USA Spirits Ratings

by BEVERAGE TRADE NETWORK

Super Early
Deadline

December 22, 2026

Judging
Date

July 25, 2027

Winners
Announced

August 12, 2027

Winning Years

2024

Our Products

2024

Kelt Cognac Commodore

Cognac
93 Points

Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Caribbean Rum Cask

Whisky
91 Points

Kelt Cognac XO 100 Proof (Blender's Reserve)

Cognac
90 Points

Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Bourbon Cask

Whisky
90 Points

Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Madeira Cask

Whisky
90 Points

Kaiyo Whisky Cask Strength 53%

Whisky
87 Points

Kelt Cognac Rare VSOP

Cognac
87 Points

Kaiyo Whisky "The Signature" 43%

Whisky
87 Points

Kaiyo Whisky 5 Wood

Whisky
86 Points

Kelt Cognac Commodore

Cognac

Photo for: Kelt Cognac Commodore

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Gold Medal

93 Points

USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Cognac Of The Year

93 Points

Tasting Notes:

Rich and harmonious with candied orange peel, vanilla, and mango on the nose, the palate is round with orange and nutmeg, finishing with a lasting spice box flavor.

Producer Name: Kelt Cognac
Country: France
Vintage: N/A

Category: Cognac

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Teresa Dito

Teresa Dito

Mixologist Bartender at Hilton & Peninsula Golf Club

Photo for: Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor

Bar Manager

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Caribbean Rum Cask

Whisky

Photo for: Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Caribbean Rum Cask

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Gold Medal

91 Points

Tasting Notes:

Golden color with warm flavor, this spirit presents sweet corn, caramel, and cookie dough, with notes of burnt caramel and a lingering finish.

Producer Name: Dunbrody Irish Whiskey
Country: Ireland
Vintage: N/A

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Michael Cecconi

Michael Cecconi

Bartender in Residence at Stirred Mixology Instructor, Monday Night Mixology & The Institute of Culinary Education

Photo for: Ranier Reglos

Ranier Reglos

Beverage Director at Sabio Hospitality Group

Photo for: David Rowe

David Rowe

Lead Bartender at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Kelt Cognac XO 100 Proof (Blender's Reserve)

Cognac

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Gold Medal

90 Points

Tasting Notes:

Peach pie and spice rack on the nose, dried peach, cheddar, cinnamon, and nutmeg on the palate, with a rich, multi-dimensional finish of walnut, vanilla, caramel, and smoke.

Producer Name: Kelt Cognac
Country: France
Vintage: N/A

Category: Cognac

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Teresa Dito

Teresa Dito

Mixologist Bartender at Hilton & Peninsula Golf Club

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Photo for: Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor

Bar Manager

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Bourbon Cask

Whisky

Photo for: Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Bourbon Cask

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Gold Medal

90 Points

Tasting Notes:

Caramelized pineapple, cacao nibs, and plantain on the nose, this spirit has a big, round, smooth mouthfeel with flavorful hints of age and a golden brown color.

Producer Name: Dunbrody Irish Whiskey
Country: Ireland
Vintage: N/A

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Michael Cecconi

Michael Cecconi

Bartender in Residence at Stirred Mixology Instructor, Monday Night Mixology & The Institute of Culinary Education

Photo for: Ranier Reglos

Ranier Reglos

Beverage Director at Sabio Hospitality Group

Photo for: David Rowe

David Rowe

Lead Bartender at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Madeira Cask

Whisky

Photo for: Dunbrody Irish Whiskey Madeira Cask

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Gold Medal

90 Points

Tasting Notes:

Golden color with pronounced flavor, little peat, cola, molasses, and cherry on the palate, finishing with big barley and a floral, fruity note.

Producer Name: Dunbrody Irish Whiskey
Country: Ireland
Vintage: N/A

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Michael Cecconi

Michael Cecconi

Bartender in Residence at Stirred Mixology Instructor, Monday Night Mixology & The Institute of Culinary Education

Photo for: Ranier Reglos

Ranier Reglos

Beverage Director at Sabio Hospitality Group

Photo for: David Rowe

David Rowe

Lead Bartender at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Kaiyo Whisky Cask Strength 53%

Whisky

Photo for: Kaiyo Whisky Cask Strength 53%

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Silver Medal

87 Points

Tasting Notes:

Fermented honey and leather on the nose, this spirit has a spiced palate with honey and leather, finishing with slight peat and complex, bright salted plum notes.

Producer Name: Kaiyo Whisky
Country: Japan
Vintage: N/A

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Teresa Dito

Teresa Dito

Mixologist Bartender at Hilton & Peninsula Golf Club

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Photo for: Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor

Bar Manager

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Kelt Cognac Rare VSOP

Cognac

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Silver Medal

87 Points

Tasting Notes:

Elegant nose of spice and must with cinnamon and cedar, a rounded, balanced palate finishing with orange zest and a musty note.

Producer Name: Kelt Cognac
Country: France
Vintage: N/A

Category: Cognac

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Teresa Dito

Teresa Dito

Mixologist Bartender at Hilton & Peninsula Golf Club

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Photo for: Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor

Bar Manager

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Kaiyo Whisky "The Signature" 43%

Whisky

Photo for: Kaiyo Whisky

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Silver Medal

87 Points

Tasting Notes:

Honey and nori on the nose, with sweet honey notes, a slight hint of peat smoke, and a mellow malty palate, finishing leatherly, lightly salty, and well-balanced.

Producer Name: Kaiyo Whisky
Country: Japan
Vintage: N/A

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Teresa Dito

Teresa Dito

Mixologist Bartender at Hilton & Peninsula Golf Club

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Photo for: Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor

Bar Manager

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

Kaiyo Whisky 5 Wood

Whisky

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USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Silver Medal

86 Points

Tasting Notes:

Honey and soft spice on the nose, with a palate of honey, almond, and light umami, finishing nutty and moreish.

Producer Name: Kaiyo Whisky
Country: Japan
Vintage: N/A

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Teresa Dito

Teresa Dito

Mixologist Bartender at Hilton & Peninsula Golf Club

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Photo for: Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor

Bar Manager

Judges are active U.S. off-premise trade buyers and evaluated this product in 2026.

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LHK Spirits Group

United States

LHK Spirits Group produces top quality brands: Kaiyo Whisky, Kelt Cognac, and Dunbrody Irish Whiskey.