The Ultimate Bourbon: Insights from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has recently released the results from its 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition, where four bourbons stood out in the final round. Notably, three of these bourbons were awarded Best in Show in their respective categories, allowing them to advance to the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which is recognized as the largest bourbon judging event globally.

Finalists and Their Profiles

Calumet Farm, Centennial 17 YO Decanter Small Batch Bourbon

• ABV: 58.5%
• Price: $399
  Calumet Farm’s Centennial 17 YO is a premium, limited-edition bourbon that boasts deep complexity and rich flavors due to its extended aging. The bourbon presents bold aromas of caramelized sugar, vanilla bean, toffee, and hints of oak spice, clove, and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and velvety, with flavors of butterscotch, dark caramel, and a long, warming finish.

Calumet Farm, Centennial 18 YO Decanter Small Batch Bourbon

• ABV: 59%
• Price: $499
  This bourbon swept multiple categories, winning the titles of Best of Show Small Batch Bourbon, Best of Show Overall Small Batch Bourbon, and more. It offers an even deeper and more complex profile than its 17 YO counterpart, featuring rich aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramelized pecans, alongside flavors of dark chocolate, toffee, and baked apples, all culminating in a velvety finish.

O.H. Ingram, River Aged 2024 Flagship Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• ABV: 58.85%
• Price: $80
  Ingram’s unique river aging process takes place on barges along the Mississippi River, enhancing the bourbon’s flavor extraction. Its nose features caramel and toasted oak, while the palate showcases buttery toffee, vanilla, and caramelized sugar with a smooth texture and a long, warming finish characterized by spicy oak notes.

Tennessee Legend, Kingsnake Honey Cask Finished Bourbon

• ABV: 45%
• Price: $46
  This innovative bourbon combines traditional flavors with honey cask finishing, resulting in an intriguing sweetness. The aroma offers a blend of honey, vanilla, and caramel, and the palate features prominent honey flavors balanced by oak spices. The finish is warm and sweet, leaving behind lingering notes of honey and vanilla.

Overview

The WSWA’s annual competition, conducted in collaboration with the Tasting Alliance, focuses on recognizing the finest wines and spirits. Expert judges thoroughly evaluate each submission, ensuring that the awards reflect credibility and quality. These bourbons signify a diverse range of flavor profiles and aging techniques, catering to bourbon enthusiasts with their distinct characteristics and complex flavors.

For more information on the acclaimed bourbons, explore Calumet Farm, Ingram, and Tennessee Legend.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!