Jim Beam Black has won the Bourbon Trophy, the highest awarded accolade in the bourbon category at the 2016 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

Jim Beam Black is aged for longer than the other bourbons in Jim Beam’s portfolio, resulting in a more “full-bodied flavour with smooth caramel and warm oak notes,” according to the judges. Jim Beam Black bourbon is “a premium bourbon with a more flavourful character made to be sipped and savoured,” the judges added.

The IWSC is the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competition in the world. Over 400 global experts help to determine the winners, with each product blind tasted twice, which is then followed by a chemical analysis of the liquid’s competition.

“Our products are made with the utmost craftsmanship and care, so we are honoured that their premium quality and exceptional taste have been recognised by such a prestigious blind tasting competition,” said Matt Shattock, Chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory.

Beam Suntory and distributor Coca-Cola Amatil were also pleased to see Knob Creek Rye from their portfolio pick up the Worldwide Whiskey Trophy at IWSC this year.

“We’re especially proud to see expressions from two of our most iconic brands, Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek Rye, lauded as the ‘best of the best’ in their categories this year. This is a wonderful tribute to Master Distiller Fred Noe and our immensely talented team at our distilleries in Kentucky, all of whom work hard to exceed consumers’ expectations every day.”