Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1970s and ’80s as I did, I quickly realized that three things matter in the life of a Kentuckian: the Kentucky Derby, college basketball, and bourbon, not necessarily in that order. You are surrounded by all three. So, I was surprised when I left the state after my youth to realize that bourbon was not quite as beloved as I was raised to believe. Few people knew about it and often confused it with other whiskys that will remain unspoken here.
Luckily, that problem has mostly disappeared over the last few decades as my hometown spirit has exploded onto the American and, lately, world liquor landscape. Bourbon’s complex and distinctive flavors garner serious attention worldwide as drinkers keep discovering it.
While many purists will argue that true bourbon only comes from my home state, where 95% of it is still made, they are incorrect. There are some fantastic distillers across the country making great liquids. Today, over 850 distilleries produce bourbon across the country, and that has led to an abundance of delicious bottles for drinkers to discover.
Trying to find the “best” can be pretty much impossible, so in an interest to simplify things, I turned to the folks who make a living out of uncovering sips that must be savored. Here are the five bottles deemed the best in the world from the most significant international spirits competitions in 2023. Anyone would be a fantastic addition to your bar or collection.
1792 12-Year-Old
Since its founding in 2007 by Whiskey Magazine, the World Whiskies Awards has become the gold standard for whisky lovers. Focusing only on whisky, its 200+ judges worked their way through over 1,500 bottles from 40 countries in a rigorous blind-tasting format this year. They named 1792 12-Year-Old the World’s Best Bourbon for 2024. Crafted by industry powerhouse Sazerac at the Barton Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, this small-batch bourbon is widely available. The judges highlighted its flavors in their comments: A beautifully well-balanced expression with an inviting nose. There are notes of sweetness throughout, with rich chocolate and delicate caramel. On the finish you are left with a smooth apricot hint.
Kentucky Peerless Distilling CO. High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
As the granddaddy of them all, it was founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition has a long history of discovering the finest bottles in the world. This year, they awarded their 2024 Bourbon Trophy to a family-owned brand that has been racking up accolades since it was relaunched in Louisville in 2017. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is widely available. It is crafted with a higher percentage of rye in its mash bill. The judges called out the resultant spiciness in their comments: The nose greets with classic, inviting aromas of animal hide and smoky campfire embers. On the palate, a harmonious blend of rich baking spices and luscious red fruits unfolds, while a subtly dry finish reveals hints of buttery marmalade on toast.
Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
If you are ever looking for a quick answer to what you should sip, head to your local watering hole and ask the person behind the bar for their favorites. They usually have their fingers on the pulse of what’s new and exciting. So, who better to pick out the best bourbon than the Bartender Spirits Awards? This competition works with people in the industry to identify the best spirits that are readily available. There are no obscure, hard-to-find bourbons here. They named Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Shankard Distillery in Michigan its 2024 Bourbon of the Year. It scored 97 out of 100 points, and the judges were impressed by its flavors: Lovely cooked fruit with oranges and vanilla. Drinkable and complex notes of cinnamon, canned fruit, chocolate, clove and orange that coat the entirety of the mouth. Would drink this neat or in a cocktail.
Colonel E.H Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon
At the New York World Spirits Competition this year, only four entrants earned a coveted Platinum Medal for earning a Double Gold for three consecutive years. One of those was for Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon winning the 2024 The Best Single Barrel Bourbon-Up to 10 Years Old crown. Crafted by industry legend Buffalo Trace Distillery. To land on top, it bested two other beauties, 1792 Single Barrel and Pinhook Bourbon True Single Straight Bourbon. Its rich flavor profile includes notes of butterscotch, dried fruit, and toasted oak, followed by a full-bodied finish. If you look hard enough, you should find a bottle of this one in the market.
Pure Antique 20-Year Straight Bourbon
Known as the Oscars for Spirts, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the largest annual event in the world. This year, over 5,000 bottles were judged. All brands strive to take home one of their top accolades, and they only send in their finest to be judged. This year, Pure Antique 20-Year Straight Bourbon from a tiny Preservation distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, took home the 2024 Best Overall Bourbon title. A small batch bourbon made from limited stocks, it is a highly sought after bottle that routinely hits four figures on the resale market. Its rich caramel and dark chocolate flavors blend with fruit notes to create a sweetness balanced by a hint of spice.
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