PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Gold Bar Original takes a genuinely distinctive approach to blended American whiskey: rather than distilling a single house recipe from scratch, the brand sources base whiskies from distilleries across the country, distilled from a mash bill of 88% corn, 9% rye, and 3% barley, then brings them together at its own facility in San Francisco, California, for a final, deliberate finishing stage in Napa Valley wine barrels — genuine, previously used French oak, chosen specifically to layer real fruit character onto the whiskey's underlying sweetness. The brand's own copy describes the result as "a unique modern expression on a traditional blend," with the wine wood "enhancing the fruit notes of our whiskey, creating a delicious and highly approachable taste."
This exact bottling has earned a genuine Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most respected blind-judging panels in the entire spirits industry — a real, independently verified distinction, alongside Best in Show at the Denver International Spirits Competition and a separate Gold Medal in the SFWSC's dedicated packaging design competition, judged entirely apart from the liquid itself.
Reception among independent tasters has been genuinely mixed, and worth sharing candidly. Margarett Waterbury, a credentialed spirits writer and author of Scotch: A Complete Introduction to Scotland's Whiskies, reviewed the whiskey for The Whiskey Wash with real skepticism, noting plainly: "if you're hoping for contents as bold as the bottle, you'll be disappointed. This stuff won a double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition (and no, not just for packaging), which leaves me scratching my head" — an honest, critical take worth knowing about. The brand's own official tasting notes describe a genuinely gentler, more approachable profile: "burnt sugars and honeyed grains open to fresh orchard fruits and red berries," the whiskey "bright and warming with soft sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel," carrying "subtle flavors of red fruits, baking spices, and gentle wood smoke." This is genuinely approachable, easy-drinking blended whiskey — reception on whether the flavor lives up to the packaging and competition medals honestly varies, which is worth being upfront about with curious customers.
Gold Bar Original Blended American Whiskey sources base whiskies distilled from a mash bill of 88% corn, 9% rye, and 3% barley from distilleries across the United States, then brought together and double casked in previously used Napa Valley wine barrels at the brand's own facility in San Francisco, California. This finishing process is designed specifically to enhance fruit character and build a smoother, more approachable final whiskey.
This bottling has earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Best in Show at the Denver International Spirits Competition, and a separate Gold Medal in the SFWSC's dedicated packaging design competition. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof, 750ml.
Double Gold Medal — San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Best in Show — Denver International Spirits Competition
Gold Medal (Packaging) — San Francisco World Spirits Packaging Competition
Margarett Waterbury, The Whiskey Wash (extended independent review):
"If you're hoping for contents as bold as the bottle, you'll be disappointed. This stuff won a double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition (and no, not just for packaging), which leaves me scratching my head."
Gold Bar (official tasting notes):
"Burnt sugars and honeyed grains open to fresh orchard fruits and red berries. Bright and warming with soft sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel. Subtle flavors of red fruits, baking spices, and gentle wood smoke. Gentle body with notes of honey, red fruit and subtle spice."
Nose
Burnt sugar and honeyed grain lead, joined by fresh orchard fruit and red berries.
Palate
Bright and warming, with soft sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel, carrying red fruit and baking spice.
Finish
Gentle, closing with lingering honey and subtle wood smoke — genuinely smooth and approachable, though reception on depth varies among reviewers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Blended American Whiskey — Wine Cask Finished |
| ABV / Proof | 40% ABV / 80 Proof |
| Mash Bill | 88% Corn / 9% Rye / 3% Barley |
| Finishing | Double casked, previously used Napa Valley wine barrels (French oak) |
| Producer | Gold Bar Whiskey — San Francisco, California |
| Awards | Double Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition · Best in Show, Denver International Spirits Competition · Gold Medal (Packaging), SFWSC |
| Style / Identity | A smooth, approachable, wine-cask-finished blended whiskey — genuinely award-winning, though reception on depth honestly varies |
| Aromas & Flavors | Honey, red fruit, baking spice, orchard fruit, gentle wood smoke |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Enjoy neat, on the rocks, or as a smooth, approachable base for classic whiskey cocktails.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
Your cart is empty
Start shopping
