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5 Of The Best Bourbons And Ryesa"According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition

5 of the Best Bourbons and Ryes According to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) stands as one of the most prestigious events in the global spirits industry, drawing entries from distilleries around the world and subjecting them to rigorous blind tastings by panels of expert judges. Established in 2000, this annual competition evaluates thousands of spirits across various categories, awarding medals based on quality, flavor profile, balance, and overall excellence. For American whiskey enthusiasts, the bourbon and rye categories are particularly exciting, showcasing the diversity and innovation within these quintessentially American spirits. Bourbon, which must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, often delivers sweet, caramel-forward notes, while rye whiskey, requiring at least 51% rye in the mash bill, tends to offer spicier, more herbal profiles. In the latest iteration of the SFWSC, several standout bourbons and ryes earned top honors, including Double Gold medals and Best in Class designations. These awards highlight not just exceptional craftsmanship but also the evolving landscape of American whiskey, where small-batch producers compete alongside heritage brands. Below, we delve into five of the competition's top-rated bourbons and ryes, exploring their unique characteristics, histories, and what makes them worthy of a spot in any connoisseur's collection.

Starting with a bourbon that exemplifies tradition meets innovation, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon from Heaven Hill Distillery took home a Double Gold and was named Best Straight Bourbon. This high-proof expression, typically bottled at around 130-140 proof depending on the batch, is a testament to the distillery's long-standing legacy in Bardstown, Kentucky, often called the Bourbon Capital of the World. Elijah Craig, named after the Baptist minister credited with inventing charred oak barrel aging in the late 18th century (though that's more legend than fact), has been a staple since the 1980s. What sets the Barrel Proof apart is its uncut, unfiltered nature, preserving the full intensity of flavors developed during extended aging—usually 12 years or more in the rickhouse. Tasting notes reveal a symphony of deep caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak on the nose, evolving into waves of dark chocolate, cinnamon spice, and a hint of leather on the palate. The finish is long and warming, with a subtle smokiness that lingers. Judges praised its complexity and balance, even at such high proof, making it ideal for sipping neat or with a single ice cube to tame the heat. Priced around $70-$90 per bottle, it's accessible yet premium, and pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like smoked brisket or dark chocolate desserts. For those new to high-proof bourbons, diluting it slightly unlocks even more nuanced layers, turning each sip into a journey through Kentucky's whiskey heritage.

Shifting to rye, the WhistlePig 10 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey from Vermont's WhistlePig Farm earned Double Gold and Best Rye Whiskey accolades, underscoring the rise of craft distilleries in non-traditional regions. Founded in 2007 on a former dairy farm, WhistlePig has quickly become synonymous with premium rye, sourcing much of its grain from Canada and aging it in Vermont's cooler climate, which influences the spirit's maturation. This 10-year-old expression is bottled at 100 proof, striking a perfect balance between boldness and approachability. Aromas burst with rye's signature spice—think fresh dill, black pepper, and mint—interwoven with sweeter notes of butterscotch and honey. On the tongue, it delivers a robust mouthfeel with flavors of rye bread, citrus zest, and a touch of anise, culminating in a clean, peppery finish that's neither overly dry nor cloying. The SFWSC judges lauded its elegance and versatility, noting how it shines in classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned, where its spice cuts through sweeteners beautifully. At about $80, it's a worthwhile investment for rye aficionados, and its farm-to-bottle ethos adds an appealing narrative. Pair it with charcuterie boards featuring aged cheeses and cured meats to amplify its herbal undertones.

Another bourbon standout is the Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon, which secured Double Gold honors and recognition as a top contender in the single barrel category. Produced by the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, this expression draws from the brand's unique approach of using 10 different recipes, combining two mash bills with five yeast strains to create diverse flavor profiles. The Single Barrel is typically around 100 proof, selected from individual barrels that showcase the best of these variations—often leaning toward fruity and floral notes. The nose offers inviting scents of ripe red apples, vanilla custard, and a whisper of nutmeg, while the palate unfolds with layers of toffee, baking spices, and a subtle rye kick from the mash bill. Its finish is smooth and oaky, with just enough tannin to provide structure without bitterness. What impressed the judges was its consistency and depth, making it a reliable choice for both novices and experts. Priced at $40-$50, it's one of the more affordable winners, perfect for everyday sipping or mixing into a Boulevardier. The distillery's Japanese ownership since 2002 has brought global attention, blending American roots with international flair.

In the rye realm, Michter's US*1 Single Barrel Rye stood out with Double Gold and Best Single Barrel Rye distinctions. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Michter's traces its origins to one of America's oldest whiskey names, dating back to 1753 in Pennsylvania before relocating and reviving in the 1990s. This rye is aged for at least three years in fire-charred new American oak barrels and bottled at 84.8 proof, emphasizing purity and tradition. Aromatically, it's a spice lover's dream with notes of clove, caraway, and fresh-cut grass, tempered by caramel and orange peel. The flavor profile is bold yet refined, featuring rye's peppery bite alongside vanilla, dark fruit, and a hint of cocoa. The finish is medium-length, leaving a warm, satisfying glow. Judges highlighted its exceptional balance, making it versatile for neat pours or as a base in Sazeracs. At $45-$55, it's an excellent value, and its historical pedigree adds collectible appeal. Enjoy it with grilled sausages or spicy Asian cuisine to complement its zesty edge.

Rounding out the list is the Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon, awarded Double Gold and praised for its robust character in the barrel-proof category. From the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, this non-chill-filtered bourbon is a blend of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old stocks, bottled at around 116 proof without dilution. The brand, famous for its turkey-hunting founder Jimmy Russell, has been a Kentucky icon since 1940. On the nose, expect intense waves of butterscotch, charred oak, and brown sugar, leading to a full-bodied palate of cinnamon, honey, and tobacco. The finish is powerful and lingering, with a sweet smokiness that evolves over time. SFWSC experts commended its unadulterated strength and flavor intensity, ideal for those who appreciate undiluted whiskey experiences. Priced at $50-$60, it's a staple for bold palates and works wonders in robust cocktails or alongside barbecue ribs.

These five selections from the SFWSC illustrate the thriving American whiskey scene, where heritage brands like Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey coexist with innovators like WhistlePig. Whether you're drawn to the sweet embrace of bourbon or the fiery snap of rye, these award-winners offer something for every taste. As the competition continues to evolve, it reminds us of whiskey's enduring appeal—rooted in tradition yet endlessly adaptable. If you're building a home bar or seeking a special gift, starting with these medalists is a surefire way to impress. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikofgang/2025/08/12/5-of-the-best-bourbons-and-ryes-according-to-the-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition/ ]