The 10 Best Bourbons & Whiskeys According To The North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

The 10 Best Bourbons & Whiskeys According To The North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

Established in 2014 by the Wine Country Network, the American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition stands as an annual pinnacle for North American bourbons and whiskeys. Through rigorous double-blind tastings encompassing myriad categories, expert judges meticulously assess each entry on a 100-point scale. Among the accolades sought after, the prestigious 'Best of Show' award crowns the pinnacle of excellence.

Savor Spear Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Savor Spear Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted by Northwest Spirits in Washington State, boasts a mash bill comprising 23% rye, 5% malt, and 72% corn. After distillation, the new spirit is aged for a minimum of five years in American white oak barrels before undergoing a finishing process with toasted oak staves. Bottled at 103 proof, this bourbon has garnered acclaim since its 2022 release, earning a Gold medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Notably, it impressed judges at the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, securing 96 points and the prestigious title of 'Best of Show', 1st place, for its remarkable balance, nuanced sweetness, and overall geniality. Buy it now!

BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon Whiskey

Embark on a journey through time with BHAKTA Spirits, the visionary creation of WhistlePig's Raj Peter Bhakta, serving as your time machine. Nestled in the picturesque French countryside, it's a haven for spirits enthusiasts, offering limited Single Vintage Whiskeys, Rums, and a crown jewel—a remarkable Armagnac collection dating back to 1868! The BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon narrates a tale of two friends: Bold American Bourbon and Ancient Armagnac Brandy. A 99% Corn Bourbon undergoes a French transformation in oak barrels previously home to Armagnac Vintages dating to 1868. Celebrating nearly a decade of maturation, BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon pays homage to the enduring friendship between America and France. With its smooth, caramel, and oak-infused profile, it serves as a flavorful salute to history. Buy it now!

Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Embarking on a journey into the world of Bourbon is always an exciting endeavor, and Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey promises a thrilling and flavorful experience. This distinct bourbon, crafted with care by Garrison Brothers in the United States, stands out with its unique flavor profile. Far from ordinary, it captures the essence of true taste, making it a delight for both seasoned Spirits connoisseurs and those new to the adventure. With careful distillation and a bottling strength of 47.0, this well-rounded Bourbon invites enthusiasts to savor and enjoy the richness of its character. Cheers to the exploration of new and exceptional spirits! Buy it now!

King’s Family Distillery Wheated Bourbon

Nestled near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, King’s Family Distillery is a newcomer to the whiskey scene. Their signature offering, King’s Wheated Bourbon, is meticulously crafted from a mash bill featuring 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley. After distillation, the bourbon matures for a minimum of four years in American white oak barrels, culminating in a bottling at 100 proof. Since its debut, King’s Wheated Bourbon has earned notable recognition, including a Gold medal at the 2024 Fifty Best Bourbon Awards and a Double Gold medal with 95 points at the North American Bourbon and Whisky Competition 2023. Founded in 2018 by spouses Justin and Cara King, both with a background in the spirits industry, King’s Family Distillery is driven by their shared passion for crafting exceptional whiskey. Buy it now!

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof bourbon stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the legacy of its namesake, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. This exceptional bourbon is meticulously crafted from hand-selected barrels, bottled directly from the cask, and left uncut and unfiltered, boasting a robust proof exceeding 125. Reflecting the traditional methods predating Prohibition, the whiskey pays homage to a bygone era of craftsmanship. A sensory journey begins with a nose of cooked berries, evolving into a rich caramel and subtly floral aroma. The palate delivers a bold and spicy experience, enveloping the mouth with notes of toasty vanilla, dried oak, and pepper. The finish is enduring, characterized by a powerful rye essence and lingering fruits, creating a smooth, potent, and uncompromising taste reminiscent of Colonel E.H. Taylor's legacy. Buy it now!

Colonel E. H. Taylor, Single Barrel 

Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey pays homage to the pioneering legacy of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., a revered figure in the bourbon industry. Known as one of the founding fathers of bourbon, Taylor's contributions include advocating for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and implementing innovative aging techniques such as climate-controlled warehouses, including Warehouse C. Hand-picked and bottled at 100 proof in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act, each barrel of this bourbon is a testament to Taylor's enduring influence and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Buy it now!

W.L. Weller Full Proof

Nestor Liquor's exclusive selection, the W.L. Weller Full Proof Private Select '456 Proof,' bottled at 114 proof, is a standout release in the Weller Full Proof series. This bourbon showcases a captivating blend of rich caramel, toasted oak, dark fruit, and vanilla aromas. With a bold and robust flavor profile, the wheated mash bill imparts a smooth texture, enhancing notes of caramel, toffee sweetness, baking spices, dark cherry, and a subtle hint of orange zest. The finish is enduring, striking a harmonious balance between sweetness, spice, and nuanced oak and dark chocolate undertones. A true testament to the art of bourbon making, this full-proof, unfiltered whiskey is an esteemed addition to any bourbon collection. The bundle also includes a bottle of Corazon Single Barrel Reposado Aged in Blanton's Bourbon Barrel, a bottle of Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, and a '456 Proof' sticker label. Buy it now for $269.99.

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon Whiskey

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, embodying the essence of a twice-barreled bourbon. Initially aged for four sun-soaked years in new American white oak barrels, this 115-proof bourbon undergoes a distinctive transformation. It finds its way into a second custom-designed oak barrel, a creation by Master Distiller Donnis Todd, to accentuate specific flavors and qualities. The additional year of aging results in a sensory delight – a manifestation of "bourbon candy in a bottle." Best enjoyed neat, each sip of Balmorhea unveils waves of white chocolate and caramel, offering a rich and indulgent experience. This masterpiece bears the trademark of Garrison Brothers, a symbol of their dedication to excellence in every cooked, distilled, barreled, and bottled expression. With an Alc./Vol. of 57.5% (115 Proof), Garrison Brothers Balmorhea is a distinctive creation from Hye, Texas, leaving an enduring imprint on the bourbon landscape. ©2023 Garrison Brothers Distillery. Garrison Brothers and Balmorhea are trademarks of Lone Star Distillery LLC. Buy it now for $199.99.

Old Weller Antique 107 Proof Bourbon Whiskey

This bottle of Old Weller Antique is a wheated bourbon bottled at a robust 107 proof, boasts a full-bodied flavor and a harmoniously balanced palate. As a distinctive member of the Weller label, it carries its own unique attributes that perfectly complement its high proof. Expect sweet and uniquely floral notes harmonizing with vanilla on the nose, while the taste unfolds as a well-balanced blend of sweet fruit, pronounced vanilla, and lively spicy tones, culminating in a cinnamon-laced finish. This bourbon delivers a complex and bold experience that exemplifies the renowned quality of the Weller brand. Buy it now on sale for $169.99.

Steeple Ridge Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey

Crafted at the Lonely Oak Distillery nestled in the heart of Iowa, Steeple Ridge Whiskey exemplifies the artistry of micro-distillation. Among their esteemed offerings is the Sweet Mash Rye, distilled from a mash bill marrying 60% AC Hazlett Rye with 40% Wapsie Valley Corn. This unique blend has garnered acclaim, including a prestigious Gold Medal at the Denver International Spirits Competition in 2023. Lonely Oak Distillery, helmed by owners Pat and Amy Hoffman, boasts a grain-to-glass philosophy, sourcing grains from their farm or local growers to craft their whiskeys. As Iowa's inaugural legal farmer-distiller, Lonely Oak Distillery stands as a testament to their commitment to quality and community. Buy it now!