Lexington, KY — March 26, 2026
Town Branch Distillery has earned top international honors, with its Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon taking home both a Grand Prize and a coveted “Best of 2026” designation at the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards, held March 24 in Seoul, South Korea.
→ A deeper look at Town Branch’s Bourbons
The winning barrel — Kaja Ulsan No. 1 Private Cask (120.1 proof) — was selected in partnership with South Korean collaborators and yielded just 198 bottles. It stood out among 1,118 entries from 260 companies, with only 13 whiskeys receiving a Grand Prize and just 24 total spirits earning “Best of 2026” across all categories.
Why This Matters
Awards come and go. This one signals something bigger.
South Korea has quietly become one of the most important emerging markets for premium American whiskey — especially single barrel programs where individuality and scarcity drive demand. For Town Branch, this win validates two things:
- Single barrel strategy works globally. Private cask selections aren’t just a domestic enthusiast play—they translate across cultures when quality is consistent.
- Cask strength, value-forward bourbon has international appeal. At a time when many premium releases push higher price ceilings, Town Branch continues to position its flagship single barrel offering as accessible without sacrificing intensity or character. (See how this compares to previous releases)
- Partnership-driven growth is paying off. Collaborations with importers and on-the-ground partners are not only expanding reach — they’re producing award-winning barrels tailored to specific markets.
In short: this isn’t just a medal. It’s momentum.
The Bottle Behind the Win
Town Branch® Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon – Cask Strength
- Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Single Barrel)
- Mash Bill: 72% Corn | 15% Rye | 13% Malted Barley
- Cooperage: New American White Oak, #4 Char
- Age: 7+ years (average)
- ABV: Cask Strength
- SRP: $49.99+ / 750ml
Each barrel is bottled without blending, filtration, or proofing—making every release a one-off expression.
Tasting Profile (Typical):
Medium honeyed amber in the glass. Aromas lean into caramel, sweet corn, and dried fruit, with layers of baked apple and walnut. The palate builds from sweet corn and toasted cinnamon into apricot, cherry, vanilla, and a subtle leather note. Finishes with balanced heat, oak, and baking spice.
Expanding Globally, Building in South Korea
Town Branch has steadily grown its international footprint, with South Korea emerging as a key market. The brand partnered with Apex Brands Corp., a leading importer known for introducing premium spirits to Korean consumers and building dedicated whiskey retail and hospitality spaces.
That relationship has helped establish Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon as a strong seller locally—making this award both a recognition of quality and a reflection of market resonance.
Beyond Korea, Town Branch continues expanding through a mix of traditional distribution and creative engagement, including international tastings, private barrel programs, and participation in global trade events.
About Town Branch Distillery
Town Branch Distillery is based in Lexington, Kentucky, and is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. — the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Notably the first new distillery to open in Lexington since Prohibition, Town Branch produces a range of spirits including bourbon, rye, malt whiskey, and specialty releases. The distillery operates with a unique grain-to-glass and barrel lifecycle approach — repurposing used barrels into both whiskey and barrel-aged beers, including the well-known Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.
With global logistics support tied to its sister operations, including Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin, the brand is positioned to operate as both a craft producer and an international player.
More from Town Branch
Town Branch – Small Batch Bourbon (90 Proof) Review
A bright, approachable Kentucky bourbon with nostalgic sweetness, gentle herbal notes, and a classic dusty finish. An easy sipper that balances comfort, character, and value.
A Visit to Town Branch Distillery – Lexington, KY
Some distilleries impress you with scale. Others with story. Town Branch manages both — grounded in history, but focused on what’s in the glass.
Town Branch – True Cask Bourbon (Batch 011) Review
A vivid, fruit-forward cask-strength bourbon led by peach, citrus, and baking spice. Bright, energetic, and expressive without losing balance or approachability.
Want more bottles like this? Start here → Best Value