Just in time to toast America’s Independence Day, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition has unveiled its top-scoring straight bourbons and special barrel-finished variants from this year’s rigorous evaluations. Boasting a record-breaking 5,000 entries, this competition, established in 2000, stands as the industry’s premier event, meticulously judging a diverse array of spirits. Among the distinguished categories, bourbon emerged prominently with over 400 submissions, affirming its enduring popularity as a quintessential American libation.

This year’s assessment marks a notable evolution from past editions, with the competition introducing exclusive insights into the judges’ meticulous evaluations, providing a deeper understanding of their discerning criteria. The forthcoming Top Shelf 2024 event in San Francisco promises to elevate these distinguished bourbons further, positioning them for the ultimate accolade.

At the core of this celebration lies bourbon itself—arguably the quintessential embodiment of American spirits. Defined by stringent regulations, bourbon must be distilled in the U.S., predominantly from corn, and aged in charred oak barrels. Its ascendancy within the whiskey category underscores its pivotal role in shaping American drinking culture, with bourbon now driving substantial growth within the market.

Before delving into the heralded finalists, let’s revisit the competition’s categories: straight bourbon, embodying tradition with its aged, charred oak maturity, and special barrel-finished bourbon, which elevates the genre through innovative secondary barrel influences.

The Best Straight Bourbons

George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon | U.S. | 67.5% ALC | £125

Renowned for its velvety texture and rich notes of chocolate and brown sugar, complemented by a complex structural integrity.

Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Bourbon | KY U.S. | 43% ALC | £21.99

Praised for its tropical fruit undertones intertwined with a subtle bitterness, a standout considering its accessible price point.

Brother’s Bond Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey | IN U.S. | 50% ALC | £60

Celebrated for its harmonious blend of caramel, vanilla, and spice, culminating in a smooth, oak-infused finish.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923 | KY USA | 66.5% ALC | £75

Highlighted for its robust flavours of caramel, toasted oak, and dark chocolate, culminating in a warm, enduring finish.

Evan Williams Black | KY USA | 43% ALC | £15

Exceptionally noted for its nutty essence, delivering outstanding value at an accessible price, setting a benchmark in the category.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed | KY USA | 58.4% ALC | £47

A robust offering renowned for its interplay of caramel, vanilla, and spice, finishing with a smoky allure, reflecting the hallmark craftsmanship of its renowned distiller.

Best Special Barrel-Finished Bourbons

Hugh Hamer Straight Bourbon Double Oak 103 | U.S. | 51.5% ALC | £59.99

Distinguished by its opulent layers of caramel, dark fruit, and toasted oak, presenting a nuanced palate experience.

Dark Arts Whiskey House Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in an Armagnac Cask | KY United States | 56.85% ALC | £179.99

Noted for its complexity, offering an intriguing fusion of flavours shaped by its Armagnac cask finish.

Dark Arts Whiskey House Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Jupilles Fluer French Oak Staves – Small Batch | KY U.S. | 54% ALC | £89.99

A distinctive expression, marrying the robust profile of bourbon with nuanced French oak staves, resulting in a refined, multidimensional palate.

Ironweed Straight Bourbon Finished in Rum Barrels | NY U.S. | 57.2% ALC | £70

Combining bourbon’s classic caramel and vanilla notes with tropical fruit and molasses influences from its rum barrel finishing, showcasing innovative craftsmanship.

K.LUKE Whiskey Company Small Batch Toasted Barrel, Barrel Strength Bourbon | KY U.S. | 59.1% ALC | £115

Renowned for its intricate layers of caramel, toasted oak, and dark chocolate, culminating in a smooth, enduring finish that embodies exceptional quality.

As we anticipate the culmination of this prestigious competition at Top Shelf 2024, these distinguished bourbons not only reflect the pinnacle of craftsmanship but also reinforce bourbon’s enduring legacy as America’s quintessential spirit. With each expression embodying unique characteristics and meticulous artistry, they stand poised to captivate connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, defining the benchmark of excellence in the world of spirits.