Bourbon Experts Are Talking About These 5 Award Winners

Bourbon Experts Are Talking About These 5 Award Winners

Explore five award-winning bourbons that have captivated both judges and enthusiasts in 2025. From innovative craft distilleries to time-honored classics, these whiskies have earned top honors in prestigious global competitions. Each bottle offers unique tasting notes, distinct production methods, and a profile suited for everyone from novices to seasoned connoisseurs. Whether you're seeking bold complexity or smooth accessibility, this list highlights the best bourbons to try next.

10,000 Drops Craft Distillers Single Barrel Bourbon

This single barrel release from Minnesota’s 10,000 Drops Distillery, which won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024, is a standout for craft bourbon enthusiasts. Aged at least four years and bottled non-chill filtered at around 100 proof, it features a high-rye mash bill that delivers bold flavors of charred oak, vanilla, caramel, and baking spice. Each barrel is individually proofed to optimize its approachable yet distinctive character, making it an excellent choice for those exploring independent American whiskey beyond Kentucky’s borders. Priced at $68.53, it’s a compelling option for craft spirit fans.

Kentucky Peerless Toasted Bourbon

Awarded Gold and an impressive 98 points at the IWSC 2024, Kentucky Peerless Toasted Bourbon is a rich, dessert-like pour perfect for high-proof aficionados. This cask-strength expression, bottled at 55.5% ABV, undergoes secondary maturation in toasted barrels after aging in traditional charred oak, using a sweet mash fermentation process without chill filtration. Expect layered notes of honey, cinnamon, oak, and dark chocolate, with judges praising its “captivating aromas” and creamy texture. Priced from $99, it’s ideal for those who crave intense, aromatic bourbon with a balanced finish.

George T. Stagg

Named the #9 Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate in 2024, George T. Stagg is a legendary cask-strength bourbon for experienced drinkers who relish bold, unapologetic flavors. Aged over 15 years and bottled uncut at 67.5% ABV, this Buffalo Trace release uses a low-rye mash bill and deep No. 4 char barrels to deliver a complex profile of toffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, molasses, cherry, tobacco, and mint. Despite its fiery strength, it remains remarkably balanced, earning nearly 95 points from judges. Priced from $800 due to its limited release, it’s a bucket-list bottle for bourbon connoisseurs.

Widow Jane 10 Year Old Bourbon

Widow Jane 10 Year Old Bourbon, a Double Gold winner at the International Spirits Challenge 2024, is a smooth and balanced choice for newcomers and seasoned sippers alike. Blended in Brooklyn from bourbons sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, it’s bottled at 45.5% ABV and proofed with limestone-rich water from New York’s Rosendale Mines. Its flavor profile includes vanilla, nutmeg, and cream on the nose, with orange peel, maple, dark cherry, and a gentle almond-oak finish. Priced from $63, this versatile bourbon is perfect for casual sipping or gifting to bourbon beginners.

Old Elk 9 Year Old Straight Bourbon

Old Elk 9 Year Old Straight Bourbon, awarded Gold for Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards America 2025, is a unique offering for scotch fans and curious drinkers. Distilled in Indiana and aged in Colorado, it features a high malted barley mash bill—four times the industry standard—resulting in a silky, malt-forward profile. Bottled using a proprietary “slow cut” proofing process, it delivers a smooth yet deep character that stands out from corn-heavy bourbons. While pricing is unavailable, its distinctive profile makes it a must-try for those seeking something different.