The Best Bourbon and Whiskey According To The International Whisky Competition

The Best Bourbon and Whiskey According To The International Whisky Competition

In a recent article, an analysis was conducted on The Best Age-Statement Scotch, as per the results from the International Whisky Competition. Similarly, it's appropriate to undertake a similar breakdown for bourbons and American whiskeys. The age statements in this category tend to be more limited compared to Scotch, primarily due to the disparate climates and aging processes between Scotland and the United States. Therefore, the winners in each bourbon and American whiskey category at the 2023 International Whisky Competition will be scrutinized.

Best Bourbon Whiskey: George T. Stagg Bourbon

George T. Stagg Bourbon, crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery founded in 1775, originates from Kentucky and is proofed at 115. Priced between $1,000 and $1,500, this bourbon offers a rich flavor profile featuring notes of coffee, oak, spices, vanilla beans, and chocolate fudge. Buy it now!

Best Bourbon Whiskey 10 Years and Over: Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a minimum ten-year maturation in new, American oak casks, developing a golden honey hue and enticing aromas of gentle toast, fresh tobacco, and bananas. On the palate, flavors of chocolate, almonds, melons, raisins, and dried fruits are accented by subtle vanilla undertones. The finish is enduring and robust, with lingering hints of roasted nuts and corn. Buy it now!

Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey: 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The 1792 Small Batch Bourbon stands out with its meticulous craftsmanship and unique high-rye mash-bill, expertly combining the finest corn, rye, and malted barley. The aging process takes place exclusively on the top floors of warehouses, ensuring that the barrels reach peak maturity. Under the discerning eye of the Master Distiller, select barrels are chosen and married to create this exceptional small batch bourbon. Bottled at 93.7 proof, it delivers a bold yet smooth flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for sipping neat, over ice, or in classic bourbon cocktails. With an ABV of 46.85%, 1792 Small Batch Bourbon invites enthusiasts to raise a glass to elevated expectations in the world of bourbon. Buy it now for $29.99.

Best American Blended Whiskey: Five Trail Cask Finish

Offering a symphony of flavors, Five Trail Cask Finish boasts tasting notes of biscuit, roasted nuts, caramel, and more, making it a standout among whiskey aficionados. Crafted by the Coors Whiskey Company, this expression blends four aged whiskeys, including wheated bourbon from Indiana, four-grain bourbon from Kentucky, single malt from Colorado, and rye from Indiana, culminating in a rich and complex profile. Recognized as a top contender, it garnered high praise alongside runners-up in blind tastings. With the company's dedication to expert blending, each release promises a harmonious fusion greater than the sum of its parts. As enthusiasts await future additions to the portfolio, including the possibility of another Cask Finish expression, Five Trail continues to redefine the whiskey landscape with its bold and innovative offerings. Buy it now!

Best Barrel Finish/Special Cask Whiskey: Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

Scoring an impressive 93.33 points, Stranahan’s Sherry Cask whiskey delights with its indulgent array of flavors, from raisins and figs to honey and Montmorency cherries. This expression, part of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey lineup, showcases the distillery's commitment to crafting exceptional American Single Malt. Finished in Oloroso sherry and PX casks, it stands out among competitors, earning accolades at prestigious competitions worldwide. With its roots in the Rockies, Stranahan’s has redefined single malt whiskey, drawing enthusiasts to its doorstep and solidifying its reputation as a beacon for whiskey lovers. Additionally, the recent opening of the Whiskey Lodge in Aspen further cements its status as a must-visit destination for aficionados seeking unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey: Maker's Mark Barrel Select

The Maker’s Mark Private Selection program stands as a pioneering initiative, offering partners like restaurants and retailers the unique opportunity to curate their own barrel of whisky, tailored to their discerning tastes and brand identity. Among these exclusive selections, the Maker’s Mark Private Select Mustang’s #5 stood out, clinching the title of Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey at the esteemed International Whisky Competition. This particular expression, handpicked by William Oliver’s Public House in Fort Collins, CO, became a sought-after gem, with the last 100 bottles released in June 2023. As for its current availability, it remains a mystery. Established in 1953, Maker’s Mark holds legendary status in the American whisky landscape, proudly bearing the title of "the world’s first premium bourbon" on its website. Buy it now!

Best American Single Malt Whiskey: Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

Scoring an impressive 93.33 points, Stranahan’s Sherry Cask whiskey delights with its indulgent array of flavors, from raisins and figs to honey and Montmorency cherries. This expression, part of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey lineup, showcases the distillery's commitment to crafting exceptional American Single Malt. Finished in Oloroso sherry and PX casks, it stands out among competitors, earning accolades at prestigious competitions worldwide. With its roots in the Rockies, Stranahan’s has redefined single malt whiskey, drawing enthusiasts to its doorstep and solidifying its reputation as a beacon for whiskey lovers. Additionally, the recent opening of the Whiskey Lodge in Aspen further cements its status as a must-visit destination for aficionados seeking unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Best American Corn Whiskey: Rockfish Whiskey

Rockfish whiskey, crafted at The Weldon Mills Distillery in North Carolina, has quickly gained recognition as a standout small batch American whiskey. With a flavor profile reminiscent of Irish whiskey, boasting prominent notes of vanilla and caramel, Rockfish has captivated aficionados. Founded by Bruce Tyler and Michael Hinderliter, Weldon Mills Distillery aims to establish itself as a pinnacle of distillation excellence in North Carolina. Alongside Rockfish, their bourbon lineup includes The All Malt, Weldon Mills Reserve, and Weldon Mills Select, each earning accolades at esteemed competitions like the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge in 2022. Buy it now!

Best Rye Whiskey: Uncle Nearest Straight Rye

Nathan "Nearest" Green's pivotal role in teaching Jack Daniel the art of whiskey making has long been overshadowed by Daniel's fame. However, the Nearest Green Distillery is rewriting this narrative with its Uncle Nearest expression, a tribute to Green's enduring legacy. One of their acclaimed offerings is the single-barrel rye expression, celebrated for its exceptional quality and exclusively available at the Nearest Green Distillery in Tennessee. Among their lineup is also the Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, honored with the title of World's Best Tennessee Whiskey at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2024. Buy it now!