LEXINGTON, KY ( Jan. 13, 2026) — William Berkele Distillery’s first release, Burnt Tavern Bourbon, recently received a Double Gold medal in The Fifty Best competition and two Golds in the Proof Awards, one for taste and one for design.
“We’re thrilled and extremely honored to add three more gold medals to our already impressive list of wins. We set out to create a bourbon worthy of Kentucky’s proud tradition, and this award affirms that our story and Chip Tate’s craftsmanship resonate with bourbon enthusiast,” said Bennett Clark, President William Berkele Distillery.
The Fifty Best competition achieves the highest standards of spirits evaluations by adhering to strict tasting rules and rigorous methodology. Using professional criteria, the pre-qualified panel of judge who blind-tasted the Bourbon Whiskies and rated them individually on a 1-5 point scoring system with 5 being the highest. Awards were based on scores and on the judges’ impressions.
Burnt Tavern Bourbon earned a score of 93 at the Pr%f Awards in a double-blind tasting competition with buyers from across the country rating spirits, wines, and beverages in a 100-point rating system. They also won in the design competition with evaluations based on the look, the feel, and the story told in the overall marketing package.
About William Berkele Distillery
The William Berkele Distillery was originally founded in 1868 near the site of the legendary Burnt Tavern in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. The William Berkele Distillery is proud to introduce its first release – Burnt Tavern Bourbon – a premium, double-barreled Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey known for its bold flavor and whisper of smoke. Every bottle reflects the resilience, heritage, and independent spirit of Burnt Tavern. Twice Burned and Reborn.
