The Best Bourbons According To The Whiskies Of The World Awards

Now affiliated with the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC), Whiskies of the World (WOW) is an organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and enjoyment of whisky. They are best known for hosting a series of whisky shows across the United States. WOW also sponsors its own whisky competition. Here are the results of the top-ranked bourbons from the 2024 Whiskies of the World Awards.

The Sazerac Company, one of the oldest and most respected distilling companies in the United States, dominated the Bourbon category, taking five Best in Class honors.

Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and with a history dating back to the 19th century, Sazerac has become a significant player in the spirits industry. The company owns and produces a wide range of whiskey brands, including some of the most sought-after bourbons and ryes. The company’s portfolio includes iconic brands such as Buffalo Trace, W. L. Weller, Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, and many other, less well known brands. Sazerac is known for its commitment to quality and tradition, which is evident in the exceptional craftsmanship of its products.

Traveller Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml, Best in Class Blended Whiskey

Traveller Whiskey, a little known Sazerac whisky produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is an American blended whiskey offering a smooth and approachable profile suitable for both sipping and mixing.

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

W. L. Weller 12 YO, 45% ABV, 750 ml, Best in Class Wheated Bourbon

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

It’s rich on the nose, with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of cherry. The palate is smooth and full-bodied with caramel, honey, and dark fruit flavors, 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% ABV, 750 ml, Best in Class Wheated High Proof

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

It’s intense and rich on the nose, with notes of caramel, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is bold and full-bodied, delivering layers of toffee, molasses, and baking spices, balanced by a strong oak presence. The finish is warming, and complex, with lingering notes of spice, leather, and sweet oak.

Eagle Rare 17 YO, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml, Best in Class Bourbon Aged Over 10 Years

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

The nose is elegant and refined, with aromas of dried fruit, leather, and tobacco, complemented by vanilla and oak. On the palate, it’s rich and smooth, featuring flavors 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% ABV, 750 ml, Best in Class NAS Bourbon High Proof

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

Bold and intense on the nose, with a rich bouquet of dark chocolate, caramel, and espresso, along with hints of tobacco and spice.

The palate is full-bodied and robust, offering deep flavors of molasses, dark fruit, and leather, with a pronounced oak and spice character.

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

Blanton’s took Best in Class honors NAS Bourbon 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 line, produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Originally created for the international market, it is known for its higher proof and more intense flavor profile compared to the standard Blanton’s Original Single Barrel.

This bourbon is crafted with exceptional attention to detail and quality, making Blanton’s a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts worldwide. It is bottled at 103 proof (51.5% ABV), providing a rich and robust 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 spice.

Blanton’s Gold Edition delivers a full-bodied and smooth experience on the palate. Flavors of toffee, brown sugar, and dark chocolate are prominent, with undertones of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus zest. The higher proof adds a pleasant warmth without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.

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

Among Craft distillers, Ironroot Republic took Best of Class honors, Bourbon Aged 3 to 6 Years for Ironroot Promethean Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml.

Ironroot Promethean Bourbon is a small-batch bourbon crafted by Ironroot Republic Distilling, a family-owned distillery located in Denison, Texas. Known for its innovative bourbon-making approach, Ironroot Republic utilizes heirloom corn varieties and a unique aging process reflecting Texas terroir’s influence and traditional French techniques. The Promethean Bourbon is one of the distillery’s flagship expressions, showcasing a robust 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 delivers a bold and full-bodied experience. Flavors of toffee, roasted nuts, and ripe fruit are layered with spicy undertones of cinnamon and clove, balanced by a smooth vanilla sweetness.

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

RD 1 Spirits took Best in Class honors Finished Bourbon, for RD 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey French Oak Finish, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml.

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

The RD 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a French Oak Finish is a limited-release expression that combines traditional bourbon aging with an innovative finishing process in French oak barrels. This finish imparts additional layers of complexity and depth to the bourbon, highlighting the rich heritage and craftsmanship that RD 1 Spirits brings to their offerings.

The aroma is sophisticated and nuanced. It offers 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 robust and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing flavors of butterscotch, honey, and baking spices. The influence of French oak, which introduces a smooth, creamy texture and hints of tannins, cocoa, and dried fruit, balances the bourbon.

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

This year’s top bourbons from the WOW Awards reflect an intriguing mix of well-known historic distilleries as well as new craft producers. Though less well-known, the craft producers’ expressions are well worth trying. As for the Sazerac/Buffalo Trace bourbons, they are all outstanding!

See the Whiskies of the World Awards for a complete listing of all of the medalists.

Cheers