Five craft whiskeys, including three bourbons, a pot still and a Colorado whiskey, were finalists for Best Craft Distiller Whiskey in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2024. New, small and growing distilleries are often described as craft distillers . Even though these distilleries are small and new, they are generally at the forefront of American whiskey innovation, producing exceptional whiskeys. This is certainly true for the five distillers who battled it out for the title of best craft distiller.

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

The highest ranked craft whiskey was Distillery 291, Colorado Whiskey Aspen Stave Finished Barrel Proof Single Barrel. Although described as a Colorado whiskey, the composition 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 bourbon with a high rye content.

Distillery 291located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a famous small batch whiskey distillery founded by Michael Myers, a former New York 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 he moved to Colorado, where he was looking for a new creative outlet. Inspired by an article about the creators of Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum, he decided to start producing whiskey. With the help of Mike Bristol of Bristol Brewing Company, Myers built his first still by soldering together copper photoetching 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 uses grains from the Colorado Plains and water from Pikes Peak Reservoirs. Its flagship products, such as 291 Colorado Rye Whiskey and 291 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey, are charcoal mellowed with Colorado aspen staves, giving them a unique flavor profile.

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

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

He added:

When I started Distillery 291, I wanted to create a whiskey that would make me feel like I was walking into an old west bar: a whiskey with character and spunk. Seeing 291 Colorado Whiskey recognized as the best craft whiskey by such a prestigious competition is deeply gratifying. This is a victory for everyone who has supported us throughout our journey.

The official SFWSC jury described the whiskey as

Full-bodied and bold with a rich caramel flavor profile and light floral notes. This rich and robust whiskey reflects the aromatic concentration typical of whiskeys aged in Colorado.

Four other whiskeys were in the running for the final.

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

Leather and oak spiritsa glass grain 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 jury described the whiskey as “smooth and rich with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak”.

Coastline Barreled Bourbon, 60% ABV, 750 ml

Bourbon Coastline Cask Strength is a powerful and 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 barrel strength bourbon is part of Texas Tail Distillery’s Coastline Series, which includes the Coastline Bourbon, Coastline Rye, and Coastline Wheated expressions.

The SFWSC jury described the bourbon as “balanced, with spices, honey and a slight smoky note.”

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

Jimmy red bourbon whiskey is a distinctive spirit made by High wire distillation. in Charleston, South Carolina. This bourbon is made exclusively from Jimmy Red Cornan 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 grow its growth. Over the years, these efforts have led to substantial harvests, ensuring a stable supply for whiskey production.

The bourbon is aged for a minimum of two years in American oak barrels with a charcoal level of 3.5. It is known for its rich flavor profile and creamy bite, featuring notes of graham crackers, vanilla, spiced cinnamon and maple syrup.

The SFWSC jury described the whiskey as comprising:

A smooth texture with a good amount of depth, vanilla and tangy spices. The finish offers more vanilla, as well as strawberries and raspberries.

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

Taluna Distillerylocated in Arvada, Colorado, is recognized as America’s first single-pot whiskey distillery. Their Bourbon Cask & Stave Series is made from a mash composed of 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barley, following traditional single pot still methods.

The whiskey ages for at least three years in ex-bourbon barrels. In addition, charred virgin oak staves are inserted into the barrels from the start of aging. Virgin staves add flavors and complexity to the whisky, resulting in aromas characterized by floral notes, hints of freshly mown hay and vanilla bean, flavors of honey, pear and cereal on the palate, and a finish with notes of pepper and cooked cereals. .

The SFWSC jury described the whiskey as exhibiting “bright floral notes with strong vanilla bean flavors.”

The five Best Craft Whiskey finalists are exceptional, offering robust, concentrated whiskeys that combine intense flavor and smoothness. They are among the most notable bourbons in America. These whiskeys are at the forefront of American distilling innovation. All five are very reasonably priced and worth a try.

For other top-ranked craft bourbons, see The Bourbon Hall Of Fame: 10 of the Top-Rated Craft Whiskeys

Cheers