Kentucky may be the heartland of bourbon, but distillers outside the Bluegrass State are proving that world-class whiskey knows no borders. The World Whiskies Awards USA 2025 recently announced its winners, recognizing the best American whiskeys across a range of categories. Among them were a number of non-Kentucky bourbons.
In this article, I’ll be highlighting the best non-Kentucky bourbons that earned top honors, including category champions advancing to the global competition this month. From high-malt mashbills to unique finishing techniques, these whiskeys demonstrate that great bourbon isn’t confined to one state. Let’s take a closer look at the standout bottles.
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Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon
Old Elk High Malt Straight Bourbon
Tasting Notes: Sweet vanilla, caramel, clove spice, maple, nutty almond, bran, chocolate, wood, coconut
BUY NOW: $40
Old Elk Bourbon is proud of its unique approach to mashbill composition. While traditional bourbon recipes rely heavily on corn, Old Elk takes a different path, incorporating four times the usual amount of malted barley.
This unconventional decision brings a distinctive sweetness and lightness to the whiskey, perfectly balanced by the spiciness of rye and the rich depth of corn. The result is a smooth, layered bourbon with notes of clove, caramel, and toasted grain. This meticulous approach is a reflection of Old Elk’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Founded in Colorado, the brand is known for its slow-cut proofing process, which involves gradually adding water over extended periods to preserve the whiskey’s delicate flavors. By pushing the boundaries of tradition while maintaining a deep respect for bourbon heritage, Old Elk has carved out a reputation for producing bold yet approachable whiskeys.
Best Non-Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon
Boulder Spirits 2024 Cask Strength Bourbon
Tasting Notes: Candy fruit chews, brûléed brown sugar, almond oil, walnut, honeysuckle, vanilla, apricot cobbler
BUY NOW: $85
Boulder Spirits has carved out a unique niche in American whiskey by blending Scottish tradition with bold Colorado innovation. Founded by Alastair Brogan, a Scottish native, the distillery takes a meticulous approach to production, using a Forsyths copper pot still—an uncommon choice in American whiskey-making—to create a richer, more refined spirit.
This particular release is a testament to their craftsmanship, aged for seven years in new American oak barrels and bottled at an uncompromising cask strength of 64.2% ABV. The mashbill, featuring 51% corn, 44% malted barley, and 5% rye, reflects their commitment to balance and complexity.
Distilled in small, 15-barrel batches, this whiskey is deeply influenced by Colorado’s high-altitude climate, where fluctuations in temperature accelerate the aging process and enhance character.
With only 1,984 bottles produced, it stands as a bold expression of Boulder Spirits’ dedication to pushing boundaries while honoring time-honored techniques.
This expression was also named ‘World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon’ at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards USA.
Best Non-Kentucky Finished Bourbon
Highline Double Oaked Bourbon
Tasting Notes: Velvety caramel, vanilla, toasted warmth
BUY NOW: RELEASING TODAY
Highline Spirits, based in Michigan, was founded on the belief that discovery lies “beyond fear and uncertainty”—a philosophy that extends to both life and whiskey-making. Inspired by a hike along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, the brand embraces a spirit of exploration and craftsmanship.
This latest release (according to Highline’s website, it is being released today – March 7th) is a bold expression of that vision, bottled at 66% ABV and finished in hand-selected toasted French oak barrels. The use of French oak—less common in bourbon production—introduces a different dimension to the aging process, influencing both structure and depth.
While Highline is a relatively new name in the industry, it is definitely a producer to watch.
Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon
Tumblin’ Dice Single Barrel Bourbon
Tasting Notes: No official tasting notes available
BUY NOW: $60
Proof & Wood has built its reputation on sourcing, aging, and bottling fine American whiskey, with a focus on both accessible and collectible expressions.
Tumblin’ Dice, one of its standout brands, exemplifies this approach through its bold, high-rye bourbons.
The World Whiskies Awards recently recognized Tumblin’ Dice’s single barrel release, aged for at least five years and bottled at barrel proof, as the Best Single Barrel, Non-Kentucky Bourbon.
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Distilled in Indiana and aged in new charred oak barrels, this expression features a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley, resulting in a whiskey with a pronounced spice profile. While the exact age of the whiskey submitted to the competition remains undisclosed, it was bottled at 56.9% ABV for judging.
Proof & Wood’s expertise lies in selecting barrels and controlling two critical factors—proof and wood—to create whiskeys that balance strength, structure, and complexity.
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