2025 World Championship Barrel Relay
By ISC Barrels
The World Championship Barrel Relay rolled into 2025 bigger and bolder than ever before. With a record 11 teams competing—our most to date—the excitement was high and the competition fierce.
Our lineup of competitors featured the biggest names in bourbon- Angel's Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barton 1792 Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Green River Distilling, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling, Maker's Mark, Potter Jane Distilling, Whiskey House of Kentucky and Willett Distillery.
Each team brought their A-game, proving once again that barrel rolling is as much about skill and grit as it is tradition and teamwork.
This year also marked the debut of Potter Jane who made their first appearance on the relay track. Co-founder Jane Bowie described the experience in a word- “surreal.”
"In the 3 years of designing, building, running Potter Jane, there have been a handful of moments that have stood out as significant. Competing in the barrel rolling competition is one," Bowie said. "Denny (Potter) and I have always loved the spirit of the event and to have our warehouse crew out there competing- it was incredible."
Bowie continued:
"It showcases the best of the bourbon industry. Folks working hard and giving it their best while their competitors cheer them on. What other industry do you genuinely root for your competition? Don’t get me wrong, we all want to win, but watching these men and women move these 500lb barrels is inspiring."
While morning rain made for a slick track and gave competitors a challenge, it did not dampen spirits. When asked about her favorite memory for this year's competition, Bowie shared:
"Outside of seeing our guys compete hard, the women’s team competition was the standout for me. Watching Green River not give up and finish strong while everyone cheered them on was emotional. That takes such guts. Seeing how happy and hard the Buffalo Trace women had worked to be so excellent, just amazing."
And excellent they were. Buffalo Trace’s women’s team claimed their fourth consecutive championship, finishing with an impressive score of -6.90. Veteran competitor (and current Women's Individual World Record holder) Krista Shartzer reflected on how the team prepares each year:
"The secret is having faith in each other and working hard. Never give up and pray about it!"
This year’s Relay brought new challengers, inspiring performances, and another chapter of unforgettable bourbon tradition. We can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring.
2025 World Championship Barrel Relay® Results
Women's Individual:
Brandy Rhoades -5.47 @beamdistilling
Brittany McGraw -4.66 @buffalotrace
Ashley Cundiff -4.41 @heavenhilldistillery
Men's Individual:
Corey Miles -27.13 @makersmark
Henry Bentley -24.78 @buffalotrace
Tyler Brown -23.28 @makersmark
Women’s Team:
@buffalotrace -6.90
@makersmark 9.57
@heavenhilldistillery 10.47
Men’s Team:
@buffalotrace -46.54
@makersmark -44.75
@bardstownbourbonco -33.57