This year’s New York International Spirits Competition brought together over 1,400 spirits from 39 countries and 34 U.S. states, judged by seasoned trade buyers, importers, and spirits professionals. In a crowded field, Branch & Barrel Distillery stood out—taking home not one, but two medals for our Colorado-crafted whiskey.
Here’s a closer look at our 2025 winners and why these bottles deserve a spot on your shelf.
🥈 Single Barrel 6-Year Bourbon
Silver Medal | 93 Points
Cask Strength | 110 Proof
Our first-ever six-year release, this is the 2nd oldest bourbon we’ve bottled to date—and the boldest. Aged slowly in the Colorado climate and bottled at full cask strength, it’s a pour that rewards patience and commands attention.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel, toasted oak, brown sugar
Palate: Cherry cola, baking spice, cinnamon bark, vanilla cream
Finish: Warm, dry, and lingering with notes of charred oak and sweet corn
Big. Bold. Balanced. This isn’t a bottle for background sipping—it’s a centerpiece.🔥 Hard to Find, Worth the Hunt! Released in February 2025, this bottle was a limited drop—but some may still be on shelves at local Colorado liquor stores. Ask your shop. Dig a little. If you find one, you’re in for something special. We have a store locator on our website.
🥇 Colorado Gold American Whiskey
Gold Medal | 94 Points
Blended American Whiskey | 80 Proof
Introducing Colorado Gold—our first venture into the Blended American Whiskey category, and a gold medalist on its very first outing. Designed to be approachable, versatile, and full of character, it blends second-use barrels from our stash with a touch of our award-winning 4-Year Flagship Bourbon for a smooth, crowd-pleasing result.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Toasted vanilla, citrus zest, golden grain
Palate: Light oak, honeyed cornbread, soft spice, stone fruit
Finish: Clean, easygoing, and gently sweet
Available Now – Everywhere Good Whiskey Is Poured
Colorado Gold is currently available at select bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and our tasting room, where you can sip it in a flight, enjoy it in a cocktail, or grab a bottle to-go. Pour it neat, mix it up, or flask it for your next camping trip. Colorado Gold is here for a good time—and a damn good drink.
Why It Matters
Getting recognized by the NYISC is more than a medal—it’s affirmation that our process, our ingredients, and our passion truly stand out in a crowd of global contenders. From grain to glass, everything we make is proudly rooted in Colorado.
We’re humbled. We’re hyped. And we’re just getting started.These awards are more than medals. They’re a statement—that Colorado whiskey belongs on the world stage. Every barrel we fill and bottle we cork reflects our passion, our process, and our commitment to making the best damn whiskey in Colorado!
So whether you’re a seasoned bourbon hunter or just want something smooth to share with friends—we invite you to taste the best of what we do.
Why We Do It
At the end of the day, we do this because we love the craft—and we love this community. Colorado has given us the space to grow, experiment, and create something meaningful, and we don’t take that for granted. Your support fuels everything we do. As long as you keep raising a glass, we’ll keep filling the barrel.
Come Discover the Tasting Room Experience
Come see why Branch & Barrel is quickly becoming a go-to destination for whiskey lovers across Colorado. Whether you’re a lifelong bourbon enthusiast or just starting your whiskey journey, our cozy tasting room offers the perfect place to unwind, explore, and sip something unforgettable.
Located just outside Denver, our tasting room blends rustic charm with modern comfort—a relaxed, inviting space where you can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, whiskey flights, or a glass of something neat with friends, family, or fellow spirits fans.
What to Expect:
- Award-winning whiskeys in classic pours or bold new cocktails
- Whiskey flights to explore our latest and greatest
- Twisted Jack’s soft pretzels + Bibamba Chocolate for snacking
- Dog-friendly vibes—bring your pup (leashed and well-behaved)
- Outside food welcome—feel free to order in or ask us for local recs
Visit Us: Branch & Barrel Distillery
Tours + Tastings: Includes a souvenir glass and $10 toward your bottle of choice
Bold Spirits. Local Craft. National Recognition. Cheers to what’s next.
– The Branch & Barrel Team