Talnua Distillery, based in Arvada, Colorado, has earned the top title of America’s Best Whiskey 2025. The distillery’s Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey took first place at the American Distilling Institute’s (ADI) 2025 International Spirits Competition. The announcement was made on Wednesday.
Fierce Competition with Global Entries
This year’s competition saw 290 whiskeys entered from around the world. Since the ADI competition began in 2007, a total of 700 spirits have been submitted. Spirits are judged on quality and taste, scoring from 0 to 100 points.
Spirits scoring 90 or above receive a Gold Medal. If a spirit exemplifies its style perfectly, judges award a Double Gold Medal. The highest honor, Best in Class, goes to one spirit per category such as Whiskey, Gin, or Vodka.
Unique Pot Still Method Sets Talnua Apart
Talnua’s whiskeys stand out for their quality and traditional pot still method. Unlike many American distilleries, Talnua uses copper pot stills and a mash bill made of half malted and half unmalted barley. The unmalted barley contributes significant flavor, influencing both their whiskeys and homemade gin.
Details on Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey
The award-winning Bourbon Stave Series is aged three years in original bourbon barrels with added charred oak staves. This process enhances the whiskey’s complexity. According to Talnua’s website, it offers bright floral notes, fresh-cut hay, and vanilla bean aromas.
Founder and master distiller Patrick Miller said in a statement, “Adding staves can make the whiskey more complex than a single barrel.” He added, “As a Colorado distillery rooted in tradition and driven by curiosity, it means a lot to be recognized by such respected peers. This kind of honor doesn’t come often, especially for a small team like ours, and we are grateful for it.”
Additional Awards for Talnua and Local Distilleries
Talnua also received a gold medal for its American White Oak Cask Bottled in Bond whiskey. Its 2025 Old Saint’s Keep whiskey earned a silver medal.
Other Colorado distilleries also won accolades. Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver took home five medals, including two double golds. Pullman Distillery in Frisco earned two bronze medals. Rocker Spirits Distillery from Littleton won two silver medals. Salida Distillery received a silver and a bronze medal.
The success of these distilleries highlights the growing reputation of Colorado as a hub for quality craft spirits.
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