.99
Dunamis Interstellar Bourbon from Dunamis Premium Spirits boasts a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, aged for five years in American oak. It undergoes unique micron and charcoal filtration processes, resulting in a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon. Founded by Sir Victor Young in Florida, Dunamis aims to produce premium spirits for extraordinary people.
Enjoying Award-Winning Spirits
Spring and summer are bustling times for whiskey enthusiasts, with many awards taking place. Stay tuned to The Whiskey Wash for updates on award-winning spirits and new competition results.
