From small-batch rebels to legendary names in American whiskey, these distilleries don’t just talk big — they win big. If you’re looking for your next great bottle, start with these award-winning producers that have put U.S. whiskey on the world stage.
🏆 1. Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
Known for: Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Pappy Van Winkle
Awards:
-
World Whiskies Awards – Best Bourbon (Multiple Years)
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Double Gold (for Eagle Rare, Blanton’s)
Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States — yes, even through Prohibition. Known for its rare collectibles and everyday icons, this distillery is the powerhouse behind Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, and the legendary Pappy Van Winkle lineup.
🥃 2. WhistlePig Whiskey (Shoreham, VT)
Known for: WhistlePig 10 Year Rye, 12 Year Old World, The Boss Hog series
Awards:
-
World's Best Rye – World Whiskies Awards
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Gold & Double Gold Medals
Founded on a converted dairy farm in Vermont, WhistlePig has become the gold standard for American rye whiskey. Known for high-proof, well-aged ryes with a bold profile, the distillery blends traditional methods with creative finishes (like ex-Calvados and Umami barrels).
🔥 3. Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY)
Known for: Elijah Craig, Larceny, Henry McKenna
Awards:
-
Best Bourbon – Henry McKenna 10 Year (SFWSC)
-
Whisky Advocate – Elijah Craig Barrel Proof named #1 Whiskey of the Year
Heaven Hill is one of the few remaining independent, family-owned distilleries — and home to some of bourbon’s biggest names. Their portfolio spans affordable classics to award-winning elite bottles, offering something for every whiskey drinker.
🌾 4. Maker’s Mark (Loretto, KY)
Known for: Maker’s Mark, Maker’s 46, Private Selection series
Awards:
-
American Distilling Institute – Gold for Maker’s Mark 46
-
ISC – Multiple wins for packaging and craftsmanship
Every bottle of Maker’s is hand-dipped in red wax — and that handcrafted philosophy extends to their whiskey. With a soft, wheated mash bill, Maker’s is smoother and slightly sweeter than traditional bourbons, perfect for sipping or cocktails.
💼 5. Jack Daniel’s (Lynchburg, TN)
Known for: Old No. 7, Bonded, Single Barrel Select
Awards:
-
Whisky Advocate – Whiskey of the Year (Jack Daniel’s Bonded)
-
World Whiskies Awards – Best Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s is more than a global symbol — it’s one of the most awarded whiskey producers today. Distilled in a dry county, charcoal mellowed, and aged to perfection, Jack’s latest Bonded and Single Barrel series are winning over serious whiskey fans.
🥇 6. Uncle Nearest (Shelbyville, TN)
Known for: 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, 1884 Small Batch
Awards:
-
Most Awarded American Whiskey Brand (2019–2023)
-
SFWSC, IWSC, and others – Dozens of gold and platinum wins
Uncle Nearest honors Nathan "Nearest" Green — the first known African American master distiller, who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. In just a few years, Uncle Nearest has become the most-awarded American whiskey brand (2019–2023).
🛒 Ready to Try the Best?
Whether you're loyal to bourbon, rye, or American whiskey, Bottlestork makes it easy to explore these award-winners with fast delivery, curated collections, and bottles you won’t find on every shelf.
