12 Year Old Bourbon from the Barton 1792 Distillery
Photo illustration: Brad Japhe
The Asia World Spirits Competition is now entering its 6th year. It has recently undergone a change in both name and scope, as it seeks to solidify its status as the preeminent drinks judging across the entirety of Asia–as well as Oceania. The annual gathering holds the proper pedigree and roster of experts to succeed in its mission.
Originally launched in 2019 as the Singapore World Spirits Competition, it is organized by the Tasting Alliance, the same folks responsible for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition–commonly regarded as the standard bearer for industry awards. According to its site, “Earning a medal from the AWSC’s esteemed panel of judges not only enhances a brand’s reputation but also opens doors to global markets, solidifying its place among the world’s finest spirits.”
Today we’re going to look at who the AWSC named the “Best In Class Bourbon” for 2025. It might seem like an unlikely category to care about, as evaluated by judges from this part of the world–especially given all of the incredible Asian and Australasian whiskies gaining significant stature in global markets. But bear with us.
Despite well-publicized downturns in Europe and Canada, Asia-Pacific is drinking more bourbon than ever before. And the region is projected to hit a compound annual growth rate of 9-11% over the ensuing decade, according to the latest research from Global Growth Insights. China, Japan, and Singapore are leading the charge, with an increasing thirst for premium expressions–bottles priced above the $30 mark.
All of this bodes well for the AWSC’s 2025 Best In Class bourbon: the 12-year-old Kentucky straight from the Barton 1792 Distillery. It typically retails for around $60 here in the US. The 96.6-proof sipping whiskey is renowned for its unusually fruity bouquet, nosing with a bright, ripened berry to accompany the caramel and vanillas more typical to the category.
On the tongue it’s rich, rounded and roasty. Hints of coffee and confectioner’s chocolate hit the palate alongside baking spice and maybe even an intimation of caraway in its rather rapid finish. Those spicy notes are probably attributable to a high rye mashbill. Though the Bardstown-based operation declines to officially disclose its grain recipe, it’s believed to contain somewhere around 18% rye to go along with 75% corn, the remainder being filled out by the customary malted barley.
This might be a novel expression for many a drinker in Asia. And this auspicious performance will likely yield immediate interest there. But as for Barton’s parent company, Sazerac, it’s new year, same successful results. This is, after all, the same family-owned operation responsible for Buffalo Trace. It’s sister distillery did its best last year to prove that it’s no slouch by comparison. Barton’s also took home the top honors at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge, for its 1792 Bottled-in-Bond offering.
We’ll be back later in the week with a look at some more of the other top performers from AWSC. The market trend for 2026 suggests that this year is all about drinking better, not more. So drop a follow to keep on top of the best bottles on shelves today, as judged by the world’s leading palates.
1792 Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon also took home the top prize at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge.
Photo illustration: Brad Japhe
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2026/01/19/the-worlds-best-bourbon-according-to-the-2025-asia-world-spirits-competition/
