The 2025 Whiskeyfellow Awards Are In!

Each trip around the sun seems to go faster than the last. It is already the middle of December, and that must mean it is time to announce the 2025 Whiskeyfellow Awards.

 

If you think this is yet another list of whiskeys that you’ll never be able to get your hands on, that’s not how the Whiskeyfellow Awards work. Forget the stuff you can only read about in your social media feeds – nothing with horsey stoppers are ever found on this list.

 

My reviews are written for the average whiskey drinker - because that’s who I am. Sure, I occasionally get something impossible to find (or afford), but those aren’t my daily drinker, and my “Best Of” whiskeys are no different.

 

For any whiskey to even be considered, it must meet the following criteria:

 

It must have been something I’ve tasted and reviewed since I published the previous year’s awards. Whiskeyfellow is a one-man operation. I don’t have a team of interns and don’t take suggestions from outsiders. No one buys their way into an award – unlike some competitions, there are no entry fees. The only nose and palate involved is my own.

 

It must be reasonably affordable. For the last several years, I’ve capped my awarded whiskeys at $150.00. That’s the ceiling of what I’d pay for any whiskey, and I’d assume the average whiskey drinker also has that kind of limit.  

 

It must be reasonably easy to find. I’m not suggesting that you can walk into any liquor store to find it, yet it also won’t be something you’d have to sell your soul to see in person, let alone acquire. When you do, hopefully you won’t have some store owner or manager charging secondary prices (which I can’t help with). 

 

It must not be a private barrel pick. I love store picks. I love picking barrels. But the average whiskey drinker outside the store’s or club’s locale typically can’t get their hands on a bottle.

 

The bottom line is that for a “Best Of” list to have any value for the average whiskey drinker, it must contain whiskeys you can actually drink. Otherwise, what’s the point? 

 

I also occasionally tweak the categories. Five years ago, I added a “Please, Santa?” category. It allowed me to violate all the above rules when I encountered something mind-blowing. In 2022, I added “The Sleeper” category, which reflects a whiskey that came out of nowhere and blew my mind. New categories for 2025 are Best Bonded Whiskey, Best Midwestern Whiskey, and Best RTD/RTP Cocktail.

 

For the last four years, I’ve refused to name a Whiskey of the Year - with the stupendous quality some of these whiskeys possess, labeling one for Best in Show becomes futile.

 

I used to include links to my reviews of what wins in a category. Every year I’ve published my list, a particular social media platform that shall remain anonymous (cough cough Meta cough cough) has flagged my post and shut it down, calling it “clickbait.” I stopped doing it in 2021; magically, no flag was thrown. You can search for these whiskey reviews in my library. I will provide the date the review was published to assist you.

 

This year, I reviewed somewhere in the neighborhood of 230 whiskeys. Yet, I’ve not tasted whiskeys from every available niche. If you’re not seeing a category listed, it means one of two things: I didn’t drink anything in that category, or nothing from it was worthy of a “Best Of” award. 

 

Also, there are instances where I had serious trouble picking the “best” of its respective categories. In those cases, there are awards for Best and Runner-Up. If you don’t see a Runner-Up, it means the decision was easy. 

 

All I care about is the liquid inside the bottle. It matters not whether it is sourced or a brand’s distillate, whether the packaging is pretty, or whether any brand produced it.

 

And now, let’s get to it! Here’s the best of my #DrinkCurious journey for 2025:

 

American Single Malt 

Best: McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt – Hood River Distillers

• Date reviewed: February 18, 2025
• Price: $65.00 for 750ml

There are too few peated American Single Malts out there. That’s a shame because peated whiskeys can be incredible. One of the things that I’ve always hoped for is an American Single Malt (peated or not) that could compete with Scotch whisky. McCarthy’s flagship can, and may be one of the most impressive American Single Malts I’ve encountered.

 

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American Rye 

Best:  Bottled-in-Bond Rye - Frey Ranch Distillery

• Date reviewed: June 24, 2025
• Price: $59.99 for 750ml

Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Rye drank more like 92° than its stated 100°, yet that seems to fall in line with the mouthfeel that took me by surprise. What shocked me was that this was a 100% rye mashbill. Many times, when you have 95/5 (95% rye, 5% malted barley) or 100 mashbills, they become spice bombs that also feature strong dill, bold mints, and other notes some people find to be less enjoyable. Instead, Frey Ranch’s Bottled-in-Bond Rye was one of the easiest sippers I’ve had either as a bonded Rye or a 95/5+ mashbill.

Is this because of Frey Ranch’s slow-grown grain? Is it the local water used? Is it dumb luck? I have no idea. What I can tell you is that Frey Ranch’s Bottled-in-Bond Rye is a mindgasm.

 

Runner Up:  Elijah Craig A925 Barrel Proof Rye - Heaven Hill Distillery

• Date reviewed: October 13, 2025
• Price:  $74.99 for 750ml

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye A925 drank right at about its stated proof. It warmed my throat and was spicy. Chocolate, brown sugar, and clove stole the show, while the other notes put on serious performances.

The Barrel Proof version shared a handful of similarities as the Small Batch, especially on the nose. Yet, there was so much going on with A925 that you had no choice but to pay close attention. Elijah Craig is not for the casual drinker who wants to veg out while drinking their whiskey, and that’s what makes this American Rye so special.

Does it taste like a typical barely-legal American Rye? No, and not even close. But, it also doesn’t act like a 95/5 Rye. A925 is assuredly a Rye-drinker’s whiskey, one that’s fascinating and well worth the investment.

 

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American Whiskey 

American Whiskey is a catch-all category that includes blends, Light Whiskey, and other miscellaneous types. It was also the most challenging category for me to judge; the Best and Runner Up were so close in quality that you can’t go wrong with either.

 

Best:  75-25 Corn/Rye Light Whiskey Barrel 11 - Star Union Spirits

• Date reviewed: August 29, 2025
• Price:  $48.00 for 750ml

75-25 isn’t the most complicated whiskey, but remember, this is Light Whiskey, and that simplicity is by design. Yet, there was enough going on inside my mouth and throat to hold my attention.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that there are a few notes I find unpalatable: anise, fennel, and licorice. They’re in the same family of flavors. While I both smelled and tasted licorice, it was subtle. I can handle that just fine, and 75-25 is a mellow pour.

Despite the stated 107°, there was relatively little heat, and that might be attributed to the lower barrel entry proof. Star Union Spirits could have made the most from its investment by going to the allowable 125°, yet chose not to. I respect that; at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how a whiskey tastes, and if it is good, you’ll have repeat customers, which will more than make up for any added expense.

I wrote a lot of words here, and you’re waiting for my verdict. I enjoyed 75-25. Obviously, it isn’t a decades-old Light Whiskey, but if you served this to me blind, I couldn’t tell you it wasn’t. For $48.00, you’re getting one hell of a good Light Whiskey that could (and should) be the model for distillers considering adding Light Whiskey to their portfolios.

 

Runner Up:  Single Barrel 7-Year American Light Whiskey - Larrikin Bourbon Company

• Date reviewed: November 4, 2025
• Price:  $99.00 for 750ml

Between neat and with water added, I much preferred Larrikin’s American Light Whiskey neat. There was more character, and it was shockingly easy to sip. Water took away from the experience rather than enhancing it.

As far as quality is concerned, I found American Light Whiskey to be outstanding. Is $99.00 on the pricy side? Yeah, a bit. However, I believe there would be no buyer’s remorse here. Larrikin’s takes my Bottle rating, and may be one of the best Light Whiskeys I’ve had in 2025.

 

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Bourbon 

Bourbon is always a tough category; it is the one I wind up having the most selections to choose from each year. Rarely do legacy distillers win this category, yet they cleaned up in 2025.

 

Best:  Single Barrel Heritage Barrel - Jack Daniel's 

• Date reviewed: September 1, 2025
• Price:  $69.99 for 750ml

If you believe Jack Daniel’s is defined by Old No. 7, then you’ve really not delved into what Jack Daniel’s has to offer. Its barrel-proof whiskeys (both Tennessee and Rye) are often on the mind-blowing side; there are some special releases, such as the Sinatra Edition, that you’ll find captivating. If you’ve not tried them, I highly recommend the three Bonded whiskeys.

Obviously, I am not in a position to tell you how this year’s Heritage Barrel compares to previous releases. But, I am here to tell you that it is another stunning example of what Jack Daniel’s is capable of. For $70.00, this is almost a bargain; the nose, palate, and finish are lovely.

 

Runner up: 1792 Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon - Barton 1792 Distillery

• Date reviewed: September 30, 2025
• Price:  $37.99 for 750ml

1792 Cognac Cask Finish was atypical of a classic Cognac finished Bourbon. I’ve had many of them, and the Cognac notes were easily identified. I didn’t find many with Barton 1792’s, yet, that’s okay. Why’s that? Because it is a delicious pour. I don’t know if it is due to the top floor aging or if the Cognac casks were on the dry side. On one hand, I’m curious. On the other hand, it doesn’t matter.

I loved the mouthfeel and rich flavors that the 1792 Cognac Cask Finish provided. There were definitive layers. The Bourbon drank right at about its stated proof. Add in the affordability factor, and this one is a slam-dunk Bottle rating. I’m just thrilled it isn’t a limited-edition release. Don’t pass this one up.

 

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Bonded Whiskey

New for 2025, this category celebrates the best of the Bonded whiskeys. To qualify as Bonded (or Bottled-in-Bond), it must be a whole product of the United States, distilled in a single distilling season by a single distillery, aged at least four years in a government-bonded warehouse, packaged at 100°, and the name of the distiller must appear on the label.

 

Best: Old 2^nd District Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - MB Roland Distillery

• Date reviewed: May 25, 2025
• Price: $49.99 for 750ml

Between the unique texture, the layers of flavors, and what those flavors were, Old 2nd District is mind-blowing and easily the best thing I’ve tried out of MB Roland, and I have a few of its expressions in my whiskey library. Let’s just say this is one of the better Bourbons I’ve had this year (so far). MB Roland only wants $49.99 for this? Yes, please!

 

Runner up: Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - Heaven Hill Distillery

• Date reviewed: June 16, 2025
• Price:  $59.99 for 700ml

I still have the original Heaven Hill Old Fitz Bottled in Bond Bourbon. I took a sip, and these are two very different whiskeys. The old had more of a brownish hue and a far less pronounced nose. While the mouthfeel was soft, much like a typical wheater, it was thin. The palates were like night at day, with the older offering mostly nuts and spice, and there was a slightly bitter quality on the finish.

I found the 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond superior in every way imaginable. It is well-balanced and potent, drinking slightly higher than its stated proof. I very much enjoyed it, and for the money, I believe Heaven Hill delivers a pleasurable experience.

 

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Midwestern Whiskey 

This category is new for 2025, and is limited to whiskeys produced in  Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio.

 

Best: The Maelstrom Saga Series 1: The Reckoning - Unbound Spirits

• Date reviewed: July 4, 2025
• Price: $124.99 for 750ml

I talked about how warm that first sip was, but The Reckoning drank way under the stated 122° - probably a good ten or so points! The color, while fascinating, had no impact on the rating; it was merely an observation.

What was relevant was its taste, which was so different from the nose. There was a hint of sweetness; most of it was savory and spicy. I admittedly was stunned by the lack of any maritime quality; it came very late and was mild. With Saga Series 1: The Reckoning, you get a cask-strength, well-matured Bourbon that is both enchanting and interesting. I loved it. 

 

Runner up:  The Last Lion Cask Strength - The Beautiful and The Damned

• Date reviewed: June 14, 2025
• Price:  $79.99 for 750ml

F. Scott Fitzgerald viewed unbridled opulence as a path to destitution. Were he to taste The Last Lion, he may have been concerned. It is a bold, sweet, spicy, luxurious pour that will entice you to have another, and you’ll gladly fill your glass again after that.

The Last Lion drank at its stated proof. It was a well-balanced blend with plenty of character.

I’m often amazed at what a handful of independent bottlers can do with MGP’s Bourbons. I’m convinced the team at The Beautiful and The Damned understands the skill and passion involved with scrutinizing barrels and blending artistically because The Last Lion is that damned good.

 

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Budget Whiskey 

To even be considered for this category, the whiskey can come from anywhere in the world, yet it must cost less than $40.00.

 

Best: Maclean’s Nose Blended Scotch Whisky - Adelphi Distillery

• Date reviewed: January 5, 2025
• Price:  $37.00 for 700ml

Maclean’s Nose may not change your life, but if you think you don’t like blends, it will change your mind. It is very well-balanced and multi-layered. The Lowland's fruitiness, Campbeltown's saltiness, and Highland's spiciness will impress, as will the proof. Tack on the low admission price, and this is a slam-dunk Bottle rating.

 

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World Whiskey 

World Whiskey is another catch-all category, this time for whiskies that aren’t from the United States, Ireland, or Scotland.

 

Best: Paprocky Polish Single Malt - Bartex Bartol

• Date reviewed: May 9, 2025
• Price: $42.99 for 700ml

Paprocky Single Malt is a solid, well-balanced, uncomplicated whisky. The nose was an eye-opener. The palate featured classic single malt notes while also producing unique characteristics.

You won’t find hints of peat, earth, smoke, or astringent qualities with Paprocky Single Malt. While there is a dash of mild warmth, there is no alcohol burn, thanks to the lower ABV. Speaking of that, sometimes 80° works well for whiskies. I can’t help but wonder what this whisky tastes like uncut or at least 15-20 proof points higher; I’m assuming some flavors have been silenced. That’s neither here nor there; it is just my thinking aloud.

Paprocky is reasonably priced, especially considering how unusual Polish Single Malts are in the United States. It is an adventure worth taking. 

 

Runner up:  Crown Royal Reserve Aged 12 Years - The Crown Royal Company

• Date reviewed: January 2, 2025
• Price:  $49.99 for 750ml

Don’t let the lower proof fool you. Crown Royal Reserve Aged 12 Years has plenty of character to hold your interest. It was so unlike the flagship whisky that if I sipped these blind, I would be unable to link them to the same brand.

I was impressed with the arid sensation that combined with the fruity notes. It is a whisky you can sip leisurely, and at this price, you can afford to do so.

 

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Flavored Whiskey 

Flavored whiskeys get a bad reputation, and in many cases, that’s well-earned. Yet some are outstanding and deserve your attention.

 

Best:  Tennessee Blackberry Flavored Whiskey - Jack Daniel's

• Date reviewed: August 13, 2025
• Price:  $21.99 for 750ml

Many times, brands go out of their way to almost force the intended flavor on you. I was admittedly concerned this would be more like schnapps and less like whiskey. That wasn’t the case with Tennessee Blackberry, and was much appreciated.

Mrs. Whiskeyfellow grabbed the glass out of my hand and took a sip. She came to a similar conclusion; there was plenty of whiskey left, and she described it as “nice.” She then said, “This would be good mixed with lemonade.” I kept my mouth shut rather than tell her that Jack Daniel’s already thought of that.

Is Tennessee Blackberry decent neat? No. Actually, I thought it was very good. It is hot and humid, and I found it pleasantly refreshing.

 

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Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey was the second-most difficult category for me this year, and that’s because some were so off-profile that they made me think differently about what Irish Whiskey was.

 

Best:  Purpose & Provenance Blended Irish Whiskey - Accord Stone Irish Whiskey

• Date reviewed: July 8, 2025
• Price: $70.00 for 750ml

Most Irish whiskeys are triple-distilled. Two-thirds of the mashbills were double-distilled, which lent to the creamier mouthfeel. It is also responsible for the bolder flavors. The Oloroso Sherry casks created the nutty notes.

The more I engaged with Purpose & Provenance, the greater my pleasure became. I found that, despite the extended finish, I couldn’t wait for it to end so I could drink more. That’s not something I run into often; a longer finish lengthens the time spent to savor what’s in the glass. To want to rush it is entirely foreign to me; much had to do with the mouthfeel.

For $70.00, I believe Accord Stone offers one heck of a lovely Irish whiskey that is different than what you’d otherwise run across.

 

Runner up: Double Barrel Irish Whiskey - Two Stacks Irish Whiskey

• Date reviewed:  July 23, 2025
• Price:  $44.99 for 750ml

I found Double Barrel – Single Grain to be proofed appropriately. Anything higher may have become overwhelming, especially with the spicy finish, which generated plenty of warmth. The evenly balanced palate, combined with that lush mouthfeel, made this an easy sipper. That being said, don’t plan on driving – the alcohol hit me quickly, which, admittedly, took me by surprise.

Double Barrel - Single Grain is a classic example of why single-grain whiskeys are worth your attention. Is it similar to a single malt? No, nor should it be. This Irish whiskey provides a flavorful and enticing drinking experience that I found pleasing.

 

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Best RTD/RTP Cocktail

Ready to Drink/Ready to Pour Cocktails are all the rage now, and I’ve had a chance to review some great ones this year, yet there was one standout.

 

Best:  Bar Diver White Russian - Bar Diver Cocktails

• Date reviewed: August 2, 2025
• Price: $4.99 for 200ml

I didn’t quite know what to expect. RTDs can be a crapshoot. I’ve had some that are awesome and some that are gag-worthy.

The folks at Bar Diver know what they are doing, because not only was this an excellent rendition of a White Russian, but it should also serve as the model for all White Russian RTD cocktails. I could tell that a quality vodka was used because when you make a White Russian with cheap vodka, it is sour and hot, no matter how much you dilute it. There was none of that here.

I’ll also tell you that this RTD is dangerous. It begs to be chugged. You don’t want to do that. Even at 30°, sucking it down would be a mistake. Just trust me when I say no matter how tempting, just sip it.

I gave some to Mrs. Whiskeyfellow, and she had one of those “Oh, my” moments, too, which confirms my opinion that Bar Diver’s White Russian is stupendous. 

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Scotch Whisky 

Scotch Whisky is so diverse that it is damned difficult to find just two great ones, so I’ve divided it up into Single Malt Peated, Single Malt Non-Peated, Single Grain, and Blended Scotch.

 

Single Malt Peated 

Best: Loch Lomond 18 Years - Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Date reviewed: September 24, 2025
• Price:  $159.99 for 750ml

(Yes, I went $10.00 over the limit)

Oh my goodness, this is an incredible pour! There’s so much to enjoy and really nothing to complain about, including the price. The nose was enticing; the mouthfeel was enchanting. I loved the flavors and depth of the palate. It even drank a few points over its stated proof; I would have guessed about 105°.

Loch Lomond puts out many whiskies, and this may be my favorite (so far). My Bottle rating should be obvious; this one is a stunner.

 

Runner up: Ode to the Embers - The GlenDronach

• Date reviewed:  May 22, 2025
• Price:  $75.00 for 700ml

Peated single malts out of The GlenDronach are rare, and as such, my interest was piqued from the start. The phenol content (meaning the parts per million of peat) was undisclosed, and I suspect it is relatively small. It most certainly was not a peat-bomb by anyone’s definition.

The influence of the Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks was unmistakable, even with the peat’s gentle smokiness. Ode to the Embers was delightful and will appeal to anyone who appreciates that latter quality. I am extremely curious how more phenols would impact this whisky. Regardless, Ode to the Embers takes a slam-dunk Bottle rating.

 

Single Malt Non-Peated 

Best: Ode to the Dark - The GlenDronach

• Date reviewed:  May 22, 2025
• Price:  $97.50 for 700ml

In my experience, Pedro Ximénez imparts a certain quality to whiskies, whether it is a full maturation or a shorter finish – a rich, full fruitiness. I didn’t find much of that with Ode to the Dark. That’s not to suggest this is an uninteresting whisky, simply that my preconceived notions led me astray.

Instead, Ode to the Dark is a savory, somewhat spicy Scotch that defied expectations. While somewhat off-profile, I found it enjoyable, well-balanced, and captivating. If you’re looking for something new, Ode to the Dark is it, and since that’s always my desire.

 

Runner up: Cask Strength Organic Single Malt - Nc'nean Distillery

• Date reviewed:  July 15, 2025
• Price:  $99.99 for 700ml

In some ways, Nc’nean Cask Strength reminded me of the distillery’s flagship whisky. I suppose that’s expected. Yet, there were significant differences, especially with a finish that seemed to last an eternity.

There’s a $20.00 premium for the Cask Strength compared to the flagship expression. And, as much as I enjoyed that, the Cask Strength release is just wildly delicious. Nc’nean Cask Strength is a testament to what great, undiluted, non-peated Scotch whisky can be.

 

Single Grain Scotch 

Best: The Laddie Rye - Bruichladdich Distillery

• Date reviewed:  November 21, 2025
• Price:  $59.99 for 750ml

If you’re a fan of American Ryes, you may find The Laddie Rye confusing. It has some familiar qualities, but this is more of an unpeated Scotch than not, likely due to the high malt content.

Saying that, I found The Laddie Rye to be a lovely, flavorful pour; one with plenty of character and depth. It drank right at its stated proof, with just a bit of warmth. The price is more than fair.

I believe The Laddie Rye may be the best Single Grain Scotch I’ve had in at least the last few years. It really is that good, and obviously, it earns my Bottle rating.

 

Blended Scotch 

Best: White Heather 15 Year - The GlenAllachie Distillery 

• Date reviewed:  January 21, 2025
• Price:  $89.00 for 700ml

Many enthusiasts ignore blended Scotches, citing inferior qualities. That’s a mistake – as I’ve stated many times, blending is an art form, and anything is possible when you have a maestro like Billy Walker holding the brush. White Heather 15 Years is well-balanced, flavorful, and has much to offer. The only real negative is the length of the finish – this was such a lovely pour that it was a shame not to have it last.

 

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Please Santa?  

Remus Gatsby Reserve (2025) - Ross & Squibb Distillery

• Date reviewed: November 13, 2025
• Price:  $199.99 for 700ml

The 2025 Remus Gatsby Reserve is a decadent pour. It drank right at about its stated proof; it was warming without being hot. The earthy transition was the dividing line between various layers, allowing savory and spicy notes to carry through after the sweeter introduction.

I was hopeful that I had a wee bit of the 2024 release in my whiskey library to do a comparison pour, but, alas, it was gone. When I reread my review from last year, that was a spicier Bourbon than this year’s Gatsby Reserve. It also had a far longer finish.

I could easily picture George Gatsby pouring this Bourbon at some lavish party, looking to impress everyone – including Daisy – and succeeding. It is a great whiskey, one that I wish I had more of.

 

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The Sleeper 

Hinrichsen Single Farm Double Cut German Single Malt – Batch No. 3 - Hinrichsen's Farm

• Date reviewed: January 19, 2025
• Price:  $54.99 for 750ml

This is the first German Single Malt that I’ve had, and as such, I have nothing to compare it via taste and quality, and due to that, providing a value statement would be a guess. But I can rate it based on my sipping experience. 

If you’ve followed me for some time, you know that herbal tastes of fennel, anise, and black licorice are some of my least favorite things to have in my mouth. However, the fennel in Distillers Cut is complimentary; that happens occasionally. 

I really, really enjoyed this whisky, and it got better with each subsequent sip. Moreover, it is far different from any whisky I’ve tasted. Hinrichsen Frisian Single Farm Double Cut is something to be experienced. I just wish it came in a 700 or 750ml rather than only 500. Regardless, if you see this on a store shelf by some miracle, bite the bullet and grab a Bottle.

 

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And there you have it; these are the most deserving whiskeys that I’ve tasted this year. Are any of these on your list? Let’s lift a glass to the winners and runners-up and see what 2026 brings. Cheers!

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.