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Forbes
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Five Must-Try Bourbons From 2025's SF World Spirits Competition
Old Grand Dad 16-Year-Old Straight Bourbon was one of the top five bourbons at the 2025 SFWSC Five bourbons were crowned America's Best Bourbons at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. All five bourbons are finalists for the top prize of America's Best Bourbon. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the five finalists in the Straight Bourbon category. The 16-Year-Old Grand Dad is one of the legendary high-rye bourbons, beautifully balancing the complexity of extended aging with sweetness and vibrant rye spice. The whiskey is a special release from Jim Beam's Clermont distillery honoring the legacy of Basil Hayden Sr. It's inspired by the Distillery's original whiskey, first bottled in 1882. This exceptional, ultra-aged, high-rye bourbon, based on a mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, was bottled at 100 proof. On the nose, it features leather, pipe tobacco, dark cherries, seasoned oak, and a hint of cocoa. The palate is chewy and spicy, with molasses, clove, toffee, stone fruit, and spiced/candied orange zest flavors driven by the spicy rye content. The finish is long, sweet, and flavorful, with charred/seasoned oak, vanilla, and black pepper impressions. This bourbon is Heaven Hill's September 2024 release in its acclaimed Barrel Proof series. Bottled at cask strength, an incredible 133.6 proof, and aged for 12 years. C924 is a powerhouse of flavor, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate robust, intensely oaky bourbon. Its nose features a layered complexity of molasses, burnt sugar, cinnamon, roasted pecans, and a faint hint of cold campfire smoke. It's robust and intense on the palate, offering rich flavors of dark caramel, black cherries, espresso, charred oak, and spiced honey. The finish is long, dry, and smoky, with lingering notes of dark chocolate and licorice/anise. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing: "Intense aromas of dark sugar and spices enveloped in a persistent smoky note. It's rich and robust, with caramel, cherry syrup, coffee, and rye spice notes on the palate. The finish is long and balanced, with lingering fruit and seasoned wood notes." The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing: "Aromas of dust, earth, orchard fruit, and leather. The palate features fruit, Bananas Foster, cookies and cream, wood spice, and hints of cocoa. The finish is sweet, balanced, and long with lingering brown sugar and rye spice notes." The five top straight bourbons from the 2025 SFWSC Eagle Rare is one of the crown jewels of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Distilled from Buffalo Trace's low-rye Mash Bill #1 and bottled at 101 proof, it showcases extraordinary balance, complexity, and depth after 17 years of aging. This masterful, polished bourbon exemplifies the refinement possible with extended aging under optimal conditions. On the nose, it offers a mosaic of old leather, antique wood, dark cherry compote, caramelized pecans, delicate floral undertones, and a hint of wax. The palate is smooth and complex, expressing layers of vanilla custard, rich toffee, baked apple pie, and subtle toasted almond notes, all wrapped in seasoned oak. The finish is long and dry, revealing lingering nutmeg, leather, and spiced chocolate flavors. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting: "Pronounced fruity and caramel notes on the nose. It's smooth and spicy on the palate, featuring creamy vanilla, orchard fruit, oak spices, and caramel flavors. The finish is long and fruity with lingering spicy notes." This luxurious bourbon is built for slow savoring and a deep appreciation of mature whiskey character. The expression is a rare barrel sourced by the World Whiskey Society and bottled under the legendary gunfighter's name. It was distilled in Kentucky, aged 15 years, and bottled at a massive 136.2 proof. The source of the whiskey is not disclosed. The nose delivers dense waves of brown sugar, baked apples, polished wood, and dried figs, all touched by a faint cigar box aroma. The bourbon is richly layered on the palate, showing toffee, nutmeg, honeycomb, and aged leather notes, rounded by vanilla bean and maple syrup. The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering sweet oak spice, crème brûlée, and a final earthy note of tobacco. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as showcasing: "Aromas of toasted bread followed by flavors of vanilla and snickerdoodle, and a long nutmeg-laced finish." This whiskey is a small-batch bottling from Ray's Whiskey Company. The expression is slated for release later this year. This whiskey is an easy-drinking bourbon, well-suited for casual sipping or mixing into cocktails. It makes a perfect aperitif. At a proposed retail list price of $35, it will be a great value among the top bourbons from the SFWSC. On the nose, it is youthful, slightly spirity, but balanced, showing sweet corn, vanilla, fresh oak, and apple aromas. The palate is light and approachable, featuring honey, light caramel, white pepper, and green apple flavors. The finish is medium-short, with lingering seasoned oak and vanilla sweetness. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting: "Aromas of vanilla, sweet oak, coconut, and honey. The palate features cooked cereal with brown sugar and oak. The finish is sweet and medium-length, chewy and waxy." The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the world's most respected and influential spirits competitions. Founded in 2000, it gathers a panel of seasoned industry experts—including master distillers, spirits journalists, and bar professionals—to conduct blind tastings across various spirit categories. Awards from the SFWSC are highly coveted, often serving as a benchmark of quality and craftsmanship in the global spirits industry. Its rigorous judging process and international prestige make it a valuable platform for emerging and established brands. The 2025 SFWSC Straight Bourbon finalists capture the full spectrum of modern bourbon, from bold, well-aged heavyweights to refined, elegant pours, highlighting the impact of diverse mash bills and aging styles. With price points ranging from $35 to $399, and often found for less, these whiskeys prove that excellence isn't reserved for high-end bottles. Together, they showcase contemporary bourbon's remarkable breadth and creativity. If you're looking to broaden your bourbon horizons, these five standouts are essential sips.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Small Batch Aged Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Small Batch Bourbon Finalists in the 6-10 Years from the 2025 SFWSC Eight Bourbons are finalists in the Small Batch Aged Bourbon section. Five bourbons are in the 6-10 Years category, and three are in the 11 Years and Older category at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. This bourbon is a small-batch, limited release produced by The Beautiful and The Damned, a new artisan whiskey brand that focuses on blending storytelling with premium spirit craftsmanship. "Last Lion" is named to evoke an era of fierce independence and honor, fitting the bourbon's bold character. Typically bottled around 100 proof, Last Lion is crafted using sourced Kentucky bourbon aged for at least six years before blending. On the nose, it reveals rich aromas of vanilla bean, toasted coconut, fresh leather, and charred oak. The palate is silky smooth yet robust, showcasing flavors of brown sugar, dark stone fruit, cinnamon bark, and sweet tobacco. The finish is layered and long, with lingering sweet oak spice and cooked/caramelized fig. This bourbon feels classic but vibrant — a smooth, yet robust sipper with a noteworthy backbone. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring: 'Aromas of cooked apples galore, a ton of fresh black pepper spice, caramel, allspice, and nougat. It's sweet and easy to drink on the palate, featuring white sugar, apples, honey, caramel, allspice notes, and some slight herbal tea notes. The finish is long and very balanced.' This bourbon comes from Rare Character Whiskey Co., a brand known for finding exceptional barrels from undisclosed distilleries and bottling them in limited batches. Batch 02 is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at barrel strength, with ABVs varying by barrel but generally in the 110–120 proof range. On the nose, Batch 02 offers expressive aromas of roasted pecans, molasses, black cherries, and toasted vanilla. The palate is robust yet balanced, layering dark caramel, spicy rye bread, cocoa nibs, and dried fruit flavors. The finish is long and rich, with lingering pepper and butterscotch notes. This complex and favorable bourbon has traditional and slightly unconventional edges, true to its "rare character" name. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring: 'Spicy aromas on the nose, along with cherry syrup, nuts, caramel, and vanilla. The palate features dried fruit flavors, rye toast, chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. The finish is long, with lingering leather, chocolate, and fruity notes.' Kentucky Senator is a revived heritage brand paying tribute to famous Kentucky politicians. The John Brown release is the third bottling in the series, named for the first U.S. senator from Kentucky. Distilled in Kentucky and bottled at 107 proof, it is crafted as a limited edition small batch. On the nose, the bourbon delivers dark toffee, crème brûlée, cherry compote, and a subtle hint of mint. The palate is full-bodied and flavorful, featuring burnt sugar, maple syrup, toasted almonds, and spiced orange zest notes. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering oak, nutmeg, and a hint of dark chocolate. This polished bourbon feels elegant yet robust, a fitting homage to its namesake. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing: 'Big, bold aromas of vanilla custard, cherry syrup, and caramel on the nose. The palate features maple candy, almond praline, wood spice, and chocolate. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering candied orange zest, caramel, and spice notes.' Fiddler Encore Bourbon is an innovative wheated bourbon from ASW Distillery in Atlanta, Georgia. It undergoes secondary aging with hand-harvested, Georgia oak staves placed in the barrels, giving it a distinctly local character. This unique process and the bourbon's distinctive flavor make it a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast. It is bottled at around 120 proof. The bourbon offers a unique nose of caramelized bananas, toasted pecans, honeysuckle, and vanilla bean. The palate is rich but balanced, showcasing honeyed cornbread, marshmallow, baking spices, and light oak tannins. The Georgia oak influence brings a slightly sweeter and softer profile than traditional American oak. The finish is smooth and floral, making it a distinctive Southern bourbon that blends Georgia terroir with traditional craftsmanship. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring: 'Cooked sweet corn on the nose with floral, seasoned oak, and caramel notes. The palate features a candied sweetness, corn bread, cooked bananas, nuts, caramel, and vanilla flavors. The finish is long and sweet with lingering cooked corn and seasoned oak notes.' This bourbon is a smaller, emerging brand focused on robust, high-rye recipes. A 'high-rye' recipe typically contains more than 15% rye in the mash bill, contributing to a spicier and more complex flavor profile. Long Ridge's recipe consists of 60-65% corn, 30-35% rye, and a touch of malted barley. It's typically bottled between 95 and 100 proof. The nose features spicy cinnamon, clove, roasted peanuts, and dry leather notes. It's aromatic and flavorful, exhibiting sweet vanilla, cracked pepper, caramel apple, and freshly toasted rye bread flavors. The finish is crisp and moderately long, with a spicy rye snap and a final note of charred oak. Long Ridge's bourbon feels youthful but energetic — a rye-forward bourbon for those who like their whiskey with some spice. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as: 'Flavorful and aromatic with a big, bold, and spicy aroma and flavor profile.' The Finalists in the 10 Years and Older Small Batch Bourbon Category from the 2025 SFWSC This is a legendary sourced bourbon originally bottled by New Riff Distilling under the "O.K.I." label, standing for "Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana." The 15-year-old release comes from meticulously selected barrels of MGP-sourced bourbon, distilled in Indiana and aged in Kentucky warehouses. Bottled around 100 proof, this bourbon exudes classic old bourbon character, a testament to the traditional craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. On the nose, it offers robust aromas of dark oak, old leather-bound books, burnt caramel, and dried tobacco leaf. The palate is lush and layered, with nuanced flavors of molasses, walnut brittle, dark cherry preserves, and spice-laden oak. The finish is incredibly long, with lingering bittersweet chocolate, toasted vanilla, and aged wood notes. O.K.I. 15 Year is a testament to the power of time — an old, stately bourbon for serious connoisseurs. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting: 'Pronounced caramel and spice notes on the nose. The bourbon is bold and wild, expressing seasoned oak, aged leather, and spice flavors. The finish is long and rich, with lingering leather, spiced figs, and a hint of caramel.' This is a rare, ultra-aged straight bourbon offering from the Redemption line, a brand generally better known for its rye whiskeys. This limited release showcases barrels distilled at MGP and aged for 18 years. This bourbon boasts an intense, brooding profile and is bottled at a cask strength of around 103 proof. The nose reveals dense layers of old leather, dried tobacco, dark maple syrup, and charred oak. On the palate, it is flavorful, revealing nuanced notes of burnt toffee, blackstrap molasses, seasoned oak, dark cocoa, and baking spices. The finish is long and dry, with lingering espresso and oak wood flavors. This big, serious bourbon is best suited for slow sipping and contemplation. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as featuring: 'Aromas of pancake syrup and spiced leather on the nose. It's bold and flavorful on the palate, with old leather, dried tobacco, cocoa, and molasses notes. The finish is long, with lingering notes of leather and spice.' Lucky 13 is aged 13 years and bottled by Widow Jane Distillery in Brooklyn, New York, using sourced Kentucky and Tennessee whiskey stocks. Bottled at 93 proof, Lucky 13 undergoes proofing with Widow Jane's famous limestone water from Rosendale Mines, giving it a distinctive mineral complexity. It's rich and aromatic on the nose, featuring butterscotch, ripe plum, toasted oak, and cinnamon sugar notes. The palate is smooth and flavorful, layering vanilla cream, caramel apples, dried cherries, nutmeg, and soft tobacco notes. The finish is warm and medium-long, highlighted by sweet spices and gentle minerality. Lucky 13 strikes a beautiful balance between rich flavor and easy approachability — a fortunate find for any bourbon lover. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring: 'Butterscotch aromas and seasoned oak wood notes complemented with orchard fruits, creamy vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg spice. The finish is long, sweet, and layered with lingering caramel apple, cherry syrup, and vanilla notes. The eight Small Batch Aged Bourbons from the 2025 SFWSC feature an eclectic collection of craft producers from all over the US. They represent a broad array of styles and proofs reflecting a variety of terroirs and maturation environments. They underscore the wide range of aroma and flavorful profiles that characterize contemporary craft bourbons and showcase how barrel selection and blending can allow specialty bottlers to produce exceptional bourbon. These eight expressions are among the world's best small-batch aged bourbons. All are worth trying.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Top Small Batch Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Small Batch Bourbon Finalists in the 5 Years and Younger Category from the 2025 SFWSC Five Bourbons are finalists in the Small Batch Bourbon-Up To 5 Years category at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is the world's largest and most prestigious judging of American whiskey. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. The bourbon, crafted in Vail, Colorado, is named in honor of the U.S. Army's famed 10th Mountain Division. The distillery sources local grains whenever possible, producing a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. The whiskey is bottled at 128.8 proof. The nose offers aromas of toasted grain, caramel apple, vanilla, and hints of cinnamon. The palate is aromatic and smooth, with sweet corn, butterscotch, light oak, and a hint of white pepper. The finish is medium in length, with lingering caramel and baking spices. This easy-drinking bourbon reflects its mountain roots — approachable yet spirited. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing: 'Aromas of candied orange peels, brown sugar peaches, and baked pie crust. Chocolate-covered orange peels, white pepper, and vanilla are featured on the palate, with a big, bold finish.' This bourbon is a small-batch, experimental expression from a Pennsylvania craft distillery. After initial aging in new American oak, this bourbon is finished in ex-Madeira wine barrels, adding unique layers of flavor. Bottled at 100 proof, it offers boldness alongside complexity. The nose features dried fruits, cherry preserves, honeycomb, leather, and a whiff of almond. The Madeira influence is unmistakable on the palate, featuring raisin bread, candied orange zest, toasted oak flavors, and a hint of clove, balanced by a robust bourbon backbone of caramel and vanilla. The finish is long and slightly tannic, offering echoes of spiced wine and fig jam. It's a bold, distinctive bourbon ideal for those seeking something outside the classic profile. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing: 'The aromas of cooked fruit, especially fig and raisin, have a noticeable Madeira-like aroma in the background. The palate features prominent raisin notes along with candied orange peel, caramel, and vanilla with a long, drying finish.' Toasting with glasses of bourbon This bourbon is a celebrated, high-proof offering from Brooklyn, New York's oldest and one of the most innovative post-Prohibition distilleries. It is made from a mash bill of 80% New York corn and 20% malted barley and skips the traditional rye component entirely. Aged between 4 and 6 years, it's bottled at barrel strength, often landing between 120–130 proof. The nose showcases pronounced dark chocolate, peanut brittle, toasted marshmallow, and ripe plum notes. The palate is rich, oily, and intensely flavorful, featuring bittersweet cocoa, burnt sugar, black cherry, roasted nuts, and layers of charred oak. The finish is long, drying, and smoky, with lingering notes of espresso and spicy dark fruit. Kings County's barrel-strength bourbon is intense, complex, and meditative, perfect for serious bourbon aficionados. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing: 'Aromas of burnt caramel, cocoa, and ripe plums. It's deeply flavored on the palate, featuring fig, oak, and winter/mulled spices. The finish is long, dry, and hot with lingering fruit and spice notes.' Jim Rutledge, legendary Master Distiller at Four Roses, revived the Cream of Kentucky brand with a commitment to producing exceptional, sourced whiskey. Each release varies slightly in proof and barrel selection but is typically bottled at a cask strength of around 113–118 proof. This bourbon reveals a luxurious nose of dark caramel, toffee, old leather, cigar box, and roasted pecans. It is velvety and full-bodied on the palate, exhibiting rich flavors of brown butter, crème brûlée, dark cherry, baking spice, and a hint of aged oak. The finish is exceptionally long and spicy, with lingering oak tannins and subtle notes of dark chocolate. Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength is a masterclass in complexity and richness, a bourbon lover's dream pour. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing: 'Spirity aromas with seasoned/charred oak, orange zest, and allspice. The palate features orange peel, seasoned oak, black pepper, and basil. The finish is long and slightly herbaceous, with lingering orange zest and wood spice notes.' The bourbon is produced by Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It's a perennial medal winner in international spirit competitions, and at a $ 32 price point, it's one of the great bourbon values available today. Named for the year Kentucky achieved statehood, this bourbon uses a high-rye mash bill that brings boldness and spice to the flavor profile and is bottled at 93.7 proof. The nose offers aromas of sweet vanilla, baked apples, fresh rye bread, and light oak char. The bourbon is smooth and flavorful on the palate, featuring flavors of caramel, baking spice, roasted nuts, and a zesty rye bite balanced by sweet corn richness. The finish is medium-long, crisp, and slightly peppery, fading into toasted oak and caramelized sugar. This well-structured, versatile bourbon is ideal for both sipping and mixing. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting: 'Aromas of blueberries, vanilla, and a slight wet-stone minerality. It's fruity on the palate, featuring dark fruits and a delicious blueberry-forward flavor. The finish is long, though slightly astringent, with lingering fruity, black pepper, and chocolate notes.' The Small Batch Bourbons- Up To 5 Years finalists, from the 2025 SFWSC, are dominated by craft producers. The finalists present a broad array of styles and proofs and are reasonably priced, especially the cask strength, high proof expressions. They showcase the enormous aroma and flavorful profiles found in contemporary bourbons. These five expressions are among the world's best small batch bourbons. All are worth trying.
