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New Riff Crowned World's Best Bourbon in Fierce Competition
18 Feb
Summary
- New Riff distillery earned World's Best Bourbon at 2026 Awards.
- Competitions included Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Jack Daniel's.
- Heaven Hill Distillery named Distiller of the Year for third year.
The 2026 World Whiskies Awards America ceremony, held recently in Louisville, saw Kentucky's independent New Riff distillery claim the prestigious World's Best Bourbon title. This marks a significant victory for the distillery against strong contenders. Other distinguished awards included Maker's Mark and Redemption Cognac Cask Finish winning in the Finished Bourbon category.
Buffalo Trace distillery also secured key wins, with Elmer T. Lee named Best Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon and E.H. Taylor Small Batch recognized for Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon. Wyoming Whiskey and Jack Daniel's also received accolades for their respective whiskeys in other categories.
In the Icons of Whisky awards, Heaven Hill Distillery was honored as Distiller of the Year for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its industry leadership. Chattanooga Whiskey was recognized as Craft Producer of the Year, and Jack Daniel's Chris Fletcher received the Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year award. All winning entries were decided through blind tastings.
