2023 SFWSC Best Of Class Straight & Special Barrel Bourbon Finalists

Indulge in the glorious realm of Brother’s Bond Bourbon’s latest gem. This exquisite, limited-edition offering is a revelation of untamed splendor, presenting itself in its unadulterated, unfiltered glory. With an awe-inspiring 115.8 proof, this four-grain straight bourbon masterpiece redefines the boundaries of authenticity. Immerse your senses in a voyage of unbridled intensity, as the nectar of this original cask-strength whiskey whispers sweet nothings to your refined palate. Elevate your discerning tastes to new heights and relish in the embodiment of uncut magnificence.

Behold the mesmerizing allure of Redemption Single Barrel Texas Bourbon, a pinnacle of craftsmanship meticulously distilled, aged, and bottled by the illustrious 1845 Distilling Co. in Lowry Crossing. This singular barrel elixir, embodying the essence of a straight bourbon whiskey, emerges at a celestial 50% alc/vol (100 Proof). Immerse your senses in a transcendental symphony of flavor as each sip unveils a panorama of tantalizing complexities, a testament to the symphonic artistry of true refinement. Brace yourself for an extraordinary odyssey, where the boundless depths of indulgence await your discerning palate.

Embark upon a sensorial journey with William Heavenhill 9th Edition from the esteemed Heaven Hill Distillery. Succumb to the seductive bouquet of deep caramel intertwined with notes of an old-world cigar box, supple leather, and a medley of opulent red fruits. Detect whispers of exquisite furniture polish, toasted grains, and elusive hedgerow berries, unfolding a tapestry of profound complexity. This immaculate bourbon concludes with a memorable finish—savory and smoky that lingers enticingly. Truly, a phenomenal symphony of flavors to delight the discerning palate.

Unveiling the limited edition Heaven’s Door Decade Series, a ten-year-old bourbon, inaugurating an audacious collection of sublime whiskeys. A testament to time, age, and maturation, each drop narrates a captivating story that you are warmly invited to partake in. A collaboration with legendary musician and artist Bob Dylan, Heaven’s Door is an award-winning anthology of artisanal American whiskeys. Each bottle is an artistic marvel, adorned with Dylan’s unique iron gate designs from his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio. Best savored at room temperature, on the rocks, neat, or with a hint of distilled water. A symphony of refined taste awaits.

Pursuit United Straight Bourbon embodies the harmonious amalgamation of barrels from three distinct states. The marriage of rye and wheated bourbons gives birth to a remarkably unique whiskey. This blend unveils an engaging dance between fruity and spicy notes. Savor this captivating pursuit, a delight designed for the refined palate of a true connoisseur.

Hailing from historic Charleston, South Carolina, Sweet Grass Bourbon exemplifies a superb, small-batch bourbon of the highest caliber. Its notable mash bill, featuring 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, imbues this bourbon with unrivaled smoothness. With its well-rounded finish, this sublime spirit exudes outstanding richness, profound depth, and a character that enchants the discerning palate—a unique indulgence in the world of fine whiskey.

J. Rieger & Co., Kansas City’s pioneer distillery, take immense pride in presenting their latest bottled-in bond bourbon—a distinguished double gold laureate at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Crafted by one distiller, in a single season at the historic Electric Park District, this bourbon reflects the unique rhythm of its surroundings—seasonal changes, aging barrels, and even the resonant vibrations of trains gracing its threshold. This bourbon, a six-year aged symphony of corn, rye, and malted barley, is the second offering of Rieger’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond since their celebrated resurgence in 2014.

The Kentucky Owl presents The Wiseman, a superior Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, masterfully blended from four select bourbons. Its olfactory profile is rich with caramel, allspice, and citrus notes, which gracefully transition to a decadent palate. As the allspice recedes, a prolonged finish emerges, graced by caramel and subtle whispers of oak. A whiskey truly crafted for the sophisticated palate, The Wiseman stands as a testament to Kentucky Owl’s whiskey crafting prowess.

Maker’s Mark unfolds like an olfactory sonnet with dominant notes of sweet oak, vivacious fruits, and a whisper of vanilla, gracefully woven with the scent of wheat. Upon tasting, it reveals a harmonious blend of oak and vanilla, embellished with fruity accents, a symphony played on a backdrop of sweetness. The finish is an exquisite ballet of flavors, smooth and creamy, culminating in a soft spice that lingers. The endnote is a clean, crisp finale, the denouement of this captivating tale of taste.

An exquisite, four-year-aged high-rye bourbon is transformed into an exceptional expression, elegantly re-aged in a meticulously handcrafted American oak barrel, heavily toasted and charred. A nod to Ohio’s heritage, the oak is locally-sourced, infusing a truly unique character. This double maturation unfurls tantalizing notes of sumptuous toffee, luscious brown butter, and delicate cocoa, finished with a subtle hint of nuttiness. A grand finale of oak and baking spices marks the end of this savoring experience, a testament to the art of bourbon craft.

The sequel to the esteemed Chateau de Laubade arrives. Its artful blend of bourbon boasts Kentucky’s daring oak and Tennessee’s subtle citrus, dancing elegantly with Armagnac’s flamboyant fire. This unique composition awakens an intoxicating bouquet of baked pear, seasoned with nutmeg, cinnamon, and sage, intertwined with toffee, brown sugar, and almond whispers. Upon tasting, the palate is seduced by vanilla bean, dignified oak, and golden raisin, converging into an opulent finale of elevated flavors. A rendezvous for the discerning palate.

In an ode to oak exploration, Doc Swinson’s ‘French Toasted’ Bourbon masterfully harmonizes French oak’s floral, fruity notes with spicy undertones. This blend aged in American White Oak before a second maturation in Taransaud’s French Oak casks. The result is a sweet-spicy bourbon with flavors of cream, toasted vanilla, clove, and roasted pecans, cascading into dark chocolate and stone fruits. A citrusy hint gives way to a long, flavorful finish, offering an enticing fall spirit for discerning palates.

The Neeley Family Distillery revives the storied Old Jett Brothers label with a Sauternes-finished bourbon, enveloping the palate with kettle corn, oats, and creamy vanilla, graced with the delightful notes of marshmallows, raisins, and oak wood. A dance of buttered toast, dried cranberries, and tangerines unfolds, eventually yielding to a rich, dark cocoa and caramel echo imparted by pecan. The finish is a symphony of lingering raisin sweetness, punctuated with oak and ripe fruit nuances—a truly elegant revival for connoisseurs.