In late April, the results of the 2025 London Spirits Competition (LSC) were released, and for bourbon fans, the list is essential reading. Judged by bartenders, buyers, and industry professionals from around the world, the LSC focuses on what really matters: how a whiskey tastes in the glass.
This year’s Gold Medal winners include both iconic names and rising craft distillers, each recognized for their flavor, character, and overall excellence.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each Gold-winning bourbon from the 2025 LSC, highlighting the distillery behind it, how it’s made, and what you can expect when you pour a glass.
W.L. Weller Antique 107 – 99 Points – Whisky of the Year
From $129
Weller Antique 107, made at Buffalo Trace in Kentucky, is a wheated bourbon bottled at 107 proof. It uses wheat instead of rye in the mash bill, which is believed to be around 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley – the same recipe as Pappy Van Winkle.
Though it’s not age-stated, most barrels are thought to be between 6 and 8 years old. The flavor is rich and full-bodied, with notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and baking spice. Despite the high proof, it drinks smooth, with a warming finish.
It earned 99 points at the 2025 London Spirits Competition and was named Whisky of the Year.
Lancaster Ale Cask Rare Bourbon – 99 Points – Straight Bourbon of the Year
From $55
From Lancaster Craft Spirits in Pennsylvania, this six-year-old straight bourbon is finished for over a year in barrels that once held a rich, malty Wee Heavy ale. Bottled at 94 proof, it features a traditional mash bill with rye as the secondary grain.
The result is a bourbon with notes of toasted oak, floral vanilla, pecan praline, and subtle hops. The finish adds a gentle beer-driven twist without overpowering the whiskey’s core character.
It scored 99 points at the 2025 London Spirits Competition and was named Straight Bourbon of the Year.
W.L. Weller 12 Year – 98 Points
From $129.99
Weller 12 Year is a wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace, bottled at 90 proof and aged a full 12 years. It shares the same mash bill as Antique 107 and Pappy Van Winkle, using wheat instead of rye for a softer profile.
Expect layered notes of cherry, vanilla, dried fruit, oak, and honey, with a smooth, spicy finish. Often called “Baby Pappy” or “Poor Man’s Pappy”, it’s a highly regarded long-aged bourbon that continues to draw strong demand.
It earned 98 points and a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.
Windows Distillery Four Barrel – 98 Points
From $84.99
Crafted in Sycamore, Illinois, Four Barrel is a blended bourbon aged in new oak, then finished in a mix of sherry, port, and maple syrup casks. It’s bottled at 102 proof and made in small batches by Windows Distillery.
This layered whiskey offers flavors of plum, vanilla, toffee, toasted coconut, and a touch of smoke. Each cask adds depth without overwhelming the bourbon’s core.
It received 98 points and a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.
1792 Single Barrel – 95 Points
From $40
Produced at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, this high-rye bourbon is bottled at 98.6 proof and selected from individual barrels for their standout character.
It features a bold, spicy profile with notes of caramel, fig, baking spice, and toasted oak. The higher rye content gives it a lively edge, balanced by rich sweetness and a long, warming finish.
It received 95 points and a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old – 95 Points
From $1,795
Another expression from the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery, Eagle Rare 17 is an extra-aged bourbon bottled at 101 proof. It uses the distillery’s low-rye mash bill and is aged for a minimum of 17 years.
Expect deep, mature flavors of antique oak, dried cherry, tobacco, vanilla, and leather, with a long, elegant finish. Its extended aging brings richness without overwhelming the balance.
It earned 95 points and a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition
E.H. Taylor Small Batch – 95 Points
From $65
This Small Batch bourbon from Buffalo Trace is made using the distillery’s low-rye mash bill and aged for around six to seven years. It’s bottled at 100 proof and named after Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., a pioneer of bourbon quality standards, including the famous ‘Bottled-In-Bond’ Act of 1897.
The flavor profile includes caramel corn, butterscotch, licorice, oak, and a hint of black pepper. It’s a well-balanced, full-flavored bourbon with a classic feel.
It scored 95 points and took home a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.
Maker’s Mark – 95 Points
From $23
A staple of Kentucky bourbon, Maker’s Mark is a wheated bourbon bottled at 90 proof. It uses soft red winter wheat in place of rye, giving it a smooth, rounded flavor profile. It is also recognizable by its iconic red wax seal, pioneered by Margie Samuels.
Look for notes of vanilla, toffee, red apple, and gentle baking spice. It’s aged to taste, typically around six years, and known for its signature red wax seal.
It earned 95 points and a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.
Maker’s Mark 46 – 95 Points
From $34
Maker’s 46 begins as classic Maker’s Mark, then is finished with seared French oak staves for extra depth. It’s aged an additional nine weeks in a limestone cellar and bottled at 94 proof.
The result is a richer, spicier bourbon with notes of toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, and baking spice. It adds complexity while keeping the smooth character of the original Maker’s Mark.
It received 95 points and a Gold Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Gold Medal winners at the London Spirits Competition include a wide mix of bourbons, from everyday favorites to ultra-premium bottles. While some (like Eagle Rare 17, and Weller) may be harder to find or priced at the top end, many on the list are more accessible and offer exceptional quality without the collector’s markup.
Well-known names like Maker’s Mark and 1792 are reliable staples that more than earn their place on any home bar. For those looking to try something off the beaten path, the Lancaster Ale Cask Rare and Windows Four Barrel bourbons bring craft innovation and unique cask finishes worth exploring.
Whether you’re new to bourbon or looking to expand your collection, this lineup offers something for everyone. That’s the great thing about competitions like the London Spirits Comepetition – they shine a light on both trusted classics and hidden gems, helping you discover your next favorite bottle.
Do you already have a favorite bourbon from the above list? Or have these results just given you the urge to try something new? Let us know in the comments below.
Read the full article at These Are the World’s Best Bourbons According to the London Spirits Competition
