In the heart of Brooklyn, the New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC) took place last month, bringing together industry luminaries for an exclusive taste test of some of the finest spirits in the market. This annual event serves as a barometer of quality in the spirits industry, with a panel made up of distillers, bartenders, and influential beverage writers participating in rigorous blind tastings. With hundreds of entries spread across various categories, the process is thorough, leading to the selection of winners designated with accolades like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the top honor, Best In Show.
The NYWSC is renowned for celebrating exceptional craftsmanship, and this year’s festivities highlighted an unexpected yet exciting newcomer—Lasso Motel. With the competition seeing entries from established brands that have dominated the market for years, the emergence of Lasso Motel’s 18-Year-Old American Straight Whiskey as the winner of the esteemed Best In Show award was a significant moment. This accolade does not just signify quality; it reflects a daring innovation in the American whiskey landscape.
What sets Lasso Motel apart is its innovative approach to whiskey-making. The 18-Year-Old American Straight Whiskey, a 120-proof spirit, features a unique mash bill composed of an impressive 99% corn and a touch of 1% malted barley. This careful composition, drawn from MGP distillery in Indiana, represents a thoughtful blend of traditional and modern practices. Notably, the whiskey is aged exclusively in used bourbon barrels—a departure from the strict regulations surrounding bourbon production, which state that new casks must be utilized.
This unconventional aging method allows the whiskey to age for an extended period of time, sidestepping the overly woody connotations that sometimes plague older bourbons. Its maturity over 18 years results in a remarkable balance, characterized by a buttery smooth mouthfeel unusual for spirits of such a high proof. The rich flavor profile envelops the palate with notes of caramel, toffee, and maple syrup, complemented by lingering hints of dried stone fruit dusted in brown sugar.
The whiskey has received glowing reviews from experts, including spirits author Aaron Goldfarb, who acknowledged his initial uncertainty regarding the definition of American straight whiskey but ultimately decided Lasso Motel’s offering was the standout of the competition. The acclaim is significant, especially given the context of the competition, which, year after year, draws some of the most prestigious names in spirits from around the globe.
Following its award, Lasso Motel is set to take the American whiskey market by storm, making its highly anticipated debut across Texas and Florida this month. This launch comes with plans for nationwide shipping via Seelbach’s, indicating the brand’s commitment to reaching a wider audience swiftly. In addition to the award-winning whiskey, Lasso Motel boasts a diverse lineup of 13 other cask-finished whiskies, most bottled at 100-proof and offered at a competitive retail price of $70. However, for those wishing to experience the lauded 18-Year-Old American Straight Whiskey, a price tag of $130 reflects its exclusivity and exceptional quality.
Lasso Motel’s unprecedented success at the NYWSC not only showcases the potential of emerging brands to disrupt an industry often dominated by giants but also highlights the importance of innovation and quality in whiskey production. The 18-Year-Old American Straight Whiskey serves as a testament to the craftsmanship that can flourish when regulations are bent just slightly—leading to spectacular results. As whiskey enthusiasts and casual consumers alike await its broader availability, Lasso Motel is poised to carve out a significant niche in the competitive spirits market, promising a new chapter in American whiskey history.