Coffee whiskey from Rhode Island is judged America's best

Rhode Islanders know well what a winning combination coffee and just-about-anything-else makes. Now it's official that whiskey is one of those things.

Sons of Liberty Spirits Co.’s Coffee Flavored Whiskey, launched just last winter, was named Best American Flavored Whiskey. Since its founding in 2012 by Michael Reppucci, the South Kingstown distillery has won more than 120 awards.

This one comes from the prestigious Whisky Magazine at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. Not only did the coffee win the gold, but silver medals were awarded to both SOL's Honey and Apple Flavored Whiskies, and bronze went to their Maple Flavored Whiskey.

This lineup of seasonally flavored whiskeys was launched last winter. The 750ml, 70 proof whiskeys are all crafted with real ingredients and no flavor substitutes.

The judging panel had this to say about the Coffee Flavored Whiskey: “A coffee lover's dream, this whiskey boasts a bold, genuine nose. The palate also meets expectations superbly, tasting of cold brew coffee with a shot of whiskey. An excellent representation of the category.”

“We’re really excited that all four flavors received recognition,” said Sons of Liberty’s president Reppucci. “It’s one thing to believe your own product is good, but it’s an honor to be awarded by Whisky Magazine.”

It was in 2014 that Sons of Liberty was surprised with a "World's Best" award in the Best Flavored Whiskey category for its seasonal Pumpkin Spice at the World Whiskies Awards in London. Since then, they've also won America's Best for Hop Flavored Whiskey in 2015 and the Apple Flavored Whiskey in 2017.

Beer works: 3 new breweries to open in East Providence, Cumberland and South Kingstown

A graduate of Brown University, Reppucci became accustomed to drinking high-end Scotch while attending London Business School and was inspired to create something as desirable in the United States with a uniquely American flavor.

The flavored whiskey category has grown in recent years due in part to the variety of ways in which consumers can enjoy them, said Bryan Ricard, Sons of Liberty marketing director.

“The Coffee Flavored Whiskey is amazing with just a couple of rocks. But, as a big espresso martini fan, this whiskey is a game changer,” he said.

The team at Sons of Liberty has numerous cocktail recipe suggestions online https://www.drinksol.com/cocktails, including the Peace Dale Iced Coffee and a Coffee Old Fashioned using the whiskey.

Whisky is the spelling in Great Britain, but we Americans prefer whiskey, which explains the two ways you see the word here.

RI's best BBQ: Forget Yelp, these are the places you've got to try

There's other Sons of Liberty news to report. Beginning on Saturday, May 27, the tasting room at 1425 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, will reopen after a three-year hiatus. That day, there will be live music, food trucks and cocktails. Hours are noon to 7 p.m.

To find retailers for any of Sons of Liberty’s flavored whiskies, visit https://www.drinksol.com/where-to-buy.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Coffee whiskey from Rhode Island Sons of Liberty judged America's best