Single barrel bourbon occupies a unique place in American whiskey. Unlike small batch or blended releases, every bottle comes from one individual barrel. That means variation is not only expected, but it is celebrated. Barrel selection becomes the defining skill, and consistency is achieved through judgement rather than blending.
The World Whiskies Awards America 2026 have named two expressions as World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon, divided between Kentucky and Non-Kentucky producers. The winners represent two different eras of the category. One helped define the modern single barrel movement in the 1980s. The other reflects today’s high-proof, independent bottling model.
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Here is how they compare.
Best Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel
Tasting Notes: Clove, vanilla, old leather, fruit, honey, spice
Find Your Next Bottle: $199
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel was introduced in 1986 and is widely credited as one of the first modern single barrel bourbons. Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the brand honours former Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, who launched the first commercially marketed single barrel bourbon, Blanton’s, in 1984.
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The whiskey uses Buffalo Trace’s higher-rye Mash Bill #2 and is bottled at 90 proof. Each barrel is selected individually, with an emphasis on balance and approachability rather than intensity.
Today, Elmer T. Lee is heavily allocated in the US and commands strong demand on the secondary market. Its win reinforces the enduring strength of heritage single barrel selection.
Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon
Presidential Dram 2 Term Bourbon
Tasting Notes: Pecan, cherry, tobacco, dark fruit
Find Your Next Bottle: $131
Presidential Dram 2 Term Bourbon is produced by Proof and Wood Ventures, an independent bottler based in Washington, DC. The whiskey itself is sourced, distilled in Indiana from a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% rye.
Bottled at barrel proof and non-chill filtered, proof varies by release, as each bottle comes from a single barrel. According to the World Whiskies Awards website, the winning bourbon was bottled at 60.28% ABV.
Distribution is limited and batch-specific, primarily focused on select US markets. Where Elmer T. Lee emphasises heritage and refinement, Presidential Dram represents a modern single barrel ethos built around strength and collector appeal.
Barrel Selection, Two Ways
These two winners highlight two very different approaches to a single concept. Elmer T. Lee represents the foundational model: moderate proof, careful selection, and a focus on elegance. Presidential Dram reflects the contemporary approach: barrel proof intensity and independent sourcing.
Both rely on one core principle. In single barrel bourbon, the barrel itself is the story.
For a full breakdown of every bourbon winner this year, read our complete results article here. To explore all America 2026 winners across every category, visit our master results table.
