We brought you the world's best scotches. Then you cooled down with some gin. But this is America — here's the bourbon.
In the "Whiskey - USA" category at last month's International Wine and Spirit Competition, great bottles of bourbon won a "Gold," but the very best took home a "Gold Outstanding" for setting the industry standard for excellence.
These bottles all went through the gauntlet. Wines and liquors are subject to professional blind tasting and chemical and microbiological analysis at the competition. Only the strong spirits survive.
From recognizable names like Jim Beam and Knob Creek to smaller distilleries that — if you can believe it — do not call Kentucky home, here are the best bourbons.
Jim Beam Signature Craft Bourbon Whiskey 12 YO
Comment: "Very expressive nose with ripe cherries, fruit cake and liquorice leading followed by vanilla and cinnamon. Great intensity in the mouth with slow deliberate movement across the palate depositing flavors of dried dates, dark brown sugar and treacle. Great texture and super balance. Concentration of flavors lead into everlasting finish."
Award: Gold
Source: IWSC
Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey 6 YO
Comment: "Unusual notes of spearmint on the nose then some hickory, treacle and spicy surround. Soft entry into the mouth with silky flow yet firm texture. Hints of rye with great dark sugar statement with a scatter of vanilla with some cinnamon. Some soft fruit and more honey come in at the finish. A great individual expression of Bourbon."
Award: Gold
Source: IWSC
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 9 YO
Comment: "The family resemblance is there but all in much higher gear. Enticing nose of nuttiness, honeycomb and vanilla in tight focus. Impactful entry into the mouth with the extra alcohol highlighting all the flavors. Rye and barley stand out with charred orange peel, rich honey and some treacle. Full flow across the palate and all in perfect balance. After the sweet sensations there is a decidedly dry but gorgeous finish."
Award: Gold
Source: IWSC
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