WHISKEY BOWL I CHAMPIONS
Whiskey Bowl I - OVERALL CHAMPION
Redbreast 12
Whiskey Bowl I - Best Value Whiskey
Basil Hayden Dark Rye
Contenders
#1 - Redbreast 12 YO
Cumulative Score: 20.47 | Whiskey Category: Irish | Proof: 80
How it got here: In the semifinals, Redbreast sailed past Suntory Toki in each of the 3 venues to secure its place in the inaugural Whiskey Bowl. It notched a cumulative score victory of 19.40 to 14.79.
Whiskey Notes: Redbreast 12, is the flagship release from the Redbreast line; it's a traditional Midleton triple distilled Irish whiskey and matured in oak casks.
#2 Blanton's Original
Cumulative Score: 20.03 | Whiskey Category: Bourbon | Proof: 93
How it got here: Blanton's won 2 of the 3 venues in the semifinals and earned a cumulative score victory of 18.91 to 16.37 over Jefferson's Reserve. The surprising loss came in Pennsylvania, but scores in Ohio and Virginia pushed Blanton's to a comfortable margin and the #2 overall seed in the Whiskey Bowl.
Whiskey Notes: A bit of Whiskey history. Blanton's was the first single barrel bourbon sold commercially way back in 1984 (hence the name Original).
Aged 6-8 years in American white oak with a mashbill rumored to be 12-15% rye.
#3 Basil Hayden Dark Rye
Cumulative Score: 19.88 | Whiskey Category: Rye | Proof: 80
How it got here: Basil Hayden Dark Rye won in Pennsylvania and Virginia over Glenfiddich 14 Year Scotch Whisky and also scored a cumulative score win 19.09 to 16.95. Glenfiddich did win over the judges in Ohio but that was not enough to best the Dark Rye.
Whiskey Notes: From the distiller's comments, Basil Hadyen Dark Rye begins with a Kentucky Rye mashbill, blended with a Canadian Rye and finished with a touch of Port.
#4 Jameson Triple Triple
Cumulative Score: 19.30 | Whiskey Category: Irish | Proof: 80
How it got here: Jameson swept all 3 states to secure its spot in the finals. Winning by an overall margin of 18.58 to 16.33 against Bulleit Rye.
Whiskey Notes: Jameson Triple Triple is not for sale in the United States with the exception of Duty Free shops for international travelers. It is triple distilled and triple cask matured in Bourbon, Sherry, and hand-selected Malaga casks.
#5 Angel's Envy
Cumulative Score: 18.68 | Whiskey Category: Bourbon | Proof: 86.6
How it got here: Angel's Envy was the favorite of the judges in its matchup against Bulleit Bourbon in both Pennsylvania and Virginia. While it did not win in Ohio, it's overall score compiled for all judges gave it an 18.00 to 17.67 victory over the Frontier Whiskey.
Whiskey Notes: A mashbill of 72% Corn, 18% Rye and 10% Malted Barley, blended in small batches typically aged up to 6 years and finished in French oak ruby port wine casks imported from Portugal for a period of 3-6 months.
#6 Basil Hayden Bourbon
Cumulative Score: 18.13 | Whiskey Category: Bourbon | Proof: 80
How it got here: The longshot in the finals, Basil Hayden Bourbon comes into whiskey bowl as the 10th ranked whiskey in the all-time rankings and the #6 seed in the bracket.
In the semifinals, the bourbon from Basil Hayden upset Woodford Reserve (on Derby Day) in all 3 venues and a cumulative score victory of 18.67 to 16.71. The smooth finish of the bourbon was clearly a favorite of the judges.
Whiskey Notes: Known as a gateway bourbon into Jim Beam's Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden's 80-proof bourbon is high-rye mashbill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley). There is no age statement on this bourbon which is likely aged somewhere between 5 and 8 years.