The Best Ultra-Premium Bourbons According To The American Whiskey Masters 2023

The Best Ultra-Premium Bourbons According To The American Whiskey Masters 2023

The Global Spirits Masters Competition (GSMC), renowned for hosting the American Whiskey Masters, is a highly competitive event in the spirits industry. Each year, thousands of entries flood in across various categories, with expert judges meticulously tasting and evaluating each one to award Silver, Gold, or the prestigious Master medal. In 2023, the GSMC witnessed an unprecedented surge in entries for the American Whiskey Masters, indicative of the sector's remarkable growth. One notable category within this competition is Ultra-Premium Bourbon, featuring bourbons priced at £51 per bottle and above. These bourbons undergo rigorous judging to determine the finest offerings, with Master winners vying for the coveted title of American Whiskey Taste Master 2024.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon

Eagle Rare 17 year-old, a distinguished member of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, stands as a pinnacle of rare bourbons. Released in limited quantities each fall, this deep burnished-gold whiskey captivates with a fragrant nose, evolving into wine-like aromas with a subtle hint of almonds. Its substantial and silky body unveils a surprisingly spicy palate, complemented by notes of violets, caramel, and a touch of old leather. As attested by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the finish is remarkably long, marked by a leathery richness that lingers on the palate. This annual release represents a connoisseur's delight, showcasing the artistry of aging and blending that has become synonymous with Buffalo Trace's commitment to excellence. Buy it now!

William Larue Weller Bourbon

With a bold proof of 133.6 and a respectable aging of 12 years, this rye whiskey offers a delightful sensory journey. On the nose, it exudes creamy notes intertwined with inviting hints of cinnamon and honey, reminiscent of a delectable dessert. The palate continues the indulgence with an absurdly smooth and creamy texture, revealing complex layers of flavors dominated by cinnamon and honey, with subtle nuances adding depth to the experience. While the finish carries a notable heat, it remains focused on the throat, allowing the tongue to savor the lingering flavors uninterrupted. Buy it now!

Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon 

Never Say Die's flagship bourbon, a small-batch high rye expression, boasts a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, resulting in a spicy yet intricately layered bourbon bottled at 95 proof. The brand's origins trace back to a captivating tale from 1951, when a weak foal in Lexington, KY, was revived with a shot of whiskey and later named Never Say Die. This remarkable horse went on to win the Epsom Derby in 1954, changing the fortunes of Mona Best, who had bet on him, leading to the founding of the Casbah Coffee Club in Liverpool. The club's opening night featured The Quarrymen, later known as The Beatles, with Pete Best, Mona's son, as the drummer. The whiskey, crafted in Kentucky, undergoes final maturation at White Peak Distillery in Derbyshire, England, continuing the legacy of Never Say Die with a unique transatlantic journey. 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!

Never Say Die Barrel Strength Bourbon 

Derived from the same mash bill as its small batch counterpart, Never Say Die's Barrel Strength Bourbon is bottled at varying proofs ranging from 110 to 115. This cask-by-cask release earned the prestigious title of World's Best Bourbon at The Drinks Business and The Spirits Business Autumn Blind Tasting in 2023. Despite its high alcohol content, this expression surprises with its uncommon smoothness, a quality that impressed judges at the American Whiskey Masters. Buy it now!

George T. Stagg Bourbon

With a bold proof of 135 and an impressive aging of 15 years and 4 months, this rye whiskey commands attention from the start. Despite its high proof, the nose offers notes of sweet corn and vanilla, hinting at a complex flavor profile. On the palate, the whiskey surprises with its smoothness, delivering a sharp but enjoyable intensity reminiscent of caramel corn. The finish leaves a slight bitter aftertaste, acting as an appetizer for the next sip and inviting further exploration of its rich flavors. Buy it now!

Four Roses Small Batch Select 

Crafted with precision and boasting a blend of six distinct bourbon recipes, the Four Roses Small Batch Select is revered for its refined taste and intricate layers. Each batch, awarded a gold medal at the American Whiskey Masters 2023, undergoes meticulous maturation for six to seven years before being bottled at 104 proof. Four Roses stands apart as the sole distillery to marry two mash bills with five unique yeast strains, resulting in ten individual recipes, each offering its own distinctive character. The origins of the Four Roses name trace back to a romantic gesture by founder Paul Jones Jr., who trademarked the name after his beloved adorned herself with four red roses, symbolizing her acceptance of his proposal, thus shaping the legacy of this esteemed bourbon. Buy it now!