5 Up and Coming Bourbon Brands to Know About in 2023
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5 Up and Coming Bourbon Brands You Need to Know About in 2023

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

Bourbon Brands

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

Bourbon Brands

(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)

Located in Weston, Missouri, The Holladay Distillery is the oldest distillery operating on its original site in the state of Missouri, having first been charted by the famous explorers Lewis and Clark in 1804 and purchased by Ben Holladay over 50 years later.

Ben Holladay’s Bourbon is classified as a “Real Missouri Bourbon,” as mandated by a 2019 law requiring that all whiskeys labeled as such must meet federal standards and be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled within the state.

Additionally, Real Missouri Bourbon must be aged in barrels manufactured within the state and made from corn grown exclusively in-state.

We recently tasted Ben Holladay’s Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon and enjoyed it. Check out our review here.

Ben Holladay’s Bourbon stands out for its six-year age statement and its classic mash bill that dates back to 1856. This historic yet modern whiskey is one worth checking out.

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

bourbon brands

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.

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Madison Kopta is an editor at Whiskey Raiders. As a Northern California native and mom of four, Madison spends much of her time enjoying the great outdoors with her family. From camping to keeping an eagle eye out for Bigfoot, you can find Madison in nature, enjoying a glass of whiskey with her husband.