The World’s Best Bourbons, According to the Beverage Testing Institute

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The World’s Best Bourbons, According to the Beverage Testing Institute

The World’s Best Bourbons, According to the Beverage Testing Institute

Alternative Title Suggestion: "America’s Finest Bourbons of 2025: Top Picks from the Beverage Testing Institute That’ll Wow Your Palate"

Imagine swirling a glass of deep amber liquid, its rich aromas of caramel, oak, and spice teasing your senses. Bourbon, America’s native whiskey, isn’t just a drink—it’s a craft, a tradition, and for many, a passion. In 2025, the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), the country’s oldest alcohol beverage testing organization, put America’s finest bourbons to the test, awarding one platinum medal and 13 golds in a rigorous blind-tasting process. From a standout cask-strength single barrel to crowd-pleasing wheated expressions, these whiskeys showcase the diversity and artistry of modern bourbon-making. Drawing on BevTest’s expertise and detailed tasting notes, this article uncorks the top bourbons of 2025, offering a sip-by-sip guide to bottles that deserve a spot on your shelf. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, here’s your roadmap to the best bourbons of the year, as judged by BevTest’s discerning panel.

[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-bourbons-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)

Since 1981, BevTest has been a trusted voice in the spirits world, known for its impartial, data-driven evaluations. Its 2025 World Spirits Championships saw thousands of beverages judged, with bourbons stealing the spotlight. One whiskey, Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection Barrel Strength Single Barrel, clinched a near-perfect 98/100 points, earning the platinum medal, while Heaven Hill’s offerings dominated the gold-medal ranks. Let’s dive into the winners, their stories, and what makes them exceptional, complete with tasting notes and tips for enjoying them.

[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-bourbons-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/08/15/the-best-bourbons-according-to-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute/)

The Platinum Medal: Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection Barrel Strength

Crowned the king of BevTest 2025, Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection Barrel Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (54.6% ABV) scored an impressive 98/100 points. This private, cask-strength bottling, crafted for Chicago’s Warehouse Liquors, is a testament to Four Roses’ mastery of bourbon’s complexity. With nearly a decade of aging, this 109.2-proof whiskey delivers a spicy yet nuanced profile. The BevTest panel raved about its “aromas of well-seasoned leather-wrapped cigar box, five spice on cherries, and apricot butter,” with a palate echoing “cinnamon waffle cone, caramel apple with orange, and peach.” Its oak-dominant finish, laced with vibrant mint and autumnal spices, makes it a perfect winter warmer.

[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-bourbons-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/08/15/the-best-bourbons-according-to-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute/)

Why It Stands Out: Four Roses uses 10 distinct recipes, and this single-barrel expression highlights their ability to balance spice and sweetness. Its high proof demands a slow sip, but a splash of water unlocks its layered flavors. Hunt for this limited release at specialty retailers or savor it neat to appreciate its depth.

Gold Medal Highlights: Heaven Hill’s Dominance

Heaven Hill Distillery, a titan in American whiskey, claimed multiple gold medals, showcasing its range from bold barrel-proof expressions to value-driven sippers. Here are three standouts:

  • Larceny Barrel Proof A125 (97/100 points): Named America’s top bourbon by BevTest, this wheated bourbon (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley) scored 97 points. Released in January 2025 at cask strength (around 62.5% ABV), it’s unfiltered and uncut, offering a deep amber hue with aromas of “maple-glazed French toast, butterscotch, and overripe orchard fruit.” The palate is silky, with flavors of caramel, ginger cookies, dried cherries, and fig jam, finishing with oak char and baking spice. Ideal for sipping neat or in a bold Old Fashioned.
    • [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/13/americas-top-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-wheated-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  • Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C924 (95/100 points): This cask-strength bourbon, aged roughly 12 years, uses Heaven Hill’s standard mash bill. Its nose offers brown sugar, clove, and burnt caramel, while the palate delivers charred oak, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and black cherry preserves. Described as “bittersweet, warm, and lightly smoky,” it’s perfect for a robust Manhattan or on the rocks.
    • [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-bourbons-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  • Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch (95/100 points): A budget-friendly gem (under $20), this bourbon, aged 6–8 years, blends a small number of barrels. It boasts aromas of toffee, nutmeg, and baked apple, with a smooth palate of caramel, peanut brittle, and candied orange zest. Its long, silky finish makes it a versatile choice for sipping or mixing.
    • [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-bourbons-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)

Wheated Bourbon Winners: Smooth and Approachable

Wheated bourbons, known for their softer, sweeter profiles due to wheat in the mash bill, shone brightly in 2025. Larceny Barrel Proof A125 led the category with its platinum medal, but another notable mention is:

  • Bernheim Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey A225 (Gold Medal): Technically not a bourbon due to its 51% wheat mash bill, this Heaven Hill expression is bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered. It features aromas of butterscotch, honeyed toast, and vanilla, with a palate of toasted hazelnut, maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar. The BevTest panel noted its “silky, ferocious overproof” character, with a creamy finish of black pepper and caramel. A must-try for wheat whiskey fans.
    • [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-wheated-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)

Why Wheated Bourbons Matter: Wheat replaces rye in the mash bill, creating a smoother, less spicy profile. These whiskeys are perfect for newcomers or those seeking a refined sipping experience. Try them neat or with a single ice cube to appreciate their texture.

High-Rye Bourbon Standouts: Bold and Spicy

High-rye bourbons, with at least 20% rye in the mash bill, bring bold spice and complexity. Two gold-medal winners include:

  • Smooth Ambler Old Scout (Gold Medal): Sourced from MGP in Indiana, this bourbon (60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley) offers aromas of brown sugar, nutmeg, and rye spice. Its palate is bold, with burnt sugar, baking spice, and toasted almond, finishing dry with seasoned oak. The BevTest panel praised its “buttery peanut brittle and BBQ spice” notes, making it ideal for cocktails or cigar pairings.
    • [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/16/the-worlds-best-high-rye-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  • Old Grand-Dad (Gold Medal): Produced by James B. Beam Distilling Co., this high-rye bourbon (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley) features cherry cola, cinnamon, and cooked cereal on the nose. Its palate delivers rye spices, brown butter, and toffee, with a zesty finish. A classic, affordable option for spice lovers.
    • [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/16/the-worlds-best-high-rye-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)

Other Notable Gold Medalists

Beyond Heaven Hill and high-rye standouts, smaller craft distillers made waves. Lion’s Pride, a craft producer, secured three gold medals for its rum-finished, tequila-finished, and bottled-in-bond bourbons, each showcasing innovative finishing techniques. Additionally, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse Liquors Barrel Select Barrel #008 (50% ABV) earned a platinum medal with 96 points, noted for its “lovely rye spice and vibrant mint” and rich oak profile.

[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/08/15/the-best-bourbons-according-to-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute/)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/08/15/the-best-bourbons-according-to-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute/)

Why BevTest Matters

BevTest’s blind-tasting process ensures impartiality, with judges evaluating thousands of spirits annually on a 100-point scale. Their detailed tasting notes, like those for Four Roses’ “cinnamon waffle cone” or Larceny’s “wildflower honey-pipe tobacco finish,” guide consumers and producers alike. BevTest’s influence extends beyond awards, helping brands like Pappy Van Winkle gain traction after high scores. Its dual role as a consultancy also shapes marketing and product development, making its reviews a gold standard in the industry.

[](https://bevtest.com/get-reviewed/spirits/)[](https://bevtest.com/bti-drops-a-rare-100-point-score-in-their-2021-world-whiskey-review/)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/08/15/the-best-bourbons-according-to-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute/)

How to Enjoy These Bourbons

Ready to taste the best of 2025? Here’s how to savor these award-winners:

  • Neat or On the Rocks: High-proof bourbons like Four Roses or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof shine neat, but a splash of water or a single ice cube can soften the heat and unlock flavors.
  • Cocktails: Larceny’s bold profile makes a killer Old Fashioned, while Evan Williams 1783’s affordability and smoothness suit a classic Bourbon Sour.
  • Pairings: Pair Smooth Ambler with a cigar for its spice, or Bernheim with desserts like crème brûlée to complement its creamy notes.
  • Hunting Tips: Limited releases like Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection may require visiting specialty retailers or online auctions. Check Tastings.com for availability.
    • [](https://bevtest.com/leader-boards/)

Conclusion: A Golden Year for Bourbon

The 2025 Beverage Testing Institute awards celebrate bourbon’s diversity, from Four Roses’ complex single-barrel triumph to Heaven Hill’s versatile lineup and craft distillers’ innovative spins. These whiskeys, ranging from under $20 to premium cask-strength bottles, prove there’s a bourbon for every palate and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the spicy kick of high-rye or the silky sweetness of wheated expressions, BevTest’s winners offer a journey into America’s whiskey heart. Grab a glass, explore these bottles, and toast to the craftsmanship that makes bourbon a global sensation. Your next favorite sip is waiting.

[](https://x.com/Forbes/status/1956156414239375865)

References

  1. Forbes - The World’s Best Bourbons, According to the Beverage Testing Institute (2025).
    2. [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-bourbons-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  2. Forbes - America’s Top Bourbon, According to the Beverage Testing Institute (2025).
    3. [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/13/americas-top-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  3. Forbes - The World’s Best Wheated Bourbon, According to the Beverage Testing Institute (2025).
    4. [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/14/the-worlds-best-wheated-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  4. Forbes - The World’s Best High Rye Bourbon, According to the Beverage Testing Institute (2025).
    5. [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2025/08/16/the-worlds-best-high-rye-bourbon-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/)
  5. Forbes - The Best Bourbons in 2024, According to the Beverage Testing Institute (2024).
    6. [](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/08/15/the-best-bourbons-according-to-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute/)
  6. Beverage Testing Institute - Leader Boards (2023).
    7. [](https://bevtest.com/leader-boards/)
  7. Beverage Testing Institute - Spirits Reviews (2023).
    8. [](https://bevtest.com/get-reviewed/spirits/)
  8. Beverage Testing Institute - 2025 World Packaging Competition Winners (2025).
    9. [](https://bevtest.com/2025-world-packaging-competition-winners/)

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