Going global: The ASCOT Awards returned in 2025 with a vengeance. The blind-tasting gauntlet had gone international — over 1,100 entries from distillers across five continents showed up to prove their mettle. The judging panel, a rotating cast of 40+ of the world's most opinionated palates, put every drop through the wringer without mercy.
By the time the smoke cleared, two bottles stood above the rest: Lasso Motel 18 Year American Straight Whiskey was crowned the overall “Best in Show” Ultimate Winner, while Rolling Fork 16 Year Trinidad Single Cask took home the “Best in Show” White Spirit title. Here are all the Best in Category champions from that unforgettable year — the bottles that survived the bracket and earned their place in ASCOT history.
🏆 Old Soul Bourbon Tintype #1
🏆 Pinhook Vertical Series Rye – 9 Year
🏆 Ardbeg Eureka!
🏆 Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
🏆 The QuintEssential Special Release – Wine Club
🏆 Lasso Motel 18 Year American Straight Whiskey
✨ 🥇 Also crowned 2025 “Best in Show” Ultimate Winner
🏆 Santa Almagia Tobala Joven
🏆 Rolling Fork 16 Year Trinidad Single Cask
✨ 🏆 Also named 2025 “Best in Show” White Spirit / Non-Whiskey of the Year
🏆 Farmer's Reserve Strength Gin
🏆 Belvedere 10
🏆 Wayward Cask 25 Year Calvados Pays D'Auge
🏆 Faretti Biscotti