Discover the Best Bourbon Whiskey
For almost as long as humans have been distilling whisky, debates over which Bourbon is the best have been endless. This quest for the best Bourbon whiskey has led to a booming awards industry that doles out countless accolades each year. However, it has also made it challenging for consumers to differentiate between true excellence and mere pretenders.
The Birth of the International Whisky Competition
Recognizing this issue, the International Whisky Competition (IWC) was established fifteen years ago. Unlike other events, it focuses solely on whisky and awards three medals—gold, silver, and bronze—in each category. Dubbed as “The Olympics of whisky competitions” by Master Distiller and Whisky Hall of Fame Member Jim McEwan, the IWC endeavors to spotlight the finest whiskies around the globe.
How the Competition Works
A panel of whisky experts, including Masters of Bourbon and Masters of Scotch, conduct double blind-taste tests for each entry. This means that peated scotches, Irish whiskies, bourbons, and other types are all evaluated together. Each spirit is judged against fifteen criteria and given a final score out of 100 points.
The Rise in American Whiskies
The growing rise in American whisky and bourbon has made the competition even more intriguing. For the first time, this year’s IWC split its judging between Kentucky and Scotland. Despite its rigorous nature, only 102 whiskies worldwide scored 90 points or higher. Remarkably, 35 of these were American whiskies.
Highlights from the Best Bourbon Whiskey Category
If you are searching for the best bourbon whiskey, look no further. Here are some standout winners from the IWC:
- George T. Stagg – 94.98 Pts
- NOCO Distillery – Founders Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon – Mash Bill #: II – Cask Strength – 94.49 Pts
- W. L. Weller Antique 107 – 94.07 Pts
Other Noteworthy Bourbon Categories
The IWC also recognizes other remarkable bourbon categories. Here are the key highlights:
Best Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey
- George T. Stagg – 94.98 Pts
- NOCO Distillery – Founders Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon – Mash Bill #: II – Cask Strength – 94.49 Pts
- Old Hamer Straight Bourbon Cask Strength – 92.49 Pts
Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Small Batch – 89.93 Pts
- Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 89.89 Pts
- Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 88.75 Pts
Best Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Whiskey
- 1792 Bottled in Bond – 93.95 Pts
- Buzzard’s Roost – Bottle-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 92.04 Pts
- Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 89.83 Pts
Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
- NOCO Distillery – Founders Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon – Mash Bill #: II – Cask Strength – 94.49 Pts
- 1792 Single Barrel – 91.77 Pts
- Benchmark Single Barrel – 91.13 Pts
Best American Cask Finish
- RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood – 93.03 Pts
- RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In French Oak – 91.67 Pts
- Hugh Hamer Straight Bourbon Double Oak 103 proof – 91.42 Pts
Keeping Updated
For the latest updates on the ever-evolving beer, wine, and spirits industry, keep following here. The best bourbon whiskey journey continues to evolve, and staying informed will ensure you never miss out on tasting the crème de la crème of the whisky world.
