Top 10 Whiskies to Try in 2025 — Expert Picks

Whisky lovers rejoice! Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your journey into the world of fine spirits, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for sipping and discovering. From bold bourbons and refined single malts to adventurous new-world releases, these are the bottles you’ll want on your radar. Here’s our curated list of the top 10 whiskies to try in 2025, along with some expert notes and tips.

Why 2025 is a great year for whisky

Thanks to fresh releases, prestigious awards and evolving global tastes, whisky is more exciting than ever. The World Whiskies Awards 2025 highlighted standout expressions across continents.

And publications like The Whiskey Wash and VinePair published comprehensive guides to the best whiskies of the year.

In short: quality is high, variety is vast, and there’s something for every kind of whisky drinker.

Top 10 Whiskies for 2025

Below are ten excellent whiskies to explore this year. Note: availability and price may vary by region.

1. Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength (Taiwan)
   Crowned Whisky of the Year by the International Whisky Competition with a stellar score of 97.04. Expect rich toffee, mango, and smoked wood notes.
2. Fettercairn 28 Year Old Single Malt (Scotland)
   One of the best Scotch whiskies of 2025 according to LoveScotch — deep, elegant, and mature.
3. Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch
   A top pick for approachable luxury: smooth, fruity and layered, ideal for both whisky lovers and newcomers.
4. Jack Daniel’s 14 Year Old (Tennessee)
   A special release for 2025 with old-school age statement and barrel strength. Worth seeking out if you’re into bourbons with pedigree.
5. GlenAllachie Speyside Single Malt 12 Years (Scotland)
   Winner of Best Scotch Speyside Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2025. Rich fruit and nutmeg swirl in the flavour profile.
6. Balcones Texas 1 Single Malt (USA)
   An American single malt making waves; part of the global trend of serious whisky beyond Scotland and Ireland.
7. Amrut Peated Single Malt Cask Strength (India)
   Representing India on the world whisky stage; adventurous, smoky and worthy of exploration.
8. Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown Release No.2 (Scotland)
   A bold Campbeltown-style dram with red wine cask finish; smoky, coastal, and complex.
9. New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond
   Named Whisky of the Year in certain listings; high value and high profile for bourbon lovers.
10. Glenlivet 14 Year Old (Scotland)
    Recommended as “best Scotch for beginners” in some 2025 lists; a solid entry-level bottle with depth.

Tips for choosing & enjoying whisky in 2025

• Match style to mood: For a relaxed evening, pick something smooth and fruity (like Glenlivet or Chivas). For a smoky adventure, try Glen Scotia or Amrut.
• Budget smart: Some top-rated bottles carry premium prices. Consider entry expressions of major brands if you’re exploring.
• Serve thoughtfully: Neat or with a few drops of water can open up aroma and flavour. Use proper glassware for best experience.
• Explore globally: As shown above, whisky excellence now comes from Taiwan, India, the USA and beyond. Don’t limit yourself to the familiar.
• Keep an eye on awards: Releases that win global awards often indicate quality and are worth tracking.

Final word

Whether you’re celebrating, gifting or simply exploring your palate, the top 10 whiskies for 2025 above represent exciting directions in flavour, craftsmanship and global whisky culture. So pour a dram, savour the moment—and here’s to discovering your next favourite whisky journey.