:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1947108415-0106f7b2a7824322b9cc63f34750188d.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
The results are in for the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, and one Kentucky Bourbon is standing above the rest.
Heaven Hill Distillery’s Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS took home the title for World’s Best Bourbon, as well as Best Kentucky Bourbon, knocking out top-ranked favorites from Bardstown and 15 Stars in 2024. The 13-year bottled-in-bond “Very, very special” (aka VVS) wheated bourbon was originally distilled in 1999 and in 2013, was transferred to steel tanks. It was bottled and released in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Heaven Hill’s acquisition of the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville
“The Bernheim Distillery became the lifeblood for Heaven Hill’s survival following the catastrophic fire which destroyed the original distillery in 1996,” the brand shared online. “Heaven Hill is proud to have preserved the historic Old Fitzgerald brand which dates back to the 1880s.”
In addition to the top ranking title, Heaven Hill was also awarded in nine other categories, including Best American Rye, Sustainability Officer of the Year, Brand Ambassador of the Year for World Whiskey, and Master Distiller of the Year.
Southern Living / Heaven Hill Distillery
“I am incredibly proud of our team at Heaven Hill for our wins at the World Whiskies Awards,” co-president of Heaven Hill Brands Kate Latts said in a statement. “These accolades are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship that each member of our team puts into every bottle we produce.”
She continued, “At Heaven Hill, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the time-honored traditions of whiskey-making. These achievements reflect not only our passion for the craft, but also our collective drive to continue elevating the whiskey experience for our consumers around the world.”
Other Kentucky winners include Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel (Best Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon), 1792 Small Batch (Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon), and Wenzel Sherry (Best Kentucky Finished Bourbon).
The World Whiskies Awards are global awards held annually since 2007 that select the very best in all internationally recognized styles of whisky.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1947108415-0106f7b2a7824322b9cc63f34750188d.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=This+Kentucky+Bourbon+Was+Just+Named+The+World%E2%80%99s+Best){kind=link}