Discover the Best Bourbon of 2025: Top Picks from the World Whisky Awards

At the World Whisky Awards America held in Bardstown, Kentucky, two American whiskeys stood out as the best. The Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS won for Kentucky bourbon, while Old Elk High Malt Straight Bourbon took the title for non-Kentucky bourbon. Let’s dive into these impressive spirits.

Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS

Old Fitzgerald has a rich legacy, dating back to 1884. Known for its high-quality bourbon, it was once owned by Pappy Van Winkle during Prohibition. Now crafted at Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery, this particular version, the 2024 VVS, is a limited release and costs around $230.

This bourbon follows the Bottled-in-Bond standards, with a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. This wheated recipe connects it to the famous Stitzel-Weller distillery and is akin to those used in Pappy Van Winkle products.

The 2024 VVS is one of the oldest releases from Old Fitzgerald. Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), it comes in elegant decanters that reflect the brand’s heritage. This release celebrates Heaven Hill’s 25 years of owning the brand.

On the nose, it has inviting aromas of aged tobacco, leather, vanilla, and toasted oak, with hints of tropical fruits like banana and a dash of coconut spice. The flavor is equally complex, featuring notes of crème brûlée, candied orange zest, and a hint of ginger. The finish is smooth and lingering, with the warmth of baking spices and a touch of smoke.

Old Elk High Malt Straight Bourbon

Old Elk Distillery, established in 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado, takes a different approach to bourbon. Their High Malt Straight Bourbon emphasizes malted barley. The mash bill includes 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye, setting it apart from traditional bourbons.

Aged for at least five years, this bourbon is crafted with care. The distillery uses a unique “Slow Cut” method for proofing, which helps maintain its delicate flavors. The bottle typically retails around $50.

Old Elk’s whiskey greets you with sweet vanilla and caramel aromas, mixed with clove and hints of maple syrup. The palate offers a smooth texture with flavors of maple syrup, milk chocolate, coconut, and seasoned oak. Its finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of marzipan and oak.

The World Whisky Awards celebrate the finest whiskies worldwide. Each year, a panel of experts judges whiskeys based on taste, aroma, and quality. The event helps distilleries gain recognition, showcasing the best whiskies in multiple categories, including the coveted titles of “World’s Best Whisky” and “World’s Best Bourbon.”