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

2026

Our Products

2026

Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey

Whisky
94 Points

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey

Whisky
91 Points

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

Whisky
89 Points

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

Whisky
89 Points

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition

Whisky
89 Points

Uncle Nearest Cognac Cask-006

Whisky
87 Points

Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey

Whisky

Photo for: Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey

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USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Gold Medal

94 Points

USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Tennessee Whiskey Of The Year

94 Points

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of apricot and subtle funk precede a clean, crisp palate with delicate malt, orchard fruit, and a refined mineral finish.

Producer Name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Country: United States
Vintage: 4

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Justin Koury

Justin Koury

Buyer at Bounty Hunter Wine and Spirits

Photo for: Michael Garcia

Michael Garcia

District Manager at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Photo for: Rachelle Carandang

Rachelle Carandang

Sr Manager - Product Development and Sourcing, Beverages at Sam's Club

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

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey

Whisky

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USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Gold Medal

91 Points

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of baked fruits, caramel, and toasted oak lead to a balanced palate of sweet and spicy notes, culminating in a persistent warm finish with hints of toffee and butterscotch.

Producer Name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Country: United States
Vintage: 5

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Michael Garcia

Michael Garcia

District Manager at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Photo for: Justin Koury

Justin Koury

Buyer at Bounty Hunter Wine and Spirits

Photo for: Rachelle Carandang

Rachelle Carandang

Sr Manager - Product Development and Sourcing, Beverages at Sam's Club

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

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

Whisky

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USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Silver Medal

89 Points

Tasting Notes:

A fresh, grainy nose leads to a nutty, dry palate with warming oak notes and a peppery finish.

Producer Name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Country: United States
Vintage: 5

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Tim Marson MW

Tim Marson MW

Category Director at Wine.com

Photo for: Joy Lee

Joy Lee

Assistant Buyer Beer, Wine & Spirits at Grocery outlet

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

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

Whisky

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USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Silver Medal

89 Points

Tasting Notes:

A smooth, smoky oak aroma with hints of butterscotch and dark fruit leads to a balanced palate and a long cinnamon finish.

Producer Name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Country: United States
Vintage: 5

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Jackie Summers

Jackie Summers

CEO & President at Jack From Brooklyn

Photo for: Martin Hernandez

Martin Hernandez

Bartender at The Grandview Restaurant and Lounge

Photo for: Timothy Tidgewell

Timothy Tidgewell

Wine & Spirits Manager at Total Wine & More

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

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition

Whisky

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USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Silver Medal

89 Points

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of light smokiness and vanilla lead to a smooth, oak and caramel-forward palate with a dry, astringent finish.

Producer Name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Country: United States
Vintage: 5

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Jackie Summers

Jackie Summers

CEO & President at Jack From Brooklyn

Photo for: Martin Hernandez

Martin Hernandez

Bartender at The Grandview Restaurant and Lounge

Photo for: Timothy Tidgewell

Timothy Tidgewell

Wine & Spirits Manager at Total Wine & More

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

Uncle Nearest Cognac Cask-006

Whisky

Photo for: Uncle Nearest Cognac Cask-006

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USA Spirits Ratings 2026

Silver Medal

87 Points

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers baked fruits and spice that carry through to a palate with rich caramel and subtle oak, finishing with a gentle warmth and a touch of astringency.

Producer Name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Country: United States
Vintage: 6

Category: Whisky

TASTED BY:

Photo for: Justin Koury

Justin Koury

Buyer at Bounty Hunter Wine and Spirits

Photo for: Michael Garcia

Michael Garcia

District Manager at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Photo for: Rachelle Carandang

Rachelle Carandang

Sr Manager - Product Development and Sourcing, Beverages at Sam's Club

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

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Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

United States

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