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Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Top Bourbons From The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Bourbon on the rocks The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the world's most extensive judging of bourbon. Out of more than 500 entries, roughly three dozen bourbons made the final round in each category. These finalists will vie for the Best in Category in their respective divisions and World's Best Bourbon accolades. Below is a summary of the finalists vying to ascend to the pinnacle of America's bourbon universe. The Straight Whiskey Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Old Grand-Dad, 16 YO Straight Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $195 World Whiskey Society, Doc Holiday 15 YO Straight Bourbon, 68.1% ABV, 750 ml. $399 Elijah Craig, Barrel proof C924, 64.5% ABV, 750 ml. $75 Eagle Rare, 17 YOS Straight Bourbon, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150 Ray's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $35 See 5 Must-Try Bourbons From 2025's San Francisco World Spirits Competition for an in-depth look at these five whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Small Batch Up To 5 Years Bourbon Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company Bourbon, 64.4% ABV, 750 ml. $60 Liberty & Plenty Distillery Bronze Bull Spirits Batch #5 Bourbon Finished in Madeira Barrels, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $70 Kings County Distillery Barrel-Strength Straight Bourbon, 68.8% ABV, 750 ml. $99 Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Bourbon, 59.8% ABV, $750 ml. $90 1792 Small Batch Straight Bourbon, 46.85% ABV, 750 ml. $32 See The Top Small Batch Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these five whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Small Batch 6-10 Years Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC The Beautiful and The Damned Last Lion Bourbon, 57.1% ABV, 750 ml. $79 Rare Character Batch 02 Straight Bourbon, 60.73% ABV, 750 ml. $85 Kentucky Senator John Brown Bourbon, 53.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150 ASW Distillery Fiddler Encore Bourbon – Georgia Oak, 60.2% ABV, 750 ml. $85 Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon, 58% ABV, 750 ml. $79 The Small Batch 10+ Years Bourbon Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC O.K.I. 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 57.5% ABV, 750 ml. $250 Redemption Whiskey 18-Year-Old Bourbon, 51.7% ABV, 750 ML. $400 Widow Jane Lucky 13 Bourbon, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. $110 See The World's Best Small Batch Aged Bourbons, According to the SF World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these eight whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Single Barrel Bourbon Up To 10 Years finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, 68.2% ABV, 750 ml. $169.99 Blackout Barrel Company Blackout Bourbon, 66% ABV, 750 ml. $80 Safai Bourbon 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $275 Hirsch The Single Barrel Double Oak Bourbon, 59% ABV, 750 ml. $150 High Wire Distilling Co. Jimmy Red Single Barrel Bourbon, 58.17% ABV. 750 ml.. $70 See The World's Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these seven whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Single Barrel 11 Years and Older Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC O.K.I. 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon Single Barrel, 63.9% ABV, 750 ml. $300 Augusta Distillery Buckner's 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. $300 See The World's Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these seven whiskeys and their tasting notes. The Special Barrel Finished Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Fox & Oden Double Oaked Straight Bourbon, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml. $100 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Triple Cask Finished, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $100 Whiskey Tree High Rye Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $60 Starlight Distillery Japanese Mizunara Reserve Finished Bourbon Whiskey, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $150 Penelope Toasted Bourbon Double Oak, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $59 See The Best Cask Finished Bourbon Crowned By The San Francisco World Spirits Competition for an in-depth look at these five whiskies and their tasting notes. The Wheated Bourbon finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Frank August Case Study: 05, Wheated Reserve, 5 Barrel Batch Bourbon, 52.25% ABV, 750 ml. $125 Maplewood Brewery & Distillery Wheated Bourbon, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $80 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, 53.3% ABV, 750 ml. $100 W.L. Weller Antique 107 Straight Wheated Bourbon, 53.6% ABV, 750 ml. $59 W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) Straight Wheated Bourbon, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml. $65 See The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According to the SF World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth view of these whiskeys and their tasting notes. These 35 bourbons represent the best of the best, the pinnacle of American bourbon. One of these finalists will be announced as the World's Best Bourbon at The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. If you are a serious bourbon drinker, you owe it to yourself to taste these outstanding bourbons. Your own world's best bourbon is probably among these finalists.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
10 Underrated Bourbon Brands You Should Be Drinking
Scotch whiskey glass and old wooden barrel. With copy space Bourbon has never been more popular, and with that popularity comes a lot of hype. Bottles sell out in minutes, secondary market prices skyrocket, and suddenly, it feels like you need a treasure map (or a really good liquor store connection) just to get your hands on the so-called 'best' bourbons. But here's the thing—some of the best bottles aren't the ones people are camping out for. They're the ones quietly waiting on the shelf, overlooked by the masses but beloved by those in the know. While brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, and Blanton's get all the attention, there's a whole world of underrated bourbons that offer incredible flavor without the impossible hunt or inflated price tag. These are the bottles you can actually find, actually afford, and—most importantly—actually enjoy without feeling guilty for opening them. From high-proof powerhouses to smooth, easy sippers, this list highlights ten bourbons that deserve more love. Some are longtime staples that have been overshadowed by new trends, while others are up-and-coming distilleries proving they can compete with the big names. But they all have one thing in common: they're absolutely worth drinking. So, if you're looking to expand your bourbon horizons and add a few new favorites to your rotation, here are ten underrated bourbons that should be on your radar. Old Grand Dad 114 If you think Old Grand-Dad is just a bottom-shelf relic, think again. The 114-proof version is a hidden gem that delivers serious flavor at a wallet-friendly price. Don't let the old-school name fool you—this bourbon punches well above its weight class. Why It's Underrated: The name might not scream sophistication, but this high-proof bourbon is a fantastic bang for your buck. It's got history, character, and enough kick to make you double-check the label. Tasting Notes: Rich caramel and vanilla up front, followed by baking spices, toasted oak, and a warming cinnamon finish. Strong but surprisingly smooth. Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond Despite winning top whiskey honors, Henry McKenna 10-Year still manages to fly under the radar. Aged for a full decade and bottled-in-bond, this bourbon is rich, complex, and proof that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait. Why It's Underrated: It won Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but it still flies under the radar compared to other premium-aged bourbons. Tasting Notes: Deep vanilla, toasted oak, and honey, with a touch of black pepper and dried fruit on the finish. A solid balance of sweet and spice. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Old Forester might not always get the same fanfare as some of its Brown-Forman siblings, but the 1920 Prohibition Style expression is an absolute powerhouse. If you like high-proof, full-bodied bourbons with a bit of history, this one's for you. Why It's Underrated: Old Forester is often overshadowed by its fancier cousins in the Brown-Forman family (hello, Woodford Reserve), but this Prohibition-era tribute is a powerhouse. Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, caramelized sugar, cocoa, and a hint of leather. A warm, long finish with plenty of oak and spice. Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond Wilderness Trail is a small but mighty Kentucky distillery that's making waves with its commitment to traditional bourbon-making. This bottled-in-bond expression showcases their dedication to quality, with rich flavors and a perfectly balanced profile. Why It's Underrated: A small Kentucky distillery making a name for itself with traditional methods and a focus on grain-to-glass transparency. Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, honey, and citrus zest up front, balanced with rich oak and nutmeg. Creamy mouthfeel with a long, dry finish. New Riff Bottled-in-Bond New Riff may be a newcomer in the bourbon world, but they're already proving they can hang with the best. Their bottled-in-bond release is a fantastic example of what careful craftsmanship and patience can produce. Why It's Underrated: New Riff is one of the newer kids on the block, but they're doing things the right way—100% Kentucky-made with no shortcuts. Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, vanilla bean, and a little herbal spice. The rye in the mash bill gives it a peppery kick on the finish. 1792 Full Proof If you're after a high-proof bourbon that delivers bold flavors without the insane secondary market prices, 1792 Full Proof is a winner. It's a well-balanced, rich, and deeply satisfying pour that deserves more attention. Why It's Underrated: This high-proof bourbon delivers a big, bold flavor without the collector's price tag. It's not as flashy as some barrel-proof offerings, but it holds its own. Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, caramelized banana, cinnamon, and oak. The heat is there, but it mellows out nicely. Elijah Craig Small Batch Elijah Craig Barrel Proof gets all the glory, but don't sleep on the Small Batch. It's an excellent everyday bourbon with a depth of flavor that makes it a go-to for both sipping and cocktails. Why It's Underrated: It's often overlooked in favor of its barrel-proof sibling, but this is a solid everyday bourbon with plenty of depth. Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a hint of orange peel. Classic bourbon flavors, well-balanced and easy to sip. Four Roses Single Barrel Four Roses is well-known, but its Single Barrel offering is often overshadowed by more hyped bourbons. With a unique high-rye mash bill and hand-selected barrels, this is a beautifully balanced and flavorful bourbon. Why It's Underrated: Four Roses gets respect, but it's still not as widely adored as some other Kentucky classics. The Single Barrel expression is one of the best values in bourbon. Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit, caramel, spice, and a floral undertone. The finish is long with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Barrel Craft Spirits Bourbon Barrell Craft Spirits is known for sourcing and blending exceptional whiskeys, but they don't always get the love they deserve. Their bourbon releases are bold, complex, and a fantastic option for those who love cask-strength pours. Why It's Underrated: It's a non-distilling producer (NDP), which means they source their whiskey—but they do it exceptionally well, blending barrels from multiple states for unique flavor profiles. Tasting Notes: Maple syrup, dark chocolate, dried cherries, and a touch of espresso. Bold, complex, and worth every penny. Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Tennessee bourbon often gets overlooked, but Chattanooga Whiskey is changing the game. Their 111-proof expression is a bold, flavorful sip that proves great whiskey exists outside of Kentucky. Why It's Underrated: Tennessee bourbon gets overshadowed by Kentucky, but Chattanooga Whiskey is proof that great whiskey doesn't stop at the state line. Tasting Notes: Molasses, toasted coconut, dark fruit, and warm baking spices. A rich, full-bodied pour with a long, satisfying finish. Bourbon lovers tend to chase the bottles that everyone's talking about, but there's plenty of great whiskey outside the spotlight. Next time you're looking to try something new, skip the long lines and secondary market prices—one of these bourbons might just become your new favorite. Have your own favorite underrated bourbon? Tell us why you like it in the comments!
