Colorado distillery Branch and Barrel continues its strong rise in the American whiskey scene after earning both Gold and Double Gold medals at the 2026 Denver International Spirits Competition.
The Centennial based producer stood out in blind judging, with its Wheated Bourbon earning Double Gold honors while its High Rye Bourbon secured a Gold medal. These results place the distillery among the top performing craft whiskey makers in one of the most competitive spirits events in the country.
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A Big Win for Colorado Made Bourbon
Branch & Barrel’s performance at the 2026 competition highlights the growing strength of Colorado whiskey on a national stage.
The Wheated Bourbon scored 96 points in blind judging, earning Double Gold recognition, while the High Rye Bourbon scored 91 points to take home Gold.
Both results came from strict blind tastings, where judges evaluate only what is in the glass without any branding or producer influence.
What Makes the Wheated Bourbon Stand Out
The Double Gold winning Wheated Bourbon is a three grain whiskey made with Colorado sourced ingredients.
It is known for its layered and balanced flavor profile, featuring notes of milk chocolate, honeyed red berries, caramel cream, and soft marshmallow sweetness.
That combination of richness and smooth structure is often what performs well in blind competitions, where balance and complexity matter most.
High Rye Bourbon Brings a Different Profile
Alongside the Wheated expression, Branch & Barrel’s High Rye Bourbon shows a more spice forward style.
Aged for five years, it delivers notes of spiced walnut, lemongrass, cocktail cherry, and lemon custard, offering a brighter and more structured contrast to the softer Wheated Bourbon.
Together, the two expressions showcase the distillery’s ability to produce range within its core lineup.
Final Thoughts
Branch & Barrel’s Gold and Double Gold wins at the 2026 Denver International Spirits Competition highlight both the distillery’s growth and Colorado’s expanding presence in the whiskey world.
With consistent recognition across multiple expressions, the brand continues to build credibility on a national level.
To read the original coverage, visit
https://www.northwestbeerguide.com/spirits/2026-branchbarrel-denver