The liquor store shelves are overflowing with options, especially when it comes to bourbon. Over the past two decades, US whiskey sales have skyrocketed by an impressive 133%, as reported by the Distilled Spirits Council. The main driver of this growth has been the super premium segment, consisting of bottles that retail for $40 and above. As consumers face an array of choices, they are increasingly seeking the guidance of experts, making bartenders the most trusted figures in the industry. Consequently, the Bartender Spirits Awards has emerged as one of the most important annual competitions to follow.
Launched in 2019, the Bartender Spirits Awards features a distinguished panel of more than twenty drink makers from around the world. With a focus on providing independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade, this competition offers valuable insights for at-home consumers as well. Unlike traditional competitions that evaluate spirits based solely on their compatibility in cocktails, the judges assess each liquid based on overall taste, including factors like balance, versatility, and perceived value. In 2023, this battle of spirits witnessed over 1400 submissions, with whiskey, vodka, gin, and RTD (Ready-to-Drink) categories dominating the entries.
Of all the whiskies evaluated, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond emerged as the top winner in this year’s Bartender Spirits Awards. This exquisite bourbon, aged for 7 years, is distilled from a mashbill predominantly composed of corn. The high corn content contributes to its delightful notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and honey, satisfying even the sweetest of palates. To meet the criteria of being classified as a bourbon, the spirit must have at least 51% corn in its grain recipe. In this case, Heaven Hill incorporates an impressive 78% corn, complemented by 12% malted barley and 10% rye.
Heaven Hill Distillery, an iconic establishment in Kentucky, has been producing world-renowned spirits since 1935. This particular release of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond harkens back to the founding era when the most trusted liquids on the shelves bore the designation “Bottled-in-Bond” on their labels. This distinction, established by an act of Congress in 1897, guarantees that the whiskey is aged for a minimum of four years, matured at a single distillery, and bottled precisely at 100 proof.
The Evident Excellence of Heaven Hill
However, the true testament lies in the taste of the award-winning Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond. With its dessert-worthy qualities, connoisseurs will savor a hint of tobacco leaf in the finish, adding complexity to this bourbon that punches above its weight class. Surprisingly, this exceptional whiskey is available at an average retail price of just $45 per bottle, making it accessible to both professionals and stay-at-home bartenders. It stands out in classic Old Fashioned preparations and offers a relief from the scarcity of luxury bourbons on the market.
The Future of the Bartender Spirits Awards
The Bartender Spirits Awards will soon reconvene in Chicago, and the eagerly anticipated winners will be announced on June 20th. Stay tuned for updates as we keep you informed about the latest developments. In the meantime, you can explore the complete list of the 2023 winners across all categories on their official website.
With the increasing popularity of bourbon and the growing importance of expert opinions, the Bartender Spirits Awards serves as a significant platform for both industry professionals and at-home enthusiasts. The standout winner, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, exemplifies the excellence and affordability that can be found in the world of bourbons. Whether enjoyed in classic cocktails or savored neat, this award-winning spirit from the esteemed Kentucky distillery promises an unforgettable experience for all whiskey connoisseurs.
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