Can I try the award-winning expression at The Sentinel Room?

The Sentinel Room in Independence, MO carries a Reserve Whiskey Library of over 600 expressions at 208 W Lexington Ave. Availability of specific Starlight Distillery expressions depends on current stock — ask a staff member at the bar.

When was the award announced?

This dispatch was published for the week of August 24, 2026 by The Independence Sentinel at The Sentinel Room.

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Starlight Distillery Award

Starlight's Mizunara Reserve Takes Double Gold, 99 Points

Week of August 24, 2026

Starlight Distillery's Mizunara Reserve Bourbon walked away with Double Gold and a 99-point score at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Indiana producer, part of Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyards, finished the Mizunara oak in a nod to Japanese cask craft, and The Whiskey Wash gave the expression a favorable review this week. The recognition arrives as Starlight marks 25 years of spirits production.

The award underscores the distillery's continued experimentation with cask finishing after a quarter century in operation.

Details

Medal: Double Gold

Score: 99 points

Expression: Mizunara Reserve Bourbon

Competition: San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Source: The Whiskey Wash

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