The best bourbon in the world right now costs about $20. Old Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond just took the Bourbon Trophy at the 2026 International Wine and Spirit Competition. The judges scored it 98 points.
It is a four-year, 100-proof Kentucky straight bourbon distilled by Willett. The mashbill is 72 percent corn, 15 percent barley and 13 percent rye. The judges found bright, grain-forward aromas, then marmalade, brioche and delicate floral notes on the palate.
The brand is named for a famous Kentucky racehorse and dates back to the 1930s and 40s. Willett brought it back with in-house distillate after resuming distilling in 2012. It started as a Kentucky-only release. Availability outside the state is still catching up, but the trophy should change that. If you want a second opinion on value whiskey, my High West Bourye notes are here.
