## Level Up Your Palate: The World’s Best Whiskey Just Dropped (and You Need to Taste It)
Forget your controller, grab your favorite rocks glass, and prepare to embark on a flavor journey.
The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Awards just crowned its champion, and it’s not your grandpa’s scotch. This year’s top prize for “World’s Best Whiskey” went to a spirit that’s redefining what it means to be exceptional, pushing the boundaries of taste, tradition, and pure liquid gold.
Straight Bourbon
Discover the top straight bourbons, including Old Grand-Dad, Elijah Craig, and Eagle Rare, and learn about their unique characteristics and production processes. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition finalists will vie for the distinction of being named Best in Category in their divisions and the accolade of World’s Best Bourbon.
- Old Grand-Dad, 16 YO Straight Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $195
- Elijah Craig, Barrel proof C924, 64.5% ABV, 750 ml. $75
- Eagle Rare, 17 YOS Straight Bourbon, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150
- Ray’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $35
- 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company Bourbon, 64.4% ABV, 750 ml. $60
- Liberty & Plenty Distillery Bronze Bull Spirits Batch #5 Bourbon Finished in Madeira Barrels, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $70
- Kings County Distillery Barrel-Strength Straight Bourbon, 68.8% ABV, 750 ml. $99
- Cream of Kentucky Cask Strength Bourbon, 59.8% ABV, $750 ml. $90
- 1792 Small Batch Straight Bourbon, 46.85% ABV, 750 ml. $32
- The Beautiful and The Damned Last Lion Bourbon, 57.1% ABV, 750 ml. $79
- Rare Character Batch 02 Straight Bourbon, 60.73% ABV, 750 ml. $85
- Kentucky Senator John Brown Bourbon, 53.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150
- ASW Distillery Fiddler Encore Bourbon – Georgia Oak, 60.2% ABV, 750 ml. $85
- Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon, 58% ABV, 750 ml. $79
- O.K.I. 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 57.5% ABV, 750 ml. $250
- Redemption Whiskey 18-Year-Old Bourbon, 51.7% ABV, 750 ML. $400
- Widow Jane Lucky 13 Bourbon, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. $110
- Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, 68.2% ABV, 750 ml. $169.99
- Blackout Barrel Company Blackout Bourbon, 66% ABV, 750 ml. $80
- Safai Bourbon 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 56% ABV, 750 ml. $275
- Hirsch The Single Barrel Double Oak Bourbon, 59% ABV, 750 ml. $150
- High Wire Distilling Co. Jimmy Red Single Barrel Bourbon, 58.17% ABV. 750 ml.. $70
- O.K.I. 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon Single Barrel, 63.9% ABV, 750 ml. $300
- Augusta Distillery Buckner’s 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. $300
- Fox & Oden Double Oaked Straight Bourbon, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml. $100
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Triple Cask Finished, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $100
- Whiskey Tree High Rye Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $60
See 5 Must-Try Bourbons From 2025’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition for an in-depth look at these five whiskeys and their tasting notes.
Small Batch Bourbon
Explore the top small batch bourbons, including 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company Bourbon, Liberty & Plenty Distillery Bronze Bull Spirits Batch #5 Bourbon, and Kings County Distillery Barrel-Strength Straight Bourbon.
Up To 5 Years
See The Top Small Batch Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these five whiskeys and their tasting notes.
6-10 Years
The Best Small Batch Bourbon Aged 11 Years and Older
See The World’s Best Small Batch Aged Bourbons, According to the SF World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these eight whiskeys and their tasting notes.
Single Barrel Bourbon
Get an in-depth look at the top single barrel bourbons, including Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Blackout Barrel Company Blackout Bourbon, and Hirsch The Single Barrel Double Oak Bourbon.
Up To 10 Years
See The World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these seven whiskeys and their tasting notes.
11 Years and Older
See The World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for an in-depth look at these seven whiskeys and their tasting notes.
Single Barrel-Finished Bourbon
Tasting Notes and Pairing Suggestions
Learn about the perfect pairings for straight bourbons, including food, music, and atmosphere, as well as expert advice on pairing small batch bourbons with different flavors and cuisines, and single barrel bourbons with unique flavors and experiences.
Straight Bourbon
Discover how to pair straight bourbons with the perfect food, music, and atmosphere to enhance the drinking experience.
Small Batch Bourbon
Get expert advice on pairing small batch bourbons with different flavors and cuisines to create a unique drinking experience.
Single Barrel Bourbon
Learn how to pair single barrel bourbons with flavors and atmospheres to elevate the drinking experience.
The Future of Whiskey: Trends, Predictions, and Innovations
Explore the latest trends in the whiskey industry, including the rise of single barrel and small batch bourbons, and discover the innovative distilleries and producers pushing the boundaries of whiskey production and maturation.
Emerging Trends
Analyze the latest trends in the whiskey industry, including the rise of single barrel and small batch bourbons.
Innovative Distilleries
Discover the innovative distilleries and producers pushing the boundaries of whiskey production and maturation.
The Role of Technology
Analyze the impact of technology on the whiskey industry, including advancements in production, maturation, and tasting.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Awards have crowned a new champion, a whiskey that’s not just a drink, but a testament to the artistry and dedication of its makers. From the breathtaking craftsmanship of the distillery to the nuanced flavor profile that tantalizes the senses, this winning spirit embodies the pinnacle of whiskey excellence. We explored the judging criteria, the history of the awards, and the specific qualities that set this champion apart, ultimately revealing a story that goes far beyond a simple ranking.
This isn’t just about celebrating a single bottle; it’s about recognizing the evolution of the whiskey industry. As taste preferences evolve and innovation flourishes, the quest for the perfect dram continues to drive distillers to new heights. The implications are far-reaching: increased demand for handcrafted spirits, a growing appreciation for the nuanced world of flavor, and a renewed focus on the traditions and heritage that make whiskey so captivating. What does this victory mean for the future? It suggests a future where whiskey continues to surprise, delight, and redefine itself, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inviting us all to savor the journey.
The quest for the perfect whiskey is a timeless one, a journey fueled by passion and driven by an unyielding pursuit of perfection. May this year’s champion inspire us all to raise our glasses to the artistry, the innovation, and the sheer magic that lies within every sip.