The World’s Best Bourbon—According To Whiskies Of The World

Buffalo Trace Distillery makes the world’s best bourbon according to the Whiskies of The World competition. Out of hundreds of whiskies in various styles entered into this year’s competition only four bourbons earned best-in-class and double gold medal distinctions. All four of them were brands owned by Buffalo Trace Distillery. Even though this level of dominance isn’t commonly witnessed at most spirit competitions, Buffalo Trace’s success isn’t completely out of left field either. Buffalo Trace and bourbon acclaim should probably be official synonyms at this point.Buffalo Trace makes Pappy Van Winkle as well as many other sought-after brands.

Buffalo Trace’s bourbon award winners at this year’s Whiskies of the World may not have quite the name recognition of Pappy but bargain bourbons these are not. Each is an ultra-premium bourbon with an accompanying premium price. Scoring a bottle of the winners listed below will cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Also, keep in mind that bourbon can only legally be made in the U.S., so the world’s best in this instance, is the same as the best in the U.S. Those caveats in place, it is time to dig into these acclaimed bourbons that Whiskies of the World’s expert judge panel have deemed truly world-class.

W.L. Weller 12 Year USA Bourbon Wheated

As mentioned above, this is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, so critical acclaim doesn’t exactly come as a shock. Still, this bourbon impresses connoisseurs with its smoothness and balance that come courtesy of the 12-year aging process, which is longer than most wheated bourbons are aged. This bourbon is known for moderate sweetness and “aromas of lanolin, almond, creamed corn and toasty vanilla.”

Blanton’s Gold Edition 103 Proof Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton’s made bourbon history in 1984 when Elmer T. Lee made the first single-barrel bourbon and named it after the former distillery president Colonel Albert B. Blanton. The 103-proof gold edition is the second edition created after the original 93-proof version. The official tasting notes proclaim a nose filled with spicy rye and tobacco “followed by caramel and honey, dark fruit and citrus notes.”

Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old

Aged for nearly two decades in oak barrels, and made available once every fall in small quantities. This bourbon is sought after and previous years’ vintages can cost thousands of dollars. From the tasting notes: “The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes, and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco.”

George T. Stagg, Kentucky

Proudly uncut and unfiltered this sought-after bourbon is named for spirits pioneer George T. Stagg who built one of the most successful bourbon empires during the 1800s. This 116-proof spirit is aged for nearly a decade. Tasting notes include “lush toffee sweetness and dark chocolate with hints of vanilla, fudge, nougat and molasses,” with underlying notes running from coffee to tobacco. The whiskey has no shortage of awards and accolades and is a favorite of connoisseurs and collectors.

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