A Kentucky distillery dominated the bourbon awards at this year’s Whiskeys of The World competition.
Buffalo Trace Distillery produces the best bourbon in the world, according to the Whiskies of The World competition. Of the hundreds of whiskeys of various styles entered into this year’s competition, only four bourbons were recognized as best in class. And double gold medal award. All four of these were Buffalo Trace Distillery brands. Although this dominance is not common in most spirits competitions, Buffalo Trace’s success is no accident. Buffalo Trace and bourbon reputation should be officially synonymous by now. Buffalo Trace produces Pappy Van Winkle as well as many other popular brands.
Buffalo Trace’s bourbon award winners at this year’s Whiskies of the World may not have quite the name recognition of Pappy, but these bourbons are no bargains either. Each is an ultra-premium bourbon with a premium price to match. A bottle of the winners below will cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Also, keep in mind that bourbon can only be legally produced in the United States, so the best in the world in this case is the same as the best in the United States. With those caveats out of the way, it’s time to get into these celebrated bourbons that the expert panel at Whiskies of the World has deemed truly world-class.
WL Weller 12 years USA Bourbon Wheated
Weller 12 years was one of the bourbons named the best in the world at this year’s Whiskies of The World … (+)
As mentioned above, this bourbon is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, so the critical acclaim isn’t exactly surprising. Still, this bourbon impresses connoisseurs with its smoothness and balance, thanks to the 12-year aging process, which is longer than most wheated bourbons. This bourbon is known for its moderate sweetness and “flavors of lanolin, almonds, creamed corn, and toasted vanilla.”
Blanton’s Gold Edition 103 Proof Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
According to a recent competition, Blanton’s Gold is one of the best bourbons of 2024.
Blanton’s made bourbon history in 1984 when Elmer T. Lee made the first single-barrel bourbon and named it after the distillery’s former president, Colonel Albert B. Blanton. The 103-proof Gold Edition is the second edition made after the original 93-proof version. The official tasting notes proclaim a nose full of spicy rye and tobacco, “followed by caramel and honey, dark fruit and citrus notes.”
Eagle Rare 17 years old
According to a recent competition, Eagle Rare is one of the best bourbons in the world.
Aged in oak barrels for nearly two decades and available in small quantities once each fall, this bourbon is coveted and previous years’ vintages can cost thousands of dollars. From the tasting notes: “The fragrant aroma has an almost wine-like character with hints of almonds, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco.”
George T. Stagg, Kentucky
According to a recent competition, George T. Stagg’s bourbon is one of the best bourbons in the world.
Priding itself on being undiluted and unfiltered, this coveted bourbon is named after spirits pioneer George T. Stagg, who built one of the most successful bourbon empires in the 19th century. This 116 proof spirit is aged for nearly a decade. Flavor notes include “lush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses,” with base notes ranging from coffee to tobacco. The whiskey has received numerous awards and honors and is popular with connoisseurs and collectors.
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