Judged by bartenders for bartenders, the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 has recognized some exceptional whiskies once again, this year. These spirits, each boasting unique profiles and high accolades, are perfect for elevating your cocktail game or enjoying neat. Here’s a curated list of whiskies that have stood out this year, making them essential for any top-tier bar.

1. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

A titan in the whisky world, this 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey from Jack Daniel’s is a true masterpiece. Garnering a Double Gold Medal and multiple top honors, including World Whisky of the Year, this batch captures the essence of aged perfection. The nose invites aromas of cooked black fruits and baking spices, while the palate delivers a complex blend of raisins, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and clove, with a hint of wood that enhances its depth. This whiskey is a must-have for those who appreciate a rich and layered profile.

Image TItle & Source: Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2

2. Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey,Double Gold Medal (97 Points)

This bourbon from Shankar Distillers stands out with its Double Gold Medal win. The Varchas Reserve 102 boasts a delightful combination of cooked fruit, oranges, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, it’s a complex journey through cinnamon, canned fruit, chocolate, clove, and orange, creating a mouth-coating experience that’s both drinkable and sophisticated. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, this bourbon is a versatile choice that delivers excellence.

Image Title & Source: Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

3. Bar Boss Bourbon, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

Bar Boss Bourbon lives up to its name, securing a Double Gold Medal for its outstanding profile. This bourbon embodies what every bartender seeks in an everyday pour: robust flavor, sweet undertones, and a long, satisfying finish. It's the ideal bourbon for those who appreciate a well-rounded and dependable spirit that shines both on its own and in cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Bar Boss Bourbon

4. Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

A tribute to a legacy, Uncle Nearest 1856 is a whiskey that combines tradition with a premium quality recognized by its Double Gold Medal. It opens with a caramel and woody nose that leads into sweet vanilla, lemon, and a touch of oak. The balance of these flavors makes it an exceptional choice for sipping or crafting a refined cocktail.

Image Title & Source: Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

5. Syndicate Distillers "Hudson Region 845", Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

This award-winning whiskey from Syndicate Distillers is a true testament to the art of distillation. The Hudson Region 845 presents pitted fruit on the nose, complemented by vanilla, lemon, and oak. The palate reveals a complex interplay of heavy char and sweet chocolate, ending with a cherry finish that lingers. It’s a versatile whiskey that excels in both complexity and drinkability.

Image Title & Source: Syndicate Distillers "Hudson Region 845"

Also Read: Award-Winning Spirits Brands For Bartenders To Try

6. Old Dominick Straight Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Whiskey Batch #5, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

Old Dominick’s Bottled-in-Bond Batch #5 is a standout with its Double Gold Medal win. This Tennessee whiskey offers a nose of corn, caramel, and chocolate, with an earthy undertone. The palate is rich with dark chocolate, cherry, vanilla, and baking spices, creating a deep and satisfying flavor profile that is both bold and nuanced.

Image Title & Source: Old Dominick Straight Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Whiskey Batch #5

7. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124, Gold Medal (95 Points)

Known for its intensity, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124 is a whiskey that packs a punch. Awarded a Gold Medal, it features rich aromas of corn, toasted cane sugar, vanilla, and baking spices. The high alcohol content is balanced by a soothing oak richness, round body, and a long, clean finish with notes of hazelnut and burnt straw. It’s a bold choice for those who appreciate a robust bourbon.

Image Title & Source: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124

8. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923, Gold Medal (95 Points)

This expression of Elijah Craig offers a creamy, indulgent experience. Awarded Gold, it brings forth notes of butterscotch, wood, and bursting fruit, making it an excellent option for a restrained Old Fashioned. Its balance and depth make it a favorite among bartenders and whiskey aficionados alike.

Image Title & Source: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923

9. Cask Strength Bourbon, Gold Medal (94 Points) 

A true powerhouse, this Cask Strength Bourbon is a winner in the Small Batch Bourbon category with a Gold Medal. It’s rich in cherries, vanilla, and chocolate on the nose, followed by a sweet, hot rye aftertaste with lingering notes of lemon. This bourbon is for those who love intense flavors and a bold finish.

Image Title & Source: Cask Strength Bourbon

10. A.M. Scott's Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, Gold Medal (94 Points)

A.M. Scott’s Barrel Proof Bourbon is a Gold Medal winner that’s bursting with flavor. Its honeyed aroma, combined with an oaky and stone fruit body, is followed by a finish of baking spices and concentrated vanilla. It’s a richly layered bourbon that stands out for its depth and complexity.

Image Title & Source: A.M. Scott's Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey

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11. 90 Proof Straight American Whiskey, Gold Medal (94 Points)

This Straight American Whiskey from Harlem Standard is a Gold Medal recipient that delivers a round body of apples, oranges, vanilla, and a touch of spice. The long finish makes it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded whiskey with a lasting impression.

Image Title & Source: 90 Proof Straight American Whiskey

12. Heaven's Door - Ascension, Gold Medal (94 Points)

Heaven’s Door Ascension is a Gold Medal-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon that offers a light nose of caramel, orchard fruits, and oak. The palate features a honeyed nuance of bright baking spices, finishing cleanly and quickly. The aftertaste is impressively balanced, making it an elegant and refined bourbon.

Image Title & Source: Heaven's Door - Ascension

13. Stranahan's Blue Peak, Gold Medal (94 Points)

Stranahan’s Blue Peak is an American Single Malt that stands out with its Gold Medal win. This whiskey offers notes of apple and oak on the nose, with a palate of honeyed Graham cracker and a finish of apple. It’s a well-balanced, malt-forward whiskey that’s perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and flavorful sip.

Image Title & Source: Stranahan's Blue Peak

14. Single Malt Whisky,Gold Medal (93 Points)

This Single Malt Whisky from Modisett & Sons is a Gold Medal winner that brings a unique combination of cut hay, orchard fruit, and grassy mineral on the nose. The palate is a burst of apple with a quick finish, hiding hints of dark fruit within its layers. It’s a distinctive choice for those who enjoy exploring the complexities of single malts.

Image Title & Source: Single Malt Whisky

15. Old Dominick Straight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1, Gold Medal (93 Points)

Old Dominick Straight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1, a Gold Medal winner at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 with 93 points, showcases the craftsmanship of Old Dominick Distillery. This five-year-aged bourbon greets you with a nose rich in cherries, pitted fruit, and a touch of mint, creating a refreshing aroma. On the palate, the rye base unfolds beautifully, complemented by hints of lemon and a subtle note of vanilla, offering a balanced and memorable tasting experience. Perfect for bartenders seeking a versatile bourbon with character, it adds depth to both classic and contemporary cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Old Dominick Straight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1

Also Read: Branca: The Legacy Behind Fernet-Branca and Its Role in Modern Mixology

For bartenders and whisky lovers, these selected winners embody the highest standards of quality and artistry. Featuring these brands at your bar not only enhances profitability but also allows you to serve customers premium whiskies, recognized and rated by leading bartenders in the USA. Don't miss out on exploring the complete list of winners to discover more whiskies that will take your cocktails to the next level and captivate your clientele.

Header image sourced from Adobe Stock Images.

Related Links:
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