Heritage Distilling Co. Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey Named “Best Flavored Whiskey” in the United States at Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards

Rhea-AI Summary

Heritage Distilling Company (Nasdaq: CASK) announced its Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey has been named 'Best Flavored Whiskey' in the United States by Whisky Magazine at its regional World Whiskies Award. This marks Heritage's third win in this prestigious category, with the product now advancing to compete for 'World's Best Flavored Whiskey' later this winter.

Previously, Heritage has twice won Best Flavored Whiskey awards for its Brown Sugar Bourbon. CEO Justin Stiefel noted this recognition highlights the company's craftsmanship and strengthens its position in the growing flavored whiskey market.

The Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey is bottled at 75-proof, featuring natural flavors without artificial ingredients. It's available in 750ml and 50ml formats at select retailers, HDC tasting rooms, and through direct-to-consumer online orders.

Positive

• Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey won 'Best Flavored Whiskey' in the US at World Whiskies Awards
• Third prestigious win for Heritage Distilling in this category
• Product advancing to compete for 'World's Best Flavored Whiskey'
• Heritage has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America for a decade
• Strengthening position in the rapidly growing flavored whiskey market

Negative

• None.

Insights

Beverage Industry Analyst

Heritage Distilling Company's (NASDAQ: CASK) Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey has captured the "Best Flavored Whiskey" title in the United States at Whisky Magazine's prestigious World Whiskies Awards, marking the company's third win in this category after previous successes with Brown Sugar Bourbon.

This recognition comes at a strategic time for Heritage. The flavored whiskey segment has been outpacing traditional whiskey growth, expanding at approximately 8-10% annually compared to 5-6% for the broader whiskey market. With major players like Jim Beam, Crown Royal, and Fireball dominating shelf space, awards like this provide important differentiation for smaller craft producers like Heritage in a highly competitive $4.5 billion U.S. flavored whiskey market.

The award's significance extends beyond prestige. Historical data from craft spirits producers shows that major international awards typically correlate with a 15-25% sales lift for the specific product line in the following two quarters. For Heritage, whose previous award-winning Brown Sugar Bourbon became their flagship offering, this recognition for Cocoa Bomb creates potential for portfolio diversification and reduced reliance on a single product line.

Heritage's distribution strategy merits attention. The company's multi-channel approach (retail, tasting rooms, and direct-to-consumer) provides valuable data on consumer preferences while maintaining higher margins through DTC sales. The natural positioning of the product—free from artificial ingredients in a market increasingly concerned with clean labels—aligns with premium consumption trends.

However, investors should temper expectations. With a market cap of just $6 million, Heritage faces significant scale challenges against major spirits conglomerates. The company will need to demonstrate that this award can translate into meaningful revenue growth and improved gross margins to justify any significant share price movement. Watch for increased retail placement announcements, expanded distribution footprint, or partnerships in the coming quarters as indicators that this award is generating tangible business momentum.

Marking the third win for Heritage Distilling in this prestigious category

GIG HARBOR, Wash., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heritage Distilling Company, Inc. ("HDC" or "Heritage") (Nasdaq: CASK), a leading craft distiller of innovative premium brands, announced its Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey was named “Best Flavored Whiskey” in the United States by Whisky Magazine at its regional World Whiskies Award. The whiskey will move forward to compete for Whisky Magazine’s “World’s Best Flavored Whiskey” later this winter. Previously, Heritage Distilling has twice won Best Flavored Whiskey in the United States and Best Flavored Whiskey in the World for Brown Sugar Bourbon.

"We are incredibly proud that our Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey has received this prestigious honor from the tasting panel at Whisky Magazine. This recognition—one of the most respected in the industry—is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship our team pours into every bottle, ensuring that each flavored whiskey we create captures the essence of true, authentic flavors," said Justin Stiefel, CEO and co-founder of Heritage Distilling Co. "Heritage has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America for a decade, and with Cocoa Bomb earning this distinction—our third win in this category—we continue to solidify our presence in the rapidly growing flavored whiskey market."

Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey is bottled at 75-proof and naturally flavored. No artificial flavors, sweeteners or ingredients are used. Flavor notes include a burst of semi-sweet dark cocoa, cocoa nibs and a rich chocolate nose with the signature whiskey finish. Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey is available in 750 ml and 50 ml size formats at select spirits retailers. It is also available in HDC tasting rooms and online for direct-to-consumer orders.

For more information about Heritage Distilling and its suite of award-winning products, visit: heritagedistilling.com.

About Heritage Distilling Company, Inc.
Heritage is among the premier independent craft distilleries in the United States offering a variety of whiskeys, vodkas, gins, rums and ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Heritage has been North America's most awarded craft distillery by the American Distilling Institute for ten consecutive years out of the more than 2,600 craft producers. Beyond this remarkable achievement, Heritage has also garnered numerous Best of Class, Double Gold, and Gold medals at esteemed national and international spirits competitions. As one of the largest craft spirits producers on the West Coast by revenue, the company is expanding its presence nationwide through a diverse range of sales channels, including wholesale, on-premises venues, e-commerce, and the innovative Tribal Beverage Network (TBN). The TBN initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration with Native American tribes, focuses on developing Heritage-branded distilleries, unique tribal brands, and tasting rooms tailored to tribal communities. By serving patrons of tribal casinos and entertainment venues, the TBN creates meaningful economic and social benefits for participating tribes, while providing an additional avenue for tribes to exercise and strengthen their sovereignty. This unique partnership reflects Heritage’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and sustainable growth.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goal," "intends," "may," "plans," "possible," "potential," "seeks," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding anticipated results or benefits anticipated from awards or accolades received for Heritage’s products and the implications that may come from it.

Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on Heritage’s current expectations, estimates and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks of expanding sales and revenue due to awards or accolades received for Heritage’s products and any consumer response that would be expected to result therefrom. These and other risks concerning Heritage’s programs and operations are described in additional detail in its registration statement on Form S-1, and its quarterly 10-Q filings, which are on file with the SEC. Heritage explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.

Contacts:
Investors	Media
Scott Eckstein	Francesca DeMauro
heritage@ksca.com	heritage@ksca.com
(212) 896 1210	(917) 880 9771

FAQ

What award did Heritage Distilling's Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey win in 2025?

Heritage Distilling's Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey won 'Best Flavored Whiskey' in the United States at Whisky Magazine's World Whiskies Awards in February 2025.

How many times has CASK won the Best Flavored Whiskey award?

This is Heritage Distilling's (CASK) third win in the Best Flavored Whiskey category, with previous wins for their Brown Sugar Bourbon product.

What is the alcohol content of Heritage Distilling's Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey?

Heritage Distilling's Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey is bottled at 75-proof (37.5% alcohol by volume).

Where can investors purchase Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey from CASK?

Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey is available in 750ml and 50ml formats at select spirits retailers, Heritage Distilling tasting rooms, and online for direct-to-consumer orders.

What are the flavor notes of CASK's award-winning Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey?

The flavor notes include a burst of semi-sweet dark cocoa, cocoa nibs, and a rich chocolate nose with the signature whiskey finish, using only natural flavors and no artificial ingredients.