This Blended Whiskey Has Been Crowned Best Bourbon of the Year

Get it while you can.

The prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition has tapped an unlikely winner in its “Best Bourbon” and “Best Small Batch Bourbon” categories—a unique three-part blend of bourbons distilled and aged in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 seized the crown at the annual spirits show despite the fact that many bourbon experts often turn their noses up at blended whiskeys. This isn’t the first major award snapped up by Barrell Bourbon Batch 021, either—it previously won Whisky Advocate’s Editor’s Choice Winter 2019 award and nabbed an impressive 94 rating from the esteemed spirits publication, which earthily describes the bourbon below:

Sweet and toasty aromas, like a coconut macaroon, are balanced with bright green apple in this showstopper of a bourbon. Secondary notes include alluring five-spice, cigar box, and dark cherry fruit. The flavors really fulfill expectations, as toasty notes of brown butter meet delicate spice, candied peanuts, and grilled peaches.

But wait for the finish! A cascade of gingery and peppery spices, grilled peaches, and pecan descend in perfect harmony. A multifaceted bourbon that is as intriguing as it is delicious

The 106-proof Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is available for $80 here while supplies last.