from “The World’s Best Small Batch Aged Bourbon, According To The SF World Spirits Competition” by Joseph V Micallef, Forbes

Eight bourbons are finalists in the Small Batch Aged Bourbon section. Five bourbons are in the 6-10 Years category, and three are in the 11 Years And Older category at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.

The Best Small Batch Bourbon Aged 6 To 10 Years

Kentucky Senator John Brown Bourbon, 53.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150

Kentucky Senator is a revived heritage brand paying tribute to famous Kentucky politicians. The John Brown release is the third bottling in the series, named for the first U.S. senator from Kentucky. Distilled in Kentucky and bottled at 107 proof, it is crafted as a limited edition small batch.

On the nose, the bourbon delivers dark toffee, crème brûlée, cherry compote, and a subtle hint of mint. The palate is full-bodied and flavorful, featuring burnt sugar, maple syrup, toasted almonds, and spiced orange zest notes. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering oak, nutmeg, and a hint of dark chocolate.

This polished bourbon feels elegant yet robust, a fitting homage to its namesake. The SFWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing:

“Big, bold aromas of vanilla custard, cherry syrup, and caramel on the nose. The palate features maple candy, almond praline, wood spice, and chocolate. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering candied orange zest, caramel, and spice notes.”