April One Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Awarded Gold Medal at American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition​

NDIANAPOLIS — April One Bourbon announced that its April One Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey has been awarded a Gold Medal at the American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition in the 7 Year Rye category.

See full 2026 results here: https://distilling.com/adi-isc/adi-2026-international-spirits-competition-awards/

Aged seven years and bottled at 100 proof, the rye whiskey represents the brand’s continued commitment to patience, precision, and disciplined craftsmanship. The release is available now online and through participating military exchanges.

Crafted from 100% rye whiskey, the spirit opens with commanding notes of dark toffee, toasted oak, and sunbaked rye grain, followed by layers of candied orange peel, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, and warm spice. On the palate, bold black pepper and cinnamon bark give way to molasses, dried cherry, roasted walnut, buttery toffee, cracked rye bread, and dark cocoa. The finish lingers with charred oak, rye spice, burnt sugar, pipe tobacco, and leather.

Described by the brand as a rye built through patience, precision, and grit, the whiskey reflects the same measured discipline and intentionality that define the company’s military heritage.

“This recognition validates the level of care and patience that went into every barrel selected for this release,” said Troy Peptio, Founder & CEO, “We wanted to create a rye whiskey with structure, depth, and character — something bold enough to stand on its own while remaining balanced and intentional from start to finish.”