Best Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 Years Finalist: Wilderness Trail Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Relish in the refined simplicity of Kentucky’s Small Batch Bourbon, a harmonious blend, carefully distilled with 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley. Savour its unique composition, defined by the distiller’s proprietary yeast strains, lending a unique note to each batch. A sublime delight to sip alone, its smooth charm is potent enough to invigorate your beloved mixed concoction. Bask in the delectable mingling of grain elements, the rye’s spiciness offsetting the corn’s sweetness, subtly underscored by the nutty depths of malted barley. A veritable symphony for the senses, Kentucky’s Small Batch Bourbon epitomizes the art of American whiskey-making, offering a sophisticated pour for the discerning palate.
Best Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 Years Finalist: Mystic Farm & Distillery Broken Oak Small Batch Bourbon
Immerse yourself in the refined elegance of Mystic Farm and Distillery’s Broken Oak Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottled at an imposing 47% ABV, this exquisite elixir hails from the respected cellars of North Carolina. Renowned for its characteristic whiskey spirit, it stands as a sterling testament to the exceptional craftsmanship embodied in North Carolina’s distilling tradition. This 750ml iteration of Broken Oak Straight Bourbon represents the zenith of bourbon mastery. Embark on a sensorial journey with each sip, discovering why this whiskey is considered an epitome of bourbon brilliance.
Best Small Batch Bourbon 6 to 10 Years Finalist: Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Imbibe the distinguished legacy of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., the bourbon industry’s founding father, in every sip of the Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey. Colonel Taylor’s devotion to distillation, stemming from his post-Civil War acquisition of the O.F.C. Distillery, shines through in his innovative methodologies, still in vogue today. Crafted with the utmost precision and aged in century-old warehouses erected by the Colonel himself, this bourbon is a harmonious assembly of meticulously chosen barrels. Its unique character is a tribute to E.H. Taylor, Jr.’s uncompromising heritage. With hints of caramel corn sweetness intertwined with butterscotch and licorice, it leaves a tender aftertaste of mild spice, pepper, and tobacco. Ideally enjoyed on the rocks, it’s a true bourbon connoisseur’s pleasure.
Best Small Batch Bourbon 6 to 10 Years Finalist: Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Proof Bourbon
Indulge in the exquisite splendor of Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Proof Bourbon, a sublime spirit birthed in the heart of Michigan. Hand-bottled and labeled, it’s a testament to a family’s cherished recipe, diligently preserved across three generations. This artisanal bourbon speaks to a relentless pursuit of the smoothest whiskey, a labor of love from a family dedicated to their craft. This exceptional bourbon is not just a testament to fine spirit production, but also a heartwarming story of family tradition and legacy—an experience truly worth savoring.
Best Small Batch Bourbon 6 to 10 Years Finalist: Peg Leg Porker Straight Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey
Savor the exceptional charm of an eight-year-old bourbon, proudly parading from the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee. A testament to the timeless pairing of bourbon and barbecue, this masterpiece is conceived by pitmaster Carey Bringle, a name etched in the annals of culinary excellence through his family-run restaurant, Peg Leg Porker. His deft transition into the whiskey realm is truly laudable, resulting in a tantalizing bourbon that mesmerizes the palate. Whether savored neat or swirled into classic cocktails, this bourbon is a perfect companion for smoky barbecue flavors—a true gourmet delight.
Best Small Batch Bourbon 6 to 10 Years Finalist: Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Bourbon
Savor the magnificence of Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, lauded among the world’s finest spirits. For those versed in cask strength whiskeys, this blend offers a depth of flavor usually reserved for the rarest of spirits. It teases with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, walnut, hazelnut, and infuses the palate with warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts, and a hint of butterscotch and honey. This potent, unfiltered bourbon, best enjoyed neat or with a dash of water, boasts a resounding finish, truly an uncut masterpiece from Buffalo Distillery.
Best Small Batch Bourbon 6 to 10 Years Finalist: The Clover Single Barrel Straight Bourbon
Delight in the decadence of The Clover Single Barrel Straight Bourbon, an esteemed Tennessee treasure. This ten-year-aged bourbon boasts a lavish flavor profile and an exceptionally smooth finish. Toasted oak notes, interlaced with caramel and vanilla nuances, grace the palate, culminating in a soft, lingering finish. The defining hallmark of this Tennessee whiskey is the Lincoln County Process, whereby the spirit is steeped in maple sugar-infused charcoal chips before cask maturation. This unique method imparts a subtle char and complex aroma, beautifully mellowing the whiskey to perfection.
Best Small Batch Bourbon 6 to 10 Years Finalist: Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Experience the rich opulence of this Kentucky-originated bourbon, boasting a 50% ABV. It presents an intricate dance of full-bodied flavors, yet remains surprising in its smoothness, culminating in a gentle, long-lasting finish. Savor the tantalizing hints of ripe plum and cherry, blended seamlessly with a symphony of spicy and fruity aromas, accented by whispers of herbs and cocoa. This bourbon, a true testament to Kentucky’s spirit mastery, can be appreciated neat or over ice, catering to the discerning palate of the whiskey connoisseur.
Best Single Barrel Bourbon Up to 10 Years Finalist: Whiskey Thief Distilling Company Single Barrel 12 Riders on the Storm
Embrace the inventive craftsmanship of Whisky Thief, a remarkable bourbon hailing from Indiana. It matures at an expedited pace in new American-oak barrels, supplemented with charred oak inserts, a novel process enhancing its maturity. Savor the delightful interplay of fruity and spicy notes, subtly embellished with hints of vanilla and mocha. This sophisticated bourbon, a testament to innovative distilling, offers a palate experience designed to captivate the discerning tastes of a true whiskey connoisseur.
Best Single Barrel Bourbon Up to 10 Years Finalist: Elijah Craig 18-Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon
Savor the impeccable craftsmanship embodied in Elijah Craig’s exclusive selection, where every drop is from a single, expertly selected barrel. This 18-Year-Old iteration epitomizes bourbon artistry: audacious, intricate, and filled with depth. A unique privilege to relish some of Kentucky’s most matured bourbon, this offering exudes a rich complexity, promising an extraordinary indulgence to those refined palates discerning enough to appreciate its rarefied pedigree.
Best Single Barrel Bourbon 11 Years or Older Finalist: Augusta Distillery Buckner’s 13-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Bask in the elegance of Buckner’s limited release, a Kentucky bourbon par excellence. Aged for 13 years in new, charred oak casks, it brings forth an enchanting amalgamation of aged timber, damp earth, and dry corn, wrapped in a honeyed vanilla touch. On tasting, a symphony of exotic spices, and caramel nuances harmonized with buttery cream and aged tea leaves create a lingering, memorable finish. Each sip transports one to Kentucky’s limestone hills, beckoning further discovery—an experience to be savored.