Frank August Small Batch takes top honors at 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition through blind judging
While bourbon giants spend millions on marketing, a two-year-old brand nobody talks about just embarrassed them all. Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon claimed “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition—beating household names through pure taste merit in blind judging.
The upset matters because the IWSC doesn’t mess around. Founded in 1969, this London-based competition brings together expert panels from multiple countries to evaluate spirits without seeing labels, prices, or pedigree.
When Dr. Bill Lumsden and fellow judges crowned Frank August the winner, they had no idea they were choosing a boutique operation most bourbon drinkers have never heard of.
The Competition That Separates Pretenders From Contenders
Blind judging by international experts strips away marketing noise to focus purely on liquid quality.
The IWSC’s rigorous process involves entries from over 90 nations across seven spirit categories. Frank August earned “Gold Outstanding” designation and the highest points among all American whiskeys—a stunning achievement for a brand that sources and blends rather than distills its own bourbon.
The competition’s blind format ensures winners earn recognition solely through taste, not reputation or advertising budgets.
What Makes Frank August Different
- Production: Non-distilling producer blending 10-15 barrels per release
- Age: Minimum four years, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV)
- Price: Available for approximately $77 per 750ml bottle
- Availability: No allocation battles—readily available online
- Source: Undisclosed Kentucky distillery
Fashion Executive Meets Kentucky Tradition
Johnathan Crocker launched Frank August in 2022 with minimalist design philosophy and maximum attention to liquid quality.
The IWSC judges described Frank August’s winning profile with precision that explains the victory. According to the competition results, the bourbon offers a “delightful and layered combination of apple tart, custard, and dried apricots” that opens into a “refined blend of buckwheat honey, dried apricots, vanilla, and warm spice,” finishing with a “satisfying hint of leather” that runs medium to long.
At 100 proof, the bourbon delivers warmth without harsh alcohol bite—a balance that separated it from flashier competitors.
Crocker’s background in fashion shows in the bottle’s elegant, understated design. No loud labeling or gimmicky packaging—just clean lines that let the amber liquid speak for itself.
The approach mirrors the brand’s philosophy: let quality earn recognition rather than relying on heritage stories or celebrity endorsements.
Frank August proves exceptional bourbon doesn’t require famous names or inflated prices. At under $80 and readily available, this world champion offers serious drinkers accessible excellence without the usual hunt.
