Bourbon Club of Arkansas Wins Five ASCOT Awards Medals in 2026, Including Two Double Platinum Winners

Last Updated on June 1, 2026 by Justin Jones

PUBLISH DATE: May 31, 2026

Five Arkansas-connected whiskey releases associated with Bourbon Club of Arkansas have earned national recognition at the 2026 ASCOT Awards, with the Little Rock-based whiskey club capturing two Double Platinum medals, one Platinum medal, and two Gold medals.

The honored releases include Elliott Brothers Reserve, Russell’s Reserve “Baby Billy’s Reserve,” Elijah Craig “The Light Side,” Elijah Craig “The Darkside,” and Barrel King “HELLO DARKNESS #BCA1.”

Judged through a blind tasting process founded by whiskey expert Fred Minnick, the ASCOT Awards are among the most respected spirits competitions in the United States. The 2026 results place multiple Bourbon Club of Arkansas selections among the highest-rated whiskeys entered into this year’s competition.

For Arkansas whiskey enthusiasts, the achievement highlights the growing influence of the state’s bourbon community on a national stage.

What Bourbon Club of Arkansas Won at the 2026 ASCOT Awards

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas earned recognition across multiple categories, with five different club-associated releases receiving medals.

Double Platinum Medal Winners

Elliott Brothers Reserve

Elliott Brothers Reserve #2 earned one of ASCOT’s highest honors, receiving a Double Platinum medal in the High Proof Straight Bourbon category.

• Age: 10 Years
• ABV: 65%
• Retail Price: $150

According to ASCOT tasting notes, judges found deep oak, caramel, hazelnut, butterscotch, sweet caramel, corn notes, and a long finish featuring barrel spice.

VIEW ASCOT ENTRY

Russell’s Reserve “Baby Billy’s Reserve”

Russell’s Reserve “Baby Billy’s Reserve” also earned a Double Platinum medal.

• Age: 8 Years
• ABV: 55%
• Retail Price: $85.99

ASCOT judges described the bourbon as exceptionally balanced, flavorful, and perfectly proofed.

VIEW ASCOT ENTRY

Platinum Medal Winner

Elijah Craig “The Light Side”

Elijah Craig “The Light Side” received a Platinum medal in the High Proof Straight Bourbon category.

• Age: 10 Years
• ABV: 64.3%
• Retail Price: $84.98

ASCOT tasting notes highlighted sweet cream, vanilla, spice, custard, brown sugar, oatmeal, and oak.

VIEW ASCOT ENTRY

Gold Medal Winners

Elijah Craig “The Darkside”

Elijah Craig “The Darkside” earned a Gold medal.

• Age: 10 Years
• ABV: 64.8%
• Retail Price: $84.99

Judges noted baking spice, vanilla bean, pecan, and exceptionally well-integrated heat.

VIEW ASCOT ENTRY

Barrel King “HELLO DARKNESS #BCA1”

Barrel King “HELLO DARKNESS #BCA1” received a Gold medal in the Blend of Straight Bourbon category.

• ABV: 59.5%
• Retail Price: $149

The collaboration blend was created in partnership with Barrel King and Bourbon Club of Arkansas. ASCOT judges noted aromas and flavors of fruit, toffee, coffee, macarons, and oak with a long, oak-driven finish.

The blend incorporates mature bourbon stocks that include whiskey sourced from MGP and Green River.

Editor’s Note: While the ASCOT Gold Medal for Barrel King “HELLO DARKNESS #BCA1” was officially awarded to Barrel King as the producer and entrant, this release represents far more than a typical collaboration.

The blend itself was developed through the efforts of Bourbon Club of Arkansas, with Gary Penna and Justin Mills leading the blending process and helping create the final whiskey that ultimately earned national recognition. Their work in evaluating, constructing, and refining the blend was instrumental to the project’s success.

Simply put, this bottle would not exist in its award-winning form without the contributions of Gary Penna and Justin Mills. While the medal belongs to Barrel King on paper, the recognition also reflects the palate, vision, and blending expertise that Bourbon Club of Arkansas brought to the project.

What Are the ASCOT Awards?

The ASCOT Awards are a nationally recognized spirits competition founded by whiskey author, critic, and tasting expert Fred Minnick.

Unlike many consumer-driven awards programs, ASCOT relies on blind tasting. Judges evaluate spirits without knowing the producer, brand, price, or packaging, allowing the whiskey itself to determine the outcome.

The competition awards Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum medals to entries that achieve the highest scores. Double Platinum represents one of the competition’s highest distinctions.

For Bourbon Club of Arkansas to earn five medals in a single competition year, including two Double Platinum winners, represents a significant achievement within the national whiskey community.

Gary Penna and Mash & Vine Market Continue Expanding Arkansas Whiskey Culture

The awards arrive during a period of continued growth for Bourbon Club of Arkansas and its leadership team.

Gary Penna, one of the founders and driving forces behind the club, is currently preparing to open Mash & Vine Market in downtown Little Rock with business partner Jeremiah Cotner.

The upcoming venture is expected to offer premium spirits, wine, specialty foods, educational events, and hospitality experiences designed to further strengthen Arkansas’ growing whiskey culture.

As Bourbon Club of Arkansas expands beyond private barrel selections and member events, the national recognition from ASCOT serves as another indication that Arkansas whiskey enthusiasts are gaining attention well beyond state lines.

Arkansas Whiskey Enthusiasts Continue Making Their Mark

While Kentucky and Tennessee remain the traditional centers of American whiskey production, Arkansas has developed an increasingly active community of collectors, barrel pick groups, retailers, content creators, and enthusiasts.

Organizations like Bourbon Club of Arkansas have helped elevate the state’s reputation through private barrel programs, educational tastings, charitable events, and collaborations with distilleries and independent bottlers across the country.

The 2026 ASCOT Awards demonstrate that Arkansas whiskey enthusiasts are not simply consuming great bourbon. They are helping identify, select, and create award-winning releases that can compete alongside some of the most respected whiskeys in America.

For Bourbon Club of Arkansas, five ASCOT medals, including two Double Platinum winners, mark an impressive accomplishment and another milestone in the club’s continued growth.

2026 ASCOT Awards Medal Summary for Bourbon Club of Arkansas

Total Medals: 5

Double Platinum Medals: 2

Platinum Medals: 1

Gold Medals: 2

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