Two Glass of bourbon on the rocks. Each year, the American Distilling Institute hosts the ADI International Spirits Competition. This prestigious event recognizes excellence in craft spirits and is open to both U.S. and international distilleries. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the "Best of Class" and "Best of Category." Bourbon winners from the recently completed 2025 competition. Joseph Magnus, Cigar Blend Bourbon, Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Armagnac, Sherry, and Cognac Cask, 57.17% ABV, 750 ml. $224 The Cigar Blend Bourbon was the Best of Class Bourbon. The Cigar Blend is typically drawn from a “Coupe Mere” consisting of 9-year-old MGP 36% rye bourbon, 16-year-old Kentucky rye bourbon, and 20-year-old MGP 36% rye bourbon. The blend is finished in Armagnac, Cognac, and Sherry casks for 4-12 months. On the nose, the bourbon is powerfully aromatic and robust. The Sherry cask influence is immediately noticeable with blueberry jam, fresh blackberry, fig, prune, and date aromas. There is a pronounced perfumed note of flavored pipe tobacco and floral potpourri, along with hints of rose petals, followed by creamy vanilla, caramel, and light, seasoned oak wood notes. The bourbon is creamy on the palate with an oily, viscous texture and a pronounced mouth weight, featuring flavors of blackberry jam, vanilla-laced laced-crème brûlée, caramel, candied orange zest, and milk chocolate notes. There are prominent wood spice notes of cinnamon, with a hint of clove and chili pepper. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of dried fruit, fig jam, wood spices, and dried tobacco leaf herbal hints. Best of Category Winners Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml. $117 The Murray Hill Club Bourbon, initially established in the 19th century, was revived in the 21st century to honor the legacy of its namesake. One of the company's original products, the bourbon blends 18-year-old and 11-year-old bourbon, with 9-year-old light whiskey. All three whiskeys were distilled at MGP. A “light whiskey” refers to a spirit distilled at a higher proof than traditional whiskeys, typically between 80% and 95% ABV, and is aged in either used oak or uncharred new oak barrels. The higher distillation proof and aging process produce a lighter taste and color than bourbon. The bourbon is rich, fruity, and savory on the nose, exhibiting flavored pipe tobacco, raisins, caramel, toasted bread, black pepper, and honey notes. It’s smooth, sweet, and syrupy on the palate, with the distinctive mouth weight that Joseph A. Magnus bourbon is known for. It features black pepper, stewed fruits, tobacco, caramel, vanilla, seasoned oak, and coffee flavors. The finish is long and sweet, though less intense than the Cigar blend expression, with lingering notes of caramel, milk chocolate, roux, and black pepper. Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber's Mizunara Reserve Bourbon, 58% ABV, 750 ml. $130 Starlight Distillery is known for its farm-to-bottle approach, utilizing grains from their 700-acre farm in Borden, Indiana. The Carl T. Huber's Mizunara Reserve is a limited-release bourbon aged for 7 years in new charred American white oak barrels and finished in rare Mizunara oak casks from Hokkaido, Japan. The bourbon is a blend drawn from different mash bills: a 3-grain, 60% corn, 20% rye, and 20% malted barley, and a 4-grain, 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, and 9% wheat. The nose is sweet, featuring vanilla, baking spices, caramel, and incense. The palate exhibits sandalwood and coconut, imparted by the Mizunara oak, caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, seasoned oak, and assorted wood spices. The finish is long, semi-sweet, and elegant, with lingering fruit and coconut notes. The American Distilling Institute (ADI) is a leading trade organization for craft and independent distillers in the United States. Founded in 2003, ADI supports the growth and success of small-scale distillers through education, advocacy, networking, and promotion of best practices in the industry. ADI’s annual spirits competition often highlights up-and-coming brands, many of which have yet to establish national distribution. For the bourbon connoisseur, the competition offers an excellent insight into what will likely be tomorrow’s American whiskey stars. See the ADI International Spirits competition website for a complete listing of this year’s winners Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades