Single barrel bourbon occupies a unique place in American whiskey. The World Whiskies Awards America 2026 have named two expressions as World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon, divided between Kentucky and Non-Kentucky producers. Best Kentucky Single Barrel BourbonElmer T. Lee Single BarrelTasting Notes: Clove, vanilla, old leather, fruit, honey, spiceFind Your Next Bottle: $199Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel was introduced in 1986 and is widely credited as one of the first modern single barrel bourbons. Bottled at barrel proof and non-chill filtered, proof varies by release, as each bottle comes from a single barrel. In single barrel bourbon, the barrel itself is the story.

Source: Forbes February 19, 2026 09:16 UTC