Now a member of the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC)Whiskies of the world (WOW) is an organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and enjoyment of whiskey. It is best known for hosting a series of whiskey shows throughout the United States. WOW also sponsors its own whiskey competition. Here are the results of the top-ranking bourbons from the 2024 Whiskies of the World Awards.

The Sazerac Company, one of the oldest and most prestigious distilleries in the United States, dominated the Bourbon category, receiving five “Best in Class” awards.

Sazerac is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and its history dates back to the 19th century. The company has become a major player in the spirits industry. The company owns and produces a wide range of whiskey brands, including some of the most sought-after bourbon and rye whiskeys. The company’s portfolio includes iconic brands such as Buffalo Trace, WL Weller, Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, and many other, lesser-known brands. Sazerac is known for its commitment to quality and tradition, which is reflected in the exceptional craftsmanship of its products.

Traveler Whiskey, 45% vol., 750 mlthe best blended whiskey in its class

Traveller Whiskey, a little-known Sazerac whiskey produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is an American blended whiskey with a smooth and approachable profile that is great for both sipping and mixing.

It is light and sweet, with notes of caramel, vanilla and a hint of citrus. On the palate it is soft and smooth, with flavors of honey, vanilla and a hint of spice, with underlying oak notes. The finish is medium long, with a gentle warmth and lingering sweetness.

WL Weller 12 years old, 45% alcohol, 750 mlthe best wheat bourbon in its class

WL Weller 12-YO is a highly regarded wheated bourbon often referred to as “the poor man’s pappy” due to its similar mash and aging process.

On the nose it is rich, with aromas of caramel, vanilla and a hint of cherry. On the palate it is soft and full-bodied with aromas of caramel, honey and dark fruit, complemented by notes of oak and spice. The finish is long and satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweetness and oak.

William LaRue Weller, 66.8% vol., 750 mlBest wheat wine with high alcohol content

William LaRue Weller is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, known for its undiluted and unfiltered high alcohol content, making it a powerful and complex wheated bourbon.

On the nose it is intense and rich, with notes of caramel, dark chocolate, dried fruit and hints of vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate it is bold and full-bodied, offering notes of toffee, molasses and baking spices, balanced by a strong oak presence. The finish is warm and complex, with lingering notes of spice, leather and sweet oak.

Eagle Rare 17 years old, 50.5% alcohol, 750 mlBest bourbon in its class, aged for over 10 years

Eagle Rare 17 YO is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is valued for its exceptional maturation and deep, complex flavor profile.

The nose is elegant and refined, with aromas of dried fruit, leather and tobacco, complemented by vanilla and oak. The palate is rich and soft, with aromas of dark fruit, honey and toasted oak, with subtle notes of spice and chocolate. The finish is long and luxurious, with a harmonious blend of sweet and oaky elements.

George T. Stagg, 67.5% vol., 750 mlBest high-proof NAS Bourbon in its class

George T. Stagg is a no age statement barrel proof bourbon known for its neat, unfiltered and powerful expression and is one of the most sought after bourbons in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

Strong and intense on the nose, with a rich bouquet of dark chocolate, caramel and espresso as well as hints of tobacco and spices.

On the palate it is full-bodied and powerful, offering deep flavors of molasses, dark fruits and leather with a distinct oak and spice character.

The finish is exceptionally long and warming, with a complex interplay of sweet, spicy and smoky notes lingering on the palate.

Blanton’s received the NAS Bourbon Best in Class Award for Blanton’s Gold Edition, 103 proof, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml.

Blanton’s Gold Edition is a premium single barrel bourbon from the Blanton’s range, produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Originally developed for the international market, it is known for its higher alcohol content and more intense flavour profile compared to the standard Blanton’s Original Single Barrel.

Crafted with exceptional attention to detail and quality, making Blanton’s a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts worldwide, this bourbon is bottled at 103 proof (51.5% ABV) and offers a rich and bold drinking experience.

The aroma is complex and inviting, with rich honey, vanilla and dark caramel notes, complemented by hints of dried fruit, citrus peel and subtle oak spices.

Blanton’s Gold Edition offers a full-bodied and smooth taste experience. Aromas of toffee, brown sugar and dark chocolate predominate, with undertones of nutmeg, cinnamon and a hint of citrus peel. The higher alcohol content adds a pleasant warmth without masking the delicate balance of the flavors.

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet vanilla, oak and a gentle spice that slowly fades away, leaving a warm and comforting aftertaste.

Among the craft distilleries, Ironroot Republic received the award Best of Class, Bourbon Aged 3 to 6 Years for Ironroot Promethean Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750ml.

Ironroot Promethean Bourbon is a small-batch bourbon from Ironroot Republic Distilling, a family-owned distillery in Denison, Texas. Known for its innovative approach to bourbon making, Ironroot Republic uses heirloom corn varieties and a unique aging process that reflects the influence of Texas terroir and traditional French techniques. Promethean Bourbon is one of the distillery’s flagship products and boasts a bold flavor profile at 50% ABV (100 proof).

The aroma is rich and inviting, with notes of caramel, toasted oak and vanilla, complemented by hints of dark chocolate and baking spices.

On the palate, Promethean Bourbon offers a bold and full-bodied experience. Flavors of toffee, roasted nuts and ripe fruit are layered with spicy undertones of cinnamon and cloves, balanced by a gentle vanilla sweetness.

The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak, spice and a hint of sweetcorn, leaving a lasting impression of complexity and depth.

RD 1 Spirits received the Best in Class Finished Bourbon award for RD 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey French Oak Finish, 50.5% vol., 750 ml.

RD 1 Spirits is a revival of the historic Ashland Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, which was one of the first state-registered distilleries in Kentucky after Prohibition.

RD 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with French Oak Finish is a limited edition that combines the traditional aging of bourbon with an innovative finishing process in French oak barrels. This finish adds additional complexity and depth to the bourbon, highlighting the rich heritage and craftsmanship that RD 1 Spirits brings to its offering.

The aroma is refined and nuanced, offering rich caramel, vanilla and toasted oak notes, followed by subtle hints of dark fruit, spice and a distinctive earthiness from the French oak.

This bourbon is bold and full-bodied on the palate, displaying flavors of butterscotch, honey and baking spices. The influence of French oak gives the bourbon its balance, providing a smooth, creamy texture and hints of tannins, cocoa and dried fruit.

The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak spice, vanilla and a hint of toasted almonds. It leaves a luxurious and complex aftertaste that invites another sip.

This year’s WOW Awards top bourbons reflect a fascinating mix of well-known historic distilleries and new craft distilleries. Although lesser known, the craft distilleries’ creations are well worth a try. And as for the Sazerac/Buffalo Trace bourbons, they are all excellent!

For a full list of medal winners, visit the Whiskies of the World Awards.

Cheers