Bourbon has long been one of America’s most respected spirits. In 2025, it continues to prove why. The American Whiskey Masters competition highlighted the very best examples in the Bourbon – Premium category.
The results show how producers balance heritage with innovation. From high proof classics to inventive barrel finishes, each winning bottle demonstrates the quality and variety that bourbon fans have come to expect.
Here are the eight bourbons that judges awarded Master and Gold medals this year, and what makes each one stand out.
RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With French Oak
Award: Master
Tasting Notes: “Redcurrant, clove, nutmeg and a touch of anise on the palate, with ripe red apple, plum and vanilla”, according to Vicky Ilankovan.
BUY NOW: From $40
RD1 Spirits is based in Lexington, Kentucky, and takes its name from the city’s first federally registered distillery, dating back to 1865. The modern RD1 brand revives that history with a range of distinctive bourbons.
This release starts as a four-year Kentucky straight bourbon made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. It is then finished with French oak staves. The finishing adds layers of dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and spice to the classic bourbon base. Judges at The American Whiskey Masters found it a deep and enjoyable pour.
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1792 Full Proof
Award: Master
Tasting Notes: “Stone fruits on the nose, a silky texture, tannins, fruit, peach, apricots, shortbread – stunning. Thoroughly enjoyable,” according to Melita Kiely.
BUY NOW: From $48
Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, is one of the oldest operating distilleries in the state. The brand name honors the year Kentucky achieved statehood.
Full Proof is bottled at the same strength the whiskey enters the barrel, a powerful 125 proof. It is not chill-filtered, which preserves more of the barrel’s natural character. The result is bold and smoky, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Judges at The American Whiskey Masters praised its balance of intensity and sweetness, awarding it a Master medal.
1792 Bottled in Bond
Award: Master
Tasting Notes: “Woodiness, light spice, jammy fruits –berries and apricot – and sweet dates. Stunning. A cracking Bourbon for under £50” – Melita Kiely
BUY NOW: From $35
The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 set strict standards for American whiskey. 1792 Bottled in Bond follows those rules exactly. It comes from a single distilling season, is aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and is bottled at 100 proof.
Produced at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, this bourbon highlights the brand’s high rye mash bill. The flavor combines caramel apple sweetness with bold spice, charred oak, and black pepper.
Judges at The American Whiskey Masters noted its classic profile and strong finish, awarding it a Master medal.
1792 Small Batch
Award: Master
Tasting Notes: “dry oak spice, cinnamon and nutmeg, a touch of praline, caramel, sweet toasted nuts, maple syrup and mahogany wood and furniture polish” – Melita Kiely
BUY NOW: From $28
1792 Small Batch is the flagship bourbon from Barton 1792 Distillery. It is made with the distillery’s signature high rye mash bill, which gives it a lively spice alongside traditional bourbon sweetness. Selected barrels are mingled in small batches to create a consistent yet complex flavor.
Bottled at 93.7 proof, it offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak balanced by a peppery kick. The finish is smooth without losing character.
Judges at The American Whiskey Masters called it sophisticated and complex, rewarding it with a Master medal.
1792 Single Barrel
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, caramel, fruit, toffee
BUY NOW: From $33
1792 Single Barrel is chosen from select casks at Barton 1792 Distillery. Each barrel is bottled on its own, which means every release offers a unique character. Proof varies slightly, but most bottles sit close to 98 or 99.
The flavor leans toward butterscotch, caramel, and toffee, with hints of dried fruit and oak spice. The single barrel format highlights the individuality of each cask, making it a favorite for collectors and enthusiasts.
At The American Whiskey Masters, judges praised its richness and balance, awarding it a Gold medal.
Bowman Brothers Small Batch
Award: Master
Tasting Notes: “Great balance and classic Bourbon qualities: beautifully balanced caramel and toffee with oak influence, spice and a slight dryness,” according to the judges.
BUY NOW: From $33
A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia, honors four Revolutionary War heroes with this bourbon. The whiskey is first distilled in Kentucky, then distilled a third time in Virginia on copper stills before aging in new charred oak. This extra step gives Bowman Brothers Small Batch a distinct profile.
Each batch uses around eight barrels, blended to create a consistent expression. Flavors include vanilla, caramel, toasted nuts, and oak, with a finish that turns spicy and warming.
Judges at The American Whiskey Masters thought it smooth and flavorful, awarding it a Master medal.
Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: “Raisins, cinnamon and vanilla”
BUY NOW: From $40
Isaac Bowman is another release from A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia. It begins as a straight bourbon that is distilled in Virginia and aged in new charred oak. The whiskey is then finished in port wine barrels, many sourced from local wineries.
The port casks add layers of berry, plum, and cherry to the caramel and spice of the bourbon. The result is a soft, fruit-forward spirit with a lingering sweetness.
At The American Whiskey Masters, judges praised its balance of flavor and finish, awarding it a Gold medal.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: “Well-balanced and approachable”
BUY NOW: From $46
Eagle Rare is distilled at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky. First released in 1975, it has become one of the most recognized age-stated bourbons on the market. Each bottle carries a 10 year age statement and is bottled at 90 proof.
The long maturation gives Eagle Rare its signature depth. Aromas of toffee, orange peel, and honey lead into flavors of candied almonds, cocoa, and oak. The finish is dry and lingering. It is consistently praised for its affordability and complexity. One of my personal favorites.
Judges at The American Whiskey Masters commended its classic style and refined character, awarding it a Gold medal.
Have You Tried Any Award-Winning Bourbons?
The bourbon winners at The American Whiskey Masters 2025 show the strength and variety of American bourbon today. From high proof powerhouses to elegant cask finishes, each bottle reflects skill and tradition.
Have you tried any of these award-winning bourbons? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
