The World’s Best Bourbons and American Whiskeys at the 2024 World Whiskey Awards

American whiskey has come a long way since it was introduced to the North American continent by colonists in the 17th century. Initially consumed as a raw, unaged spirit, it has undergone significant changes over the centuries to become the highly complex liquid it is today. Big-bodied bourbons, ryes, Tennessee whiskeys, and other regional styles captured the attention of drinkers and helped put American whiskey on the world stage.

This increased visibility has ushered in a whiskey boom in the market over the past decade, fueled by unprecedented growth in the industry. More than 740 whiskey and bourbon distilleries will be operating in the United States in 2023, an 11.6% increase from 2022, according to a recent report from IBIS World.

The recently announced 2024 World Whiskey Awards will take away the effort and deep pockets required to find the ultimate treat for fans. Founded in 2007 by the folks at Whiskey Magazine, this annual event has become one of the whiskey world’s preeminent events. This year, more than 200 judges judged 1,500 different whiskeys from around the world in multiple rounds to determine the best whisky, using a blind tasting format. Here are six American whiskeys that have been crowned the coveted world’s best.

american straight whiskey

Founded in 2011 in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, FEW Spirits is an urban distillery focused on producing small-batch, artisanal whiskeys using locally sourced grains. It’s ironic that the company’s American Straight Whiskey won the World’s Best American Style Whiskey award. Evanston was a center of the Prohibition movement and remained a dry country for decades after Prohibition was repealed.

The winner is made by blending rye and bourbon whiskies, both winners, with the addition of malt whiskey aged in cherrywood-smoked barrels. Bottled at 93 proof, it aims to toe the line between sweet and spicy flavors. Here is what the judges commented on this:

“A nice bright touch of fresh sweetness on the nose. The palate brings honey and baking spice, leading to a warm and spicy finish.”

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

If you love good whisky, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Uncle Nearest. Founded in 2017, the brand is the most successful black-owned distillery in the world. Named after Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first recorded African-American distiller in the United States and the man who taught Jack Daniel’s how to make whisky, their whiskey is made by turning the still on. It has received high praise since the day it was introduced.

Their 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey was named the World’s Best Tennessee Whiskey. It’s no surprise since he has won over 125 awards around the world since his debut in 2017. A 100 proof blended whisky, it follows the Lincoln Country process that Nathan Green helped develop. Characteristic of most Tennessee whiskeys. Sugar maple charcoal is used to filter the whiskey, creating a smooth, drinkable liquid. Here is what the judges commented on this:

“Nutmeg, black pepper, tobacco, orange wheel. Citrus pops on the palate with notes of butterscotch and subtle baking spice. Round finish.”

Lowe’s Whiskey House Four Grain Bourbon Cask Strength

Another emerging distillery has ignited the American whiskey scene. Lowe’s Whiskey House has been casking in Denver, Colorado since 2011. The brand claims they use only high-quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown within Colorado, mixed with water flowing from the Rocky Mountains, and aged the whiskey at high temperatures. Altitude creates a unique spirit.

They must be doing something right because their Four Grain Bourbon Cask Strength was named the World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. Aged for at least three years in oak barrels, it is made from grains of 60% corn, 20% wheat, 10% rye and 10% barley. Each bottle’s proof is written on the side, as each barrel is different, and the bourbon offers a balanced flavor profile of spice and fruit. Here is what the judges commented on this:

“A praline with a soft honey aroma on the nose. The palate is buttery on the palate, with sweet sorghum notes, followed by cinnamon, and a soft, long-lasting aftertaste.”

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

The name Four Roses is no secret to bourbon lovers. This brand is an industry favorite known for producing some of the most flavorful bourbons on the market. First distilled in 1888, the brand is one of the founding members of the world-famous Kentucky Distillery Trail, drawing crowds every day to its signature distillery in Lawrenceburg. . They all come for the liquid that continues to set the standard for fine bourbon.

Their Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon was named the world’s best single barrel bourbon. Each bottling uses a variety of barrels selected by Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Bottled at 100 proof, this is a complex bourbon that only opens with every sip. Here is what the judges commented on this:

“The nose is light and bright with just a hint of vanilla. On the palate you get a nice rich impression of caramel and fresh apple.”

breckenridge port cask finish

Here comes another bourbon from Colorado, further cementing the Mile High State as an up-and-comer in the bourbon world. Breckenridge Distillery, which has the title of “World’s Highest Distillery,” is located high in the Rocky Mountains, approximately 9,600 feet above sea level and approximately 2 miles above sea level. Founded in 2008, its whiskeys are known for pushing the boundaries of flavor and aging techniques. .

Billed as the World’s Best Finished Bourbon, Breckenridge Port Cask Finish highlights their expertise in barrel aging. Finished in 59-gallon Tawny Port barrels and bottled at 90 proof, it’s infused with flavors of raisin and maple syrup, rounding out the flavor while softening the naturally spicy liquid. Here is what the judges commented on this:

“Full of aromas of buttered popcorn, salted raisins, figs, and walnuts. The palate follows fruitcake with sweet icing, maraschino cherries, and dates. The finish is round, sweet, and balanced.”

1792 12 years old

If you’re a bourbon lover looking for the best bourbon, look no further. Voted the world’s best bourbon, the 1792 12 Year Old is a bottle you’ll want to pick up. Produced by Barton 1792 Distillery, which operates in the bourbon hotspot of Bardstown, Kentucky, is another of his award-winning distilleries that has spanned nearly 15 centuries.

Made using the distillery’s “High Rye” recipe, the liquid inside is aged for at least 12 years in charred American white oak barrels. By aging the liquid for at least 48 seasons, the Burton team ensured that the interaction between barrel and whiskey produced maximum flavor. When it comes to bottling our award-winning bourbon, Master Distiller Danny Kahn carefully selects the barrels he deems suitable for blending this great bourbon. Bottled at 96.6 proof. Here is what the judges commented on this:

“It has a beautifully balanced expression and an attractive nose. There are notes of rich chocolate and delicate caramel sweetness throughout. A hint of smooth apricot lingers on the finish.”