Small-batch bourbons are like paintings made by a distillery. Crafted from a blend of barrels picked for their distinctive flavors, they are layered beauties. Each sip opens a window into the heart of any distilling operation, highlighting its prowess. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in selecting the best barrels ensures that only those with exceptional flavors make the cut. This rigorous selection process results in a premium product that showcases the best of a distillery’s offerings.
On the other hand, single-barrel bourbons are the snowflakes of the bourbon world. No two releases are alike because each bottling comes from a single barrel, ensuring each has its distinctive flavor profile. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and wood quality can all influence the final product, creating a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. The sheer artistry involved in the creation of single-barrel bourbons sets them apart from mass-produced bourbons.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has released its finalists lists for its Best in Class awards. All of these bottles are also in the running for the Best in Show Bourbon Award. These bottles represent the crème de la crème of the bourbon world, many of which are destined to become highly sought-after bottlings. If you are able to get your hands on any of them, do not hesitate; you will not be sorry.
– Hansford Cask Strength Bourbon, 59.2% ALC, Texas
– Smokeye Hill Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof, 65.5% ALC, Colorado
– Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut, Batch #12, 60.88% ALC, Nevada
– Storyhouse Spirits Straight Bourbon, 45% ALC, California
– Neeley Family Distillery Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series One Batch 23B, 55.05% ALC, Kentucky
The judges described the Neeley Family Distillery Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Series One Batch 23B as a perfectly balanced bourbon.
– Rare Character Whiskey KBT Bourbon, 60.5% ALC, Kentucky
– Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon, 50% ALC, Kentucky
– Very Olde St. Nick Straight Outta Bardstown, 65.05% ALC, Kentucky
– Frank August Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Cask Strength, Barrel No: 0006, 59.7% ALC, Kentucky
– Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Year, 50% ALC, Kentucky
– Art of The Spirits Cask Strength “Airmen” Straight Bourbon, 58.4% ALC, Colorado
The judges described the Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Year as having solid standard bourbon notes.
Small-batch and single-barrel bourbons represent the pinnacle of whiskey making. The unique flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and artistry involved in their creation make them highly sought after by whiskey lovers around the world. Whether you prefer the layered beauty of a small batch bourbon or the distinctive flavor profile of a single barrel bourbon, the bourbon world offers a diverse range of options to suit every palate.