The 2024 Bourbons Of The Year, According To The SF World Spirits Competition

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is the most extensive bourbon judging in the world. Each year, hundreds of bourbon entries are submitted. Here are ten bourbon expressions picked as the 2024 Bourbons of the Year. All were rated Double Gold or higher multiple times at the SFWSC and received top scores in other major international spirit competitions. They run from expensive, well-known expressions like the Pappy Van Winkle range to more economical, less well-known expressions like Henry McKenna. Regardless of the price, all ten are outstanding!

Amanda Blue, President of Tasting Alliance, the organization that organizes the SFWSC, noted:

This is the first year we have published a Bourbons of the Year list recognizing the outstanding bourbon producers. All of these bourbons have received Double Gold or higher awards across multiple SFWSC judging events from panels comprised of some of the world’s most experienced and knowledgeable whisky judges. They represent the pinnacle of American whiskey. Surprisingly, many are also reasonably priced and would be an excellent addition to any home bar.

Steve Beal, SFWSC’s Senior Judge and Chair of Whiskey, added:

The quality of bourbon in America has never been higher; neither is the range of innovation and experimentation. Distillers, from new craft startups to established legacy brands, continue to push the flavor profile of bourbon. From heirloom grains to creative cask finishes to multiple-category blends, the spirit of innovation in American whiskey is unprecedented. It offers consumers an incredible array of aroma and flavor profiles. We are genuinely in bourbon’s golden age.

1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($58) 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 an extended maturation process, it is bottled at its original proof, offering a powerful taste experience.

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Full-Proof Bourbon; USC, 95 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Gold.

The nose features rich caramel, dark fruit, oak, and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is bold and full-bodied, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. The finish is long, warm, and slightly sweet, with lingering spice.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 YO ($72) is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky.

This single-barrel bourbon is aged for an entire decade and bottled in bond. Its rich and complex flavor profile has earned it numerous accolades. It retails for less than $100/bottle.

Awards: SFWSC, Best in Show Whiskey; WWA, Best Single Barrel Bourbon; USC, 96 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

The nose features caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of spice. It’s rich and full-bodied on the palate, with flavors of honey, butterscotch, and a touch of fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, with a balance of sweetness and spice.

Parker’s Heritage Collection 10th Edition 24 YO Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($1,400) is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, 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 YO edition is one of the oldest and most revered expressions in the collection.

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Bourbon; USC, 97 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

The nose features rich toffee, caramel, and dried fruit, with a hint of oak. The palate is deep and complex, with flavors of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and smooth, with a lingering oak and spice finish.

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($2,500) is currently produced, as are the rest of the Pappy expressions, at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky. The Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve range is among the most sought-after bourbons in the world. They are known for their rich, complex flavors and limited availability. The awards listed below apply to the 15 YO expression, but all the Pappy expressions, 15 YO, 20 YO, and 23 YO have comparable awards.

Awards: San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), Double Gold; World Whiskies Awards (WWA), Best Bourbon; Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), 98 points; International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), Gold; Global Spirits Masters (GSM), Master Medal.

The nose features caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit, with a hint of spice. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with toffee, oak, and dark chocolate flavors. The finish is long and warm, with a lingering sweetness and spice.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($1,300) is produced at the Old Forester Distilling Co., 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 flavors and high collectability.

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Bourbon; USC, 95 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

There is vanilla, caramel, and spice on the nose, with a hint of dried fruit. The palate is rich and layered, with toffee, oak, and dark chocolate flavors. The finish is long and warm, with a smooth, lingering sweetness.

Stagg Barrel Proof, Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($399) is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky. Stagg Jr. is the younger sibling of the highly sought-after George T. Stagg bourbon, offering a similarly bold and robust flavor profile at a more accessible price point.

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Bourbon; USC, 94 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Gold.

The nose features rich caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit with a hint of spice. The palate is full-bodied and intense, with toffee, oak, and cinnamon flavors. The finish is long, warm, and slightly sweet, with lingering spice.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($91)is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is an uncut, unfiltered bourbon bottle straight from the barrel, offering a bold and intense flavor profile.

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Barrel Proof Bourbon; USC, 95 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

The nose features caramel, vanilla, spices, and a hint of oak. The palate is full-bodied and bold, with toffee, dark chocolate, and spice flavors. The finish is long and warm, with a lingering sweetness.

Michter’s 10-YO Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($426) is produced at the Michter’s Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Michter’s 10 YO is a highly regarded single-barrel bourbon known for its deep, complex flavors and limited availability.

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Single Barrel Bourbon; USC, 96 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

The nose features caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of spice. The palate is deep and complex, with toffee, dark chocolate, and spice flavors. The finish is long and warm, with a lingering sweetness and spice.

George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($1,322) is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky.

George T. Stagg is one of the most highly regarded bourbons in the world, known for its bold, intense flavors and high proof.

Awards: SFWSC, Best in Show Whiskey; WWA, Best Bourbon; USC, 97 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

The nose features caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit with a hint of spice. It’s bold and intense on the palate, with toffee, oak, and cinnamon flavors. The finish is long, warm, and slightly sweet, with lingering spice notes.

William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($2,139) is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky.

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

Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; WWA, Best Bourbon; USC, 98 points; IWSC, Gold; GSM, Master Medal.

The nose offers caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit with a hint of spice. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with toffee, oak, and dark chocolate flavors. The finish is long and warm.

These ten bourbon expressions represent some of the world’s most distinguished and highly awarded whiskeys. Each has been meticulously crafted by its respective distillery, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and tradition. These expressions 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. All ten deserve the accolade of 2024 Bourbons of the Year.

Their awards at the SFWSC and elsewhere underscore the excellence they bring to the bourbon category, making them not just beverages but experiences to be savored by whiskey enthusiasts around the globe. If you are a bourbon lover, you’ve probably tried them all. If you haven’t, you certainly should. See also the 2024 Whiskey of the Year According to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.