Overview:Select Club’s Pecan Praline Whisky has made waves in the spirits industry with its impressive awards haul at the 2026 WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition. With a score of 95 points, this flavored whiskey took home both Double Gold and Best Flavored Whiskey honors.
The Full Story
As part of the rapidly growing flavored whiskey market, Select Club’s Pecan Praline is one of five whiskies produced by the company. However, it stands out from its peers with a unique blend that combines Canadian whisky and neutral grain spirits aged for four years in American oak bourbon barrels. The addition of natural pecan flavoring gives this spirit an unmistakable aroma reminiscent of pecan pie.
The fact that Select Club’s Pecan Praline Whisky took top honors at the 2026 WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition is all the more impressive given its unconventional production process. The brand itself acknowledges that due to federal regulations, it cannot legally label this spirit as whiskey or even whisky.
But what does this mean for consumers and industry experts? With a growing market trend towards flavored whiskies, Select Club’s Pecan Praline Whisky is an exemplary case of innovation in the spirits world. Its unique blend has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of judges at one of the most prestigious competitions in the field.
Production & Profile
Select Club’s Pecan Praline Whisky is bottled at 35% ABV, meeting federal guidelines for flavored whiskies. However, due to its addition of natural pecan flavoring and relatively low ABV level (it cannot legally be labeled as whiskey), it defies traditional categorization.
The spirit’s unique production process sets it apart from other products in the market. Aged in American oak bourbon barrels for four years, Select Club Pecan Praline Whisky combines Canadian whisky and neutral grain spirits with natural pecan flavoring to create a distinct profile that appeals to consumers seeking something new.
Brand & Industry History
Select Club is an emerging player in the spirits industry, but its parent company Mexcor International has been involved in beverage production for over two decades. The brand’s success with Pecan Praline Whisky marks a significant milestone in their journey towards establishing themselves as major players.
The rise of flavored whiskies like Select Club’s Pecan Praline is part of an ongoing trend that challenges traditional notions of what constitutes whiskey. With sales figures showing more than a third increase between 2019 and 2023, this category continues to grow in popularity – albeit with controversy surrounding its legitimacy.
What This Means
The success of Select Club’s Pecan Praline Whisky at the WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition sends a clear message: innovation and creativity are key factors driving growth within the spirits industry. Brands like Select Club, which push boundaries with unique blends and flavors, will likely continue to capture attention from both consumers and judges alike.
Consumer Takeaway
As a standout in its category, Select Club’s Pecan Praline Whisky offers an exciting opportunity for adventurous drinkers seeking new experiences. With a price point of $28 per bottle (35% ABV), this award-winning spirit presents itself as both accessible and desirable – catering to those who appreciate the nuances of flavored whiskies.
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