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(From Buffalo Trace Press Release) The winners from last month’s 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge have been announced. Buffalo Trace Distillery was honored for one of its newer whiskeys introduced in 2012, along with some classic favorites.
For the second year in a row, judges awarded Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon the highest honor of “Chairman’s Trophy” winner among all other bourbon whiskeys. Blanton’s was the first Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey ever commercially sold back in 1984 and remains a favorite among connoisseurs.
Within the Canadian Whisky category, Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky was awarded the “Chairman’s Trophy,” also for the second year running. This $50 Canadian Whisky is the first Canadian Single Barrel whiskey of its kind and has been well received by both consumers and reviewers alike since its introduction in 2010.
Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon was the newest whiskey created by Buffalo Trace Distillery that earned the distinction of “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.” This bourbon, introduced last year, was described by the judges as being, “Pleasantly fruity on the nose suggesting, apricot, pear and cherry while maintaining a toasted oak characteristic as well.”
The other Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskeys awarded the distinction of “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” include:
- Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon
- William Larue Weller Bourbon
All three of these bourbons were also named Finalists for the Chairman’s Trophy.
Awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” were:
- Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon
- George T. Stagg Bourbon
- Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
Buffalo Trace and Sazerac Straight Rye were also named Finalists for the Chairman’s Trophy in their respective categories, and Benchmark and Buffalo Trace were deemed to be “Great Values.”
In all, the whiskeys from Buffalo trace Distillery received a total of 10 “Ultimate” or “Excellent” recommendations.
Not surprising. I’m glad Benchmark got some recognition. For the price that bourbon just can’t be beat. I love the stuff. I’ve had more expensive bourbons that can’t compare taste wise to that value brand.