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The Best Small Batch Bourbon (Up to 5 Years): 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Finalists

Small Batch Bourbon

Small batch bourbon represents a balance of craftsmanship and consistency, often delivering bold flavor profiles. At the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, these expressions stood out for their complexity, character, and crowd-pleasing appeal. The winner of Best Small Batch Bourbon – Up to 5 Years will be revealed at the highly anticipated Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala. Until then, here’s a closer look at the standout finalists.

10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company Bourbon

Crafted in the Colorado Rockies, 10th Mountain Whiskey pays tribute to the historic 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army. Their bourbon blends rugged mountain spirit with refined, small batch techniques, resulting in a whiskey that punches above its age.

Candied orange peels and brown sugar peaches on the nose, with chocolate-covered orange peels, white pepper, and vanilla on the palate. Good balance. Big, bold finish.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

Liberty & Plenty Distillery – Bronze Bull Spirits Batch #5 Finished in Madeira Barrels Bourbon

Located in Pennsylvania, Liberty & Plenty Distillery embraces experimental aging techniques with their Bronze Bull Series. Batch #5 is finished in Madeira barrels, bringing a nuanced layer of wine influence to their already rich bourbon.

A rich bouquet of dried fruits, toasted nuts, and caramel leads to a layered palate of vanilla, toffee, dark fruit compote, spiced honey, and citrus zest. The finish is long and warming, with candied fruit and a delicate tannic dryness.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

Kings County Distillery – Barrel-Strength Straight Bourbon

A pioneer of craft distilling in New York, Kings County Distillery is known for its bold approach to traditional styles. Their barrel-strength bourbon is unapologetically powerful, showcasing deep character even within a younger age range.

Burnt caramel and cocoa on the nose give way to deep flavors of fig, oak, and winter spice. The finish is dry and hot, but amazing for that proof.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

Cream of Kentucky – Cask Strength Bourbon

Revived by legendary master distiller Jim Rutledge, Cream of Kentucky continues a storied brand legacy with modern prestige. This cask-strength release showcases intensity, balance, and a refined herbaceous edge.

Aroma of ethanol, oak, char, orange zest, and allspice. The palate features orange peel, Old Fashioned-like richness, oak, black pepper, and basil. The finish is herbaceous and bright, where citrus reigns with a touch of spice.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

1792 – Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Distilled at Barton 1792 Distillery in Kentucky, this flagship bourbon is known for its elegant balance of fruit, spice, and minerality. A staple for many bourbon enthusiasts, it continues to impress competition judges year after year.

Blueberries, vanilla, and minerality on the nose. The taste is delicious and blueberry-forward, finishing with astringent black pepper and chocolate. Overall, very good.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel


These finalists for Best Small Batch Bourbon – Up to 5 Years exemplify what makes this category so compelling: innovation, regional character, and bold flavor in a youthful package. Whether finished in wine casks or bottled at barrel strength, each brings something unique to the table. The final results will be unveiled at the Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala — a celebration of the very best in spirits from around the world.

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