Chilled Awards Winner of the Week: Wooler Whiskey Earns 98 Points and Breakout Brand Honors
Wooler Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon makes an impressive showing at the 2026 CHILLED Awards, earning a Platinum medal and recognition as a Breakout Brand.
Wooler Whiskey has plenty to celebrate following the 2026 CHILLED Awards. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon earned an outstanding 98-point score, securing Platinum honors along with the distinction of being named a 2026 Breakout Brand.
Judges were particularly impressed by the bourbon’s rich aromatics, balanced character, and smooth, lingering finish. In the glass, Wooler displays a brilliant honey color, followed by inviting aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramelized sugar.
The first sip delivers a lively introduction, with barrel sweetness giving way to a rich, velvety texture. Notes of toffee, sweet grain, and gentle spice develop across the palate, while the bourbon’s well-integrated alcohol contributes warmth without overpowering its flavors. The finish is clean and lasting, with toasted oak lingering pleasantly after each sip.
Beyond its performance as a sipping whiskey, Wooler also earned high marks for its versatility. Judges awarded it a 9.9 for mixability and sipping potential, recognizing its ability to stand on its own while offering bartenders a flavorful foundation for bourbon-forward cocktails.
For bartenders, Wooler’s combination of classic bourbon character and approachable pricing makes it worth considering for an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or other whiskey-focused creations. Its vanilla, caramel, and oak notes provide the familiar flavors guests expect from Kentucky bourbon, while its smooth texture makes it equally appealing served neat or over ice.
The judges also highlighted the whiskey’s value, noting that its quality exceeded expectations for its price point.
With a 98-point Platinum score and Breakout Brand recognition, Wooler Whiskey is making a strong impression among the working bartenders evaluating spirits for the CHILLED Awards.
2026 CHILLED Awards Recognition
Wooler Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Final Score: 98 Points
Medal: Platinum
Additional Honor: 2026 Breakout Brand
Judges’ Highlights: Toasted oak, vanilla, caramelized sugar, toffee, velvety texture, and a long, smooth finish.
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