The New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC) recently assembled a distinguished panel of industry experts to assess the best offerings in the spirits category—a highlight for connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Held last month in downtown Brooklyn, this annual event featured a wide array of entries, set against the backdrop of a bustling convention hall filled with aromatic notes from various whiskies. With industry veterans, booze writers, and skilled bartenders lending their expertise, the jury tasted and meticulously scored countless samples, dividing them into levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold, and ultimately, Best In Class, culminating in the most prestigious recognition of all, Best In Show.
The anticipation surrounding the Best In Show announcement adds a thrilling allure to the competition, which often showcases established brands but sometimes presents a fresh face. This year’s top honor was bestowed upon a whiskey that many might not yet be familiar with—18 Year Old American Straight Whiskey from the newly launched brand Lasso Motel.
What sets Lasso Motel’s whiskey apart is not merely its age but its construction. Made from a mashbill that consists of an astonishing 99% corn and just 1% malted barley, this spirit carries the distinctive hallmark of American whiskey. Sourced from MGP in Indiana, Lasso Motel chose to age their whiskey exclusively in used bourbon barrels. This decision is a defining characteristic, as it distinguishes it from being classified as bourbon.
Unlike bourbon, which must be aged in virgin casks, Lasso Motel’s utilization of second-hand barrels permits a maturation process that can extend significantly without overwhelming oak flavors. Consequently, it enables their spirit to age gracefully for almost two decades, presenting a flavor profile that is rare in older whiskies.
The flavor journey begins with an inviting aroma, effortlessly luring you in with notes of rich caramel that entice the senses. Upon taking a sip, the palate is welcomed by a sweet symphony of toffee and maple syrup, an experience reminiscent of dessert in liquid form. Remarkably, despite its robust 120-proof content, the whiskey unveils a silky mouthfeel, suggesting a careful balance carefully executed during the distillation and aging processes.
What follows is a lingering finish that reveals layers of dried stone fruits dusted with brown sugar—a delicate touch completing a complex tasting experience that celebrates the nuances of its long maturation. It’s a stunning introduction to a whiskey that will likely capture the attention of both seasoned drinkers and those looking to explore the depths of American spirits.
Aaron Goldfarb, a well-respected spirits author and a judge at the NYWSC, noted, “I’m not sure I actually even knew what exactly defined American straight whiskey. All I knew was this was easily the best whiskey we tasted.” Such commendation from a judging panel that sampled a myriad of globally recognized brands highlights the exceptional quality that Lasso Motel has managed to achieve.
For a brand that is just making its debut, winning the 2024 Best In Show designation is no small feat. As Lasso Motel begins its rollout in Texas and Florida this month, followed by a nationwide distribution through Seelbach’s, the landscape for whiskey lovers has become richer. The brand’s lineup does not just include the award-winning 18-year-old whiskey but also features a range of 13 different cask-finished options, most bottled at 100-proof and priced competitively at $70 per bottle.
However, the star of the show—the 18 Year Old American Straight Whiskey—commands a higher price of $130, reflecting its unique aging process and premium quality that promises an extraordinary tasting experience.
Lasso Motel’s swift ascent in the competitive world of whiskey is a testimony to the ingenuity and passion of modern distillers. With its striking flavor profile and well-deserved accolades, this brand is one to watch as it carves out its identity in the ever-evolving spirits market.