The results from the global World Whiskies Awards were announced on 26th March, and among the standout winners were several exceptional Tennessee whiskeys. Often overshadowed by their Kentucky counterparts, these whiskeys are a category in their own right — defined by tradition, craft, and a unique filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process. 

From household names refining their legacy to rising craft producers and brands rewriting the narrative, this year’s winners showcase the diversity and depth Tennessee whiskey has to offer. Here’s a closer look at the bottles that took home the honors in 2025.

Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old Batch #2 

Award: Gold – Category Winner
Tasting Notes: “Brûléed banana on the nose. Brandy soaked red and stone fruits on the palate. A balanced finish.”
BUY NOW: N/A

Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old Batch 2 is a bold step into more connoisseur-focused territory from one of America’s most iconic whiskey producers. Made using the classic mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, it’s mellowed through sugar maple charcoal in the traditional Lincoln County Process, then aged for 12 full years in new American oak barrels. Bottled at 107 proof, it delivers a richer, deeper profile than the brand’s core expressions. 

Produced at the historic Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, this release answers a long-standing call from fans for an age-stated whiskey. The batch number on the front label adds a sense of rarity and collectibility, and the February 2024 release quickly drew attention for its balance of tradition and boldness. 

With an MSRP of $95, Batch 2 is a signpost that Jack Daniel’s can still surprise even the seasoned whiskey drinker.

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Batch 32 

Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: “Heavy nose with some fruity, smoky notes. A palate of spicy wintergreen gum and vanilla extract. A smoky finish.”
BUY NOW: Available exclusively at the Nearest Green Distillery 

Uncle Nearest’s Master Blend Edition Batch 32 is a small-batch Tennessee whiskey selected and blended by master blender Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green. Each release in the series is crafted from hand-picked barrels she deems exceptional, making every batch a one-off with its own character. 

The whiskey is produced at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, which pays tribute to Nearest Green — the formerly enslaved man recognized as Jack Daniel’s mentor and the first known African American master distiller. 

The distillery and the brand were founded by entrepreneur and historian Fawn Weaver, whose work through the Nearest Green Foundation has brought long-overdue recognition to Green’s role in American whiskey history.

Old Glory Distilling Co. Tennessee Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond 

Award: Silver
Tasting Notes: “Sweet tobacco, vanilla, baked fruit with a soft finish”
BUY NOW: $64.99 

Old Glory Distilling Co.’s Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Whiskey proudly wears its designation as a mark of authenticity and craft. Distilled and aged entirely on-site in Clarksville, Tennessee, it follows the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 to the letter: a single distillation season, one distiller, four years minimum in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof. 

Made from a mash bill of 73% corn, 19% wheat, and 8% malted barley, and matured in #3 char barrels, it offers notes of sweet tobacco, vanilla, and baked fruit with a soft, satisfying finish. 

Founder Matt Cunningham left a career as a firefighter to chase his dream of distilling, establishing Old Glory at just 22 years old. Today, the distillery stands out for its commitment to local ingredients and on-site production.

Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old 

Award: Silver
Tasting Notes: Pecan pie, spice, chestnut
BUY NOW: $45

Though labeled a bourbon, Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old meets the criteria for Tennessee whiskey, including the use of the Lincoln County Process — the signature charcoal filtration that smooths the spirit before aging. It was awarded a Silver medal in the Tennessee category at the World Whiskies Awards. 

Distilled and aged for a minimum of six years in new American white oak barrels, it’s bottled at 92 proof and designed to offer an approachable balance of richness and refinement. The brand leans into a vintage aesthetic, evoking the elegance and optimism of the late 19th century, and the whiskey inside matches that sentiment with a smooth, rounded finish. 

While the distillery behind Bib & Tucker isn’t front and center (the distillery is not disclosed), its growing recognition and consistent quality have made it a quiet favorite in the small batch category.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium 

Award: Bronze
Tasting Notes: Caramelized nuts, oak cookies, brown sugar, sandalwood, corn, milk chocolate (Master of Malt)
BUY NOW: $50

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey is the brand’s inaugural release and remains a cornerstone of its range. Bottled at 100 proof, it’s a blend of mature Tennessee whiskeys, including spirit from the distillery’s own barrels. Designed to be versatile, it’s smooth enough to sip neat yet bold enough to stand up in classic whiskey cocktails. 

Since launching in 2017, this expression has helped catapult the brand to international acclaim, collecting hundreds of awards along the way. With rich notes and a well-balanced finish, 1856 sets the tone for what Uncle Nearest has become: a whiskey house defined by quality, storytelling, and serious substance in the glass.

Read the full article at The Best Tennessee Whiskeys & Bourbons From The World Whiskies Awards 2025