The News
KO Distilling won the 2026 First Landing Cup for its Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, which scored highest among all entries. The company also earned Best in Class awards for its Battle Standard 142 Gin, KO Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Wheat Whiskey. The competition was organized by the Virginia Distillers Association and the Virginia Spirits Board, with over 100 entries judged blind by experts.
A glass of rye can unlock shelf space or, if it doesn’t resonate with buyers, fall flat on a bar counter. KO Distilling’s Bare Knuckle Cask‑Strength Rye has just taken two top honors—Best in Show and the First Landing Cup’s “Best in Show” title—and the award now carries weight for retailers deciding whether to add a premium product to their shelves.
The First Landing Cup drew more than 100 entries from 33 Virginia distilleries, so KO Distilling’s win shows it outpaced a crowded field of both emerging and established players. The brand was founded in 2013 (11 years as of 2024) and already ships its products to Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware, and U.S. Coast Guard Exchange stores, giving the rye a solid regional presence before the state‑controlled ABC launch.
Retailers can use the award to position Bare Knuckle in the Virginia ABC channel starting June 2026, where it will be promoted alongside other Gold Medal winners. The product’s 120–125 proof and $49.99 price tag (750 mL) give it a tighter price‑to‑proof ratio than KO Distilling’s Reserve Bourbon ($69.99 for 100 proof). That math suggests the rye can offer a premium straight experience at a lower cost per unit, potentially improving margin and turnover in off‑premise and on‑premise venues.
For bars that lean toward cocktail menus or want to give bourbon drinkers something nuanced yet affordable, the award‑winning rye fits into both “cocktail‑led” and “at‑home retail” strategies. The dual accolades signal quality assurance that can justify shelf placement in select Virginia ABC stores and may open doors to broader Mid‑Atlantic distribution as the brand’s reputation grows.
Original Press Release
KO Distilling Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Rye Whiskey takes home the 2026 First Landing Cup, earning the highest score among all entries in all categories.
KO Distilling announced today that it has earned Best in Class for its Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Rye Whiskey and Battle Standard 142 Gin, with both brands earning Gold Medals during the 2026 First Landing Cup. Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Rye Whiskey also earned a higher score than any other entered spirit, and as a result was presented with the 2026 First Landing Cup, making it the best of the best.
KO Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Wheat Whiskey both earned Gold Medals and were named best in their categories. No other Virginia distillery earned four Gold Medals.
Organized by the Virginia Distillers Association and the Virginia Spirits Board, the First Landing Cup celebrates Virginia-made spirits that exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and quality. Named after the historic 1607 landing at Cape Henry — the birthplace of American distilling — the 2026 competition drew more than 100 entries across multiple categories, all judged blind by a panel of nationally recognized spirits experts.
“Since we opened our doors 11 years ago, we have focused on producing quality artisan spirits that express the terroir of Virginia and showcase the skills of our team,” said Bill Karlson, Co-Founder of KO Distilling. “We are honored by these accolades and look forward to raising a glass of the best that Virginia has to offer with our team and our customers.”
2026 First Landing Results
Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey
Best in Show, Winner 2026 First Landing Cup
Best in Class (Whiskey)
Best in Category (Rye Whiskey)
120-125 Proof / $49.99 (750mL)
Battle Standard 142 Gin (Navy Strength)
Best in Class Category (Contemporary Gin)
Racoon’s Pick – highest quality for the value
114 Proof / $34.99 (750mL)
KO Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Best in Category (Bourbon)
100 Proof / $69.99 (750mL)
Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Wheat Whiskey
Best in Category (Wheat Whiskey)
120-125 Proof / $49.99 (750mL)
All Gold Medal award-winning products will be highlighted as part of the First Landing Cup Virginia-made spirits promotion taking place at select Virginia ABC stores starting in June.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Ko Distilling Earns Top Honors At Virginias 2026 First Landing Cup
- Introducing The First First Landing Cup
- Press
- 16578
- Ko Distilling
- Distillers Reserve By Ko Distilling Wins Double Gold At Prestigious S…
Source: BevNET