This is the second part of our series on the best bourbon in the world and whether such a thing even exists. To answer that question, we looked at the most medal-winning bourbons from the biggest spirits competitions of the last decade and compiled a second “Bourbon Hall of Fame” list of the most medal-winning bourbons. For space reasons, we’ve limited the list of awards to the top five.

Not a week goes by without a spirits competition or a whiskey magazine announcing its title for the world’s best bourbon. In 2023, there were over 50 bourbons that could claim the title of world’s best bourbon. They were all excellent, but to name more than 50 bourbons as the world’s best seems like a contradiction.

There are currently over 2,000 different types of bourbon available. The best 5%, or around 100, regularly win medals. Choosing the world’s best among these candidates is highly subjective, regardless of the quality of the evaluation.

Which one you personally consider to be the best will largely depend on the type of bourbon you like. All of these varieties are worthy of being inducted into a Bourbon Hall of Fame, and each one can rightfully claim the honor of being the best in the world.

This is the second part of a four-part series examining the most awarded bourbons. Parts one and two examined the “Hall of Fame” bourbons from major producers, while parts three and four examine the “Hall of Fame” bourbons from craft producers.

1792 Full proof is produced at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It is a high-proof bourbon known for its bold flavors and rich, intense character. After a robust aging process, it is bottled at its original alcohol content and offers a powerful taste experience.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Full Proof Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 95 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Gold

On the nose there are rich caramel notes, dark fruits, oak and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate it is strong and full-bodied, with aromas of caramel, vanilla and baking spices. The finish is long, warm and slightly sweet, with lingering spice.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 years is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Aged and bottled for a full decade, this single barrel bourbon has won numerous awards for its rich and complex flavor profile.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Best Whiskey of the Show

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Single Barrel Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 96 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are notes of caramel, vanilla and oak with a hint of spice. The palate is rich and full-bodied with aromas of honey, butterscotch and a hint of fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, with a balance of sweetness and spice.

Parker’s Heritage Collection 24 years is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Parker’s Heritage Collection is a highly sought-after limited edition bourbon released annually in honor of the late master distiller Parker Beam. The 24-year-old edition is one of the oldest and most revered bottlings in the collection.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 97 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are rich toffee, caramel and dried fruit notes with a hint of oak. The palate is deep and complex, with flavours of dark chocolate, toasted nuts and a hint of spice. The finish is long and smooth, with a lingering oak and spice flavour.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is produced at the Old Forester Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky.

Released annually to celebrate the birthday of Old Forester founder George Garvin Brown, this limited edition bourbon is known for its rich, complex flavor and high collectability.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 95 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

The nose is vanilla, caramel and spice with hints of dried fruit. The palate is rich and complex with flavours of toffee, oak and dark chocolate. The finish is long and warm, with a gentle, lingering sweetness.

Stagg Jr. is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Stagg Jr. is the younger brother of the coveted George T. Stagg Bourbon and offers a similarly bold and robust flavor profile at a more affordable price.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 94 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Gold

On the nose there are rich caramel, vanilla and dark fruit notes with a hint of spice. On the palate it is full-bodied and intense, with aromas of toffee, oak and cinnamon. The finish is long, warm and slightly sweet, with lingering spice notes.

Elijah Craig Barrel Evidence is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a neat, unfiltered bourbon bottled directly from the barrel and offers a bold and intense flavor profile.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskies Awards: Best Cask Strength Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 95 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are caramel, vanilla, spices and a hint of oak. On the palate it is full-bodied and powerful, with aromas of toffee, dark chocolate and spices. The finish is long and warm, with a lingering sweetness.

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Years is currently produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve line is among the most sought-after bourbons in the world, known for its rich, complex flavor and limited availability.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 98 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are caramel, vanilla and dark fruits with a hint of spice. On the palate it is full-bodied and smooth, with flavours of toffee, oak and dark chocolate. The finish is long and warm, with lingering sweetness and spice.

Michter’s 10 year old Single Barrel Bourbon is produced at Michter’s Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Michter’s 10 YO is a highly prized single barrel bourbon known for its deep, complex flavor and limited availability.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Single Barrel Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 96 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are caramel, vanilla and oak notes with a hint of spice. The palate is deep and complex, with flavours of toffee, dark chocolate and spice. The finish is long and warm, with a lingering sweetness and spice.

George T. Stagg is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

George T. Stagg is one of the most respected bourbons in the world, known for its strong, intense flavor and high alcohol content.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Best Whiskey of the Show

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 97 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are caramel, vanilla and dark fruits with a hint of spice. On the palate it is powerful and intense with aromas of toffee, oak and cinnamon. The finish is long, warm and slightly sweet, with lingering spicy notes.

William Larue Weller is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

William Larue Weller is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is known for its rich, complex flavors and high alcohol content.

Awards:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold

World Whiskeys Awards: Best Bourbon

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 98 points

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Gold

Global Spirits Masters: Master Medal

On the nose there are caramel, vanilla and dark fruits with a hint of spice. On the palate it is full-bodied and soft, with aromas of toffee, oak and dark chocolate. The finish is long and warm.

These bourbons, along with the ten listed in Part I, are among the most respected and highly awarded spirits in the world. Each variety has been carefully crafted by its respective distillery and reflects a deep commitment to quality and tradition. These varieties have earned their place among the best, whether through innovative production methods, unique aging processes or a dedication to preserving the art of bourbon making.

Their numerous awards at prestigious international competitions underscore the excellence they bring to the bourbon category, making them not just drinks but experiences that whiskey enthusiasts around the world can enjoy. If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve probably tried them all. If not, you definitely should.

This selection is among the finest available for anyone seeking a rich, complex and rewarding bourbon experience. They are all “Hall of Fame” bourbons and each of them can rightfully claim the crown of the world’s best bourbon. Which one is crowned is entirely up to you!

You can also find more bourbons from major producers in “The Bourbon Hall of Fame: The World’s Highest Rated Whiskies” as well as in “The Bourbon Hall of Fame: The Highest Rated Craft Whiskies” and “The Bourbon Elite: More of the Highest Rated Craft Whiskies”.

The Hall of Fame Expressions is an ongoing series highlighting the most medal-winning spirits and wine brands from major competitions around the world. Look out for upcoming features on the Hall of Fame tequilas, rums, gins, vodkas, brandies and whiskeys; the most important wines and wine regions; and the world’s best beers.