Discover the Best Bourbons of 2023: Recap of the Winning Spirits from the Year’s Competitions

Welcome to a celebration of the finest bourbon and whiskey of 2023! As we raise our glasses to the winners of last year’s prestigious spirit competitions, join us on a journey as we recap the highest rated bourbons in the most popular spirit competitions. Cheers to a year filled with remarkable flavors and unforgettable experiences!

Explore further by clicking the link below to take you to the listed spirits competition or simply scroll down for more.


The ASCOT Awards stands as a prestigious international spirits competition established by esteemed spirits personality and experienced tasting judge, Fred Minnick. The truly blind competition with a council of tasters is designed to give every spirit a fair shot, with winning entries being featured across Fred’s extensive social media platforms.

E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof


The inception of the SIP Awards stemmed from a fundamental query: “How valuable is the consumer’s perspective?” Their aim was to bridge this gap, uniting those who regularly enjoy a particular product to determine the most deserving brands for recognition. They embarked on a mission to orchestrate an equitable competition, carefully selecting consumers from diverse backgrounds. The event is designed to prioritize public opinion from the outset, serving as a foundational element rather than an incidental consideration in the realms of branding and product advancement.

Heaven’s Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

William Heavenhill 9th Edition

Carl T. Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey


Established in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest event of its kind. Its roster of medalists spans from globally acclaimed distillers to emerging small-batch artisans, whose recognition in the competition has propelled them onto the world stage. A medal from the SFWSC signifies not only exceptional quality and craftsmanship but also acknowledges the dedication of its recipients.

William Heavenhill 9th Edition Bourbon

Mystic Farm & Distillery Broken Oak Small Batch Bourbon

Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch

Whiskey Thief Distilling Company Single Barrel 12
Riders on the Storm


The New York International Spirits Competition emerged as the inaugural event in the esteemed International Beverage Competition Series. Setting it apart from its counterparts, the competition boasts a blind judging panel composed exclusively of industry professionals, a feature that has garnered significant attention within the spirits industry as the competitions continue to flourish.

At the New York International Spirits Competition, there’s no “best in class” category. Instead, here’s a curated selection of the most outstanding bourbons and whiskeys, each proudly adorned with prestigious double gold medals.

Double GoldProductCategory


Bernheim
American Blended Whiskey, Up to 10 years

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyStraight Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Heaven HillStraight Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Larceny Barrel Proof A123Small Batch Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Wilderness Trail Wheated BourbonStraight Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Garrison Brothers GuadalupeSmall Batch Bourbon, Up to 10 years
The Burning ChairSmall Batch Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Barrell DovetailAmerican Blended Whiskey, Up to 10 years
Big Spring Spirits Bourbon-style American WhiskeyAmerican Blended Whiskey, Up to 10 years
Barrell Bourbon Batch 034Straight Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Paragon Cask Strength Single Barrel Wheated Straight Bourbon WhiskeySmall Batch Bourbon, Up to 10 years
Four Roses Single Barrel BourbonSingle Barrel American Whiskey, Up to 10 years
This table excludes single malts and bourbon aged less than 4 years.

The Bartender Spirits Awards strives to provide the finest spirits tailored for the on-premise sector in the USA. With the motto “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers and Buyers For The On-Premise Industry,” these awards aim to acknowledge, inspire, boost, and honor excellence within the American drinks industry.

The Bartenders Spirits Competition has “best in class” category. Instead, here’s a curated selection of the most outstanding bourbons and whiskeys, each proudly adorned with prestigious double gold medals.

Double GoldProductPoints


Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond
97 Points

Limestone Branch Distillery / Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey96 Points

Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond96 Points

Cigar Blend, Copper Sky Distillery (Limited Edition)96 Points
This table excludes single malts and bourbon aged less than 4 years.

The PR%F Awards Double-Blind Tasting Competition and The Total Package Competition, fueled by Food and Beverage Magazine, bring together judges from across the United States who wield significant purchasing power for your brand. These discerning judges eagerly seek out the latest offerings, from emerging brands to novel varietals and distinctive spirits and beverages with a unique twist.

100 Pr%fProductPoints


Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
100 Points

Middle West Spirits Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon100 Points

RD One
Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished in Oak and Maple Barrels
100 Points

RD One
Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished with Brazilian Amburana Wood
100 Points

Three Chord Small Batch Blended Bourbon100 Points

Bespoken Spirits Twice Toasted American Whiskey100 Points
This table excludes single malts and rye bourbon.

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