Bhakta 1868 America250 Edition Named Best In Show Bourbon
The Bhakta 1868 America250 Edition, specifically Barrel 1 Washington, has been named “Best In Show” by the American Whiskey Commission (AWC) ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. This 110-proof spirit is a blend of 21-year-old bourbon and 19th-century French armagnac, earning a triple-gold score of 19 out of 20 points in a recent blind tasting.
What defines this award-winning blend?
The recognition of Barrel 1 Washington centers on its unique, unorthodox composition. While the spirit is marketed as a patriotic offering, it is legally defined as an American Blended Bourbon. The assemblage consists of 60% bourbon aged up to 21 years, combined with 40% French brandy vintages from 1868, 1962, 1973, and 1981.
The panel of judges, comprised of bartenders forming the non-profit AWC, evaluated the whiskey on appearance, nose, palate, and quality-to-price ratio. Their tasting notes highlighted flavors of spicy pepper, roasted walnuts, stewed New England quince, and artisanal marmalade, with a finish reminiscent of freshly-baked apple pie.
Did You Know? The name of the winning spirit, Barrel 1 Washington, pays homage to the first American president, and the liquid itself is priced at $250 per bottle.
Why the blend matters for American spirits
Founder Raj Bhakta describes the product as a “magnum opus” that draws a parallel between the current blend and the historical alliance between France and America during the War of Independence. By utilizing a “house of vintages” approach, the brand aims to challenge traditional spirit categories through the blending of rare, aged liquids.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the success of the Bhakta 1868 release highlights a growing market appetite for “disruptive” blending techniques. By combining long-aged American bourbon with historic French armagnac, the brand is effectively positioning itself as a collector’s item that bridges distinct global distilling traditions, shifting the focus from standard age statements to historical provenance and rare inventory.
What could be next for the brand?
Given that the America250 Edition is limited to a total of five barrels, the current supply is finite. As the brand continues to win accolades—including previous “Best In Show” honors at the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards—the remaining stock is likely to face increased demand from collectors. Future market activity may see these individually numbered bottles appearing primarily in secondary markets as the initial inventory is exhausted through the brand’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bhakta 1868 Barrel 1 Washington a straight bourbon?
No. While it contains 60% bourbon, it is legally defined as an American Blended Bourbon due to the addition of French armagnac.
How many bottles of this edition exist?
The America250 Edition is limited to a total of five barrels of product.
What criteria did the judges use to evaluate the whiskey?
The AWC judges awarded points based on four categories: appearance, nose, palate, and quality-to-price ratio, with a maximum of five points available per category.
How do you think the integration of international spirits into traditional American bourbon production will influence future distilling trends?