World’s Best Bourbon from Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards

Four bourbons went Platinum and made the final “sweep” round of the Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards. Now in its eighth year, the competition is one of the largest annual competitions in Las Vegas and has become a fixture in the city’s beverage community. Below is some information about the three finalists and their tasting notes.

Garrison Brothers, Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Barrel #13,255It was chosen as the Best Bourbon/Corn Whiskey with 98 points.

Garrison Brothers DistilleryLocated in Hye, Texas, it is the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas since Prohibition. Founded in 2006, the company launched its first whiskey in 2010. Since then, the distillery has become a fixture in American bourbon production. He is known for taking advantage of Texas’ extreme climate and marked daily and seasonal temperature variations to craft intense and flavorful bourbons.

A true craft producer that emphasizes local grain sourcing, the distillery is known for its artisanal approach to whiskey making. Texas’ extreme heat causes whiskey to age rapidly. Accelerated extraction from barrel wood produces intensely flavored whiskeys, but can also result in whiskeys that appear harsh, overly woody, and unbalanced on the palate.

Garrison Brothers has become adept at managing Texas’ harsh maturation environment, producing intensely flavorful whiskeys that are also smooth and balanced. Their whiskeys have been perennial medalists in international spirits competitions.

Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon from Barrel #13.255 has been a perennial gold medalist in various spirit competitions, winning Gold at the Denver International Spirits Competition and scoring 93/100 at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, among other competitions.

This barrel-strength bourbon stands out with its robust and bold character. Distinctive aromas of charred oak and cooking spices are presented on the nose. The palate offers layers of chocolate, roasted apples and leather, complemented by cocoa and a hint of spice.

It finishes with a dry note that reveals caramel and toffee undertones. Bottled at 138.2 proof (69.1% ABV), this bourbon delivers an intense, full-flavored experience that reflects Texas’ unique aging environment.

Also make it to the final round Garrison Brothers, Laguna Madre Texas Straight Bourbon. Bourbon also earned a Platinum Medal with a score of 96/100.

Laguna Madre is one of Garrison Brother’s rarest expressions and is considered among the most challenging whiskeys to produce. This bourbon is aged for eight years in Texas, starting for four years in American white oak barrels and finishing for another four years in French Limousin oak barrels.

French Limousin oak barrels yield intense vanilla and complex, seasoned oak notes. The result is a robust and flavorful whiskey with a layered complexity that maintains a remarkable balance.

Bourbon Strong vanilla and spicy oak aromas are exhibited on the nose, accompanied by notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, caramel and toast.

Notes of vanilla and oak are carried to the palate; Notes of cinnamon, baking spice, caramel, molasses and green pear complete these. The complexity is nuanced and gradually emerges as the bourbon opens.

The finish is velvety smooth and sweet, with lingering notes of dark chocolate and spicy bread.

Pressed Straight Bourbon Whiskeyhe also scored 98/100 but finished second, missing out on the grand prize.

Closed Bourbon It is a premium seven-year straight bourbon whiskey inspired by the Tony-winning Broadway musical Shucked. Broadway producers Christopher Allen and Kevin Duda created the brand because they wanted a true whiskey experience inspired by the musical.

Allen and Duda spent six months experimenting with possible blends before settling on “Lulu’s Blend” for Shucked Bourbon’s aroma and flavor profile. The whiskey brand officially launched in October 2024 and has held tastings and special events in conjunction with the musical’s national tour.

The whiskey is matured for seven years and produced in Minden, Nevada. The company is still deciding on national retail distribution.

Floral and spicy, white pepper and lavender aromas stand out on the nose. Malt/cooked grain, ripe melon, peach notes, caramel and sweet corn syrup are felt on the palate.

The finish is long and dry, with lingering notes of old leather and well-seasoned oak.

This complex, layered whiskey is intensely flavored yet very smooth on the palate. Although it’s only just been released, it earned a 93 score from Spirits Review Online and a gold medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, calling it “outstanding.”

Rainfire Bourbon Whiskey also won the Platinum Medal. It received a score of 96/100.

The 2024 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards highlighted some noteworthy bourbons, including one named World’s Best Bourbon. All four are worth trying, and if you can find a bottle at retail, buy it!

For other top-rated bourbons, see The World’s Best Bourbon According to IWSC Rating And World’s Best Bourbon Awarded at San Francisco International Spirits Competition