The Best Craft Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Five craft whiskeys, three of which were bourbon, one pot still, and one Colorado whiskey were the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition's (SFWSC) Best Craft Distiller Whiskey finalists. New, small, up-and-coming distilleries are often described as craft distillers. While these distilleries may be small and new, they are usually on the cutting edge of American whiskey innovation, producing outstanding whiskeys. That is certainly true for the five distillers who vied for Best Craft Distiller Whiskey.

Distillery 291, Colorado Whiskey Aspen Stave Finished Barrel Proof Single Barrel, 63% ABV, 750 ml.

The top-ranked craft whiskey was Distillery 291, Colorado Whiskey Aspen Stave Finished Barrel Proof Single Barrel. Although described as a Colorado whiskey, the mash bill of 61% rye malt and 39% corn makes it a rye whiskey although it has many bourbon-like characteristics and could easily pass for a high rye bourbon.

Distillery 291, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a renowned small-batch whiskey distillery founded by Michael Myers, a former New York City fashion and beauty photographer. Established on September 11, 2011, the distillery aims to capture the essence of the Wild West through its unique whiskey offerings.

Myers' journey into distilling began after relocating to Colorado, where he sought a new creative outlet. Inspired by an article about the creators of Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum, he decided to venture into whiskey production. With assistance from Mike Bristol of Bristol Brewing Company, Myers built his first still by welding together copper photogravure plates from his photography business. This innovative approach continues to be reflected in Distillery 291's distinctive whiskeys.

The distillery is known for its grain-to-glass production process, which utilizes grains from the Colorado plains and water from Pikes Peak reservoirs. Its flagship products, such as the 291 Colorado Rye Whiskey and 291 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey, are charcoal mellowed with Colorado aspen staves, imparting a unique flavor profile.

Michael Myers, President and founder of Distillery 291, described the whiskey as:

291 Colorado Whiskey is more than just a drink; it's a story. From the grains of the Colorado plains to the finishing touch of toasted Aspen staves, every step of our process reflects the spirit of the Wild West. Receiving this award shows that the world appreciates that story as much as we do.

He went on to add:

When I started Distillery 291, I wanted to create a whiskey that felt like walking into an old West bar—a whiskey with character and grit. To see 291 Colorado Whiskey recognized as the best craft whiskey by such a prestigious competition is deeply gratifying. It's a win for everyone who's supported us along the way.

The official SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as

Full-bodied and bold with a rich caramel flavor profile and slight floral overtones. This rich, robust whiskey reflects the flavor concentration typical of Colorado matured whiskeys.

Four other whiskeys were in the final round.

Leather & Oak Spirits Bourbon Whiskey, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml.

Leather & Oak Spirits, a grain-to-glass distiller established in 2019 by Steve Lambert and Dave Sheppard in Hilliard, Ohio, is dedicated to crafting ultra-premium spirits that reflect the region's rich agricultural heritage. Their flagship product, Leather & Oak Bourbon Whiskey, is meticulously handcrafted in small batches using locally sourced Ohio grains.

The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as "smooth and rich with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak."

Coastline Cask Bourbon, 60% ABV, 750 ml

Coastline Cask Strength Bourbon is a powerful, robust whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled by Texas Tail Distillery in Galveston, Texas. Bottled at cask strength, 60% ABV, it reflects, according to the distillery, "the adventurous spirit of the Gulf Coast, offering a bold and powerful flavor profile."

This cask-strength bourbon is part of Texas Tail Distillery's Coastline series, including Coastline Bourbon, Coastline Rye, and Coastline Wheated expressions.

The SFWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as "balanced, with spice and honey and slight smokiness."

Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml.

Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey is a distinctive spirit crafted by High Wire Distilling Co. in Charleston, South Carolina. This bourbon is crafted exclusively from Jimmy Red corn, an heirloom variety historically grown on St. James Island in South Carolina and nearly extinct before being revived by the company.

According to the distillery:

The journey to revive Jimmy Red corn began when only two ears of this unique magenta-hued corn remained. Recognizing its potential, High Wire Distilling partnered with Clemson University and dedicated farmers to cultivate and expand its growth. Over the years, these efforts have led to substantial harvests, ensuring a stable supply for whiskey production.

The bourbon is aged for at least two years in American oak barrels with a char level of 3.5. It is known for its rich flavor profile and creamy mouthful, exhibiting notes of graham cracker, vanilla, cinnamon spice, and maple syrup.

The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring:

A smooth texture with a fair amount of depth, vanilla, and tart spice. The finish offers more vanilla, along with strawberries and raspberries.

Taluna Bourbon Cask and Stave Series, Single Pot Still, 3 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

Taluna Distillery, located in Arvada, Colorado, is recognized as America's first single-pot still whiskey distillery. Their Bourbon Cask & Stave Series is crafted using a mash bill of 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, conforming to traditional single-pot still methods.

The whiskey matures for a minimum of three years in ex-bourbon barrels. Additionally, virgin charred oak staves are inserted in the barrels from the beginning of maturation. The virgin staves add flavors and complexity to the whiskey, resulting in aromas featuring floral notes, hints of new-mown hay and vanilla bean, flavors of honey, pears, and grain on the palate, and a finish with notes of pepper and cooked cereal.

The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whisky as exhibiting “bright floral notes with strong flavors of vanilla bean.”

All five finalists for Best Craft Whiskey are outstanding, offering robust, concentrated whiskeys that combine intense flavor with smoothness. They are among America’s most outstanding bourbon. These whiskeys are on the cutting edge of American distilling innovation. All five are very reasonably priced and are worth trying.

For additional top ranked craft bourbon see The Bourbon Hall Of Fame: 10 Of The Most Highly Rated Craft Whiskeys

Cheers