It’s 2023, and the bourbon market isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s continuing its roaring ascent. There are tons of up-and-coming brands doing great work in the bourbon sphere.

While it can be hard to keep track of all of the new distilleries and brands, we’ve got you covered with five of the best up-and-coming bourbon brands to look out for this year.

5 Up and Coming Bourbon Brands to Know in 2023

Woodinville Whiskey Company

The Woodinville Whiskey Company is based in Washington state. This distillery was recently bought by LVMH, a company that owns major luxury brands including Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessy.

Thanks to the resources of LVMH, Woodinville has been rapidly expanding and is now popping up all over the country. The brand offers multiple bourbon and rye options, and even barrel-aged maple syrup.

Green River

(Image via Green River Distilling Co.)

Green River Distilling Co. is quickly making a name for itself in the bourbon world. Its flagship bourbon is an excellent value buy for the price and has received rave reviews from experts and casual drinkers alike.

The Green River distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky, is the 10th-oldest distilling company in the U.S. After shutting down in the Prohibition era, Green River was revived in September 2020 and acquired by Bardstown Bourbon Co. this past June. The brand’s flagship bourbon was released with excellent reviews, boasting tasting notes of honey, toffee, barrel char, root beer candies and cocoa.

Ben Holladay

Ben Holladay Distillery. (Photo: Ben Holladay)

Uncle Nearest

Uncle Nearest Whiskey pays tribute to Nearest Green, the world’s first known African American master distiller.

According to the brand’s website, it is the fastest-growing American whiskey in U.S. history.

Since launching in 2017, Uncle Nearest’s Whiskeys have racked up an impressive 450-plus awards and accolades, along with 54 Best in Class honors and the “World’s Best” distinction at the 2019 and 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

Uncle Nearest is heavily awarded and has been favorably reviewed. To say this is a brand worth trying would be a massive understatement.

Breuckelen Distilling

Brooklyn, New York’s Breuckelen Distilling has been in operation since 2010. The brand mills grain, distills, ages and bottles its spirits all in Brooklyn.

Through years of trial and error in the distillery, Breuckelen has developed seven spirit offerings — six whiskeys and one gin — that have earned high scores from critics.

Although it may not be a household name, Breuckelen Distilling should be one that comes to mind when looking for craft spirits and big flavor.

Here at Whiskey Raiders, we do more than write about current events in Whiskey. We are the only media property reviewing whiskeys and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the whiskey world in one place. We also scour the internet daily in search of the best whiskey deals out there. If you’re interested in having a great whiskey deal and the latest news and reviews delivered to your inbox each morning, sign up for our Daily Deal Newsletter!