Frank August’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon just claimed the top bourbon honor at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition, scoring 98 points and outperforming household names in the category.
Known for their minimalist Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired bottles, the brand launched just three years ago. So this recognition validates something whiskey enthusiasts have been slowly figuring out. That exceptional bourbon doesn’t always need a century-old heritage.
The Mystery Behind the Minimalism
Founded in 2022 by Jonathan Crocker and partners during pandemic-era conversations, Frank August deliberately avoids the romanticized origin stories that saturate bourbon marketing. Instead of distilling their own whiskey, they source from undisclosed Kentucky distilleries and focus entirely on barrel selection and blending expertise — an approach that clearly pays dividends.
The brand’s aesthetic reflects this philosophy. Their bottles feature almost no labeling, letting the liquid inside speak for itself.
Expertise Meets Execution
Each small batch combines 10 to 15 carefully selected barrels, bottled at 100 proof to showcase the whiskey’s character. Unlike distilleries, Frank August is what you’d call a “non-distilling producer.” This means they harvest liquid from another distillery, but may age, select, and blend in-house. The brand’s barrel sourcing remains intentionally opaque, though some industry observers point toward possible Wilderness Trail connections based on flavor profiles.
The IWSC judges — including master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden and spirits writer Millie Milliken — noted layers of apple tart, custard, and dried apricots on the nose, transitioning to buckwheat honey, vanilla, and warm spice on the palate. The finish delivers satisfying leather notes that tie everything together.
Recognition Where It Matters
Established in 1969, the International Wine & Spirit Competition is among the most prestigious in the spirits world. Best of all, their blind tasting format eliminates bias toward established brands or flashy packaging. Frank August’s victory over entries from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, and Wild Turkey demonstrates this philosophy brilliantly.
Spec Sheet
Whiskey: Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Age Statement: Unspecified
Small Batch: 10-15 barrels per batch
ABV: 50%
Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, warm oak, mild baking spices
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, rye bread spices, brown sugar, malt
Finish: Medium to long with vanilla, oak, baking spices
IWSC Tasting Notes: Apple tart, custard, dried apricots, buckwheat honey, warm spice, leather finish
IWSC Score: 98 points (Bourbon Trophy winner)
Pricing & Availability
Frank August Small Batch typically retails between $70-80. However, availability remains limited due to the brand’s selective distribution strategy.
Recap
Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon IWSC 2025 Winner
Frank August’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon just claimed the top bourbon honor at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition with a 98-point score, proving that a three-year-old brand focused on expert barrel selection can outperform century-old distillery giants.
