The 10 Best Whiskies Of 2025—According To The International Whisky Competition

Forbes

6 days ago

The U.S., Scotland and Taiwan produced the best whiskies of 2025 according to the International Whisky Competition. getty
The geographic diversity of the top 10 highest-scoring whiskies awarded at this year's International Whisky Competition is what stands out the most to Max Solano, the competition's director.
'This year's results tell a fascinating story about where whisky is headed,' Solano said in an email. He added that this year's top 10 winners were truly global, 'with whiskies from Taiwan, Scotland, and across the U.S., and with the U.S. doing the best it's ever done in the history of the competition.'
Whiskys entered into this competition undergo a rigorous double-blind taste-test in which judges sample products unaware of their countries of origin, whisky subcategories, or ABV. So scotches compete against bourbons and ryes etc. So the top 10 highest-rated whiskys at this year's competition represent the judges' favorites without regard to label, geography, or preconceived notions. This has the added advantage of giving whiskys produced in unexpected regions of the globe a chance to shine and challenge more established whisky-producing countries and regions. Beyond this, the International Whisky Competition is different than most spirits competitions because it only awards three awards per category. Because of this, spirit producers tend to only submit what they deem their best products, Solano said. Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 97.04 Pts A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength (Batch #4) – 97.01 Pts Jack Daniel's 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3 – 96.50 Pts Hogback Peated Smoke Single Malt Whiskey – 96.39 Pts Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey - Batch 3633 – 96.34 Pts Mister Sam – 96.20 Pts Whiskey Row Cask Strength – 96.20 Pts Dewar's Double Double 21 Years Old – 95.94 Pts Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.78 Pts Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525 – 95.73 Pts
'Kavalan once again proved why it's a global powerhouse, with two of its expressions, led by the Whisky of the Year, Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, placing in the top 10,' Solano said. 'Its elegant, tropical, sherry-driven profile continues to redefine what world whisky can be.'
As mentioned above, U.S. whisky producers fared better than they ever have before in the competition. 'Seven American whiskies made the top 10, including some younger and rising distilleries,' Solano Tennessee is making a strong comeback, with Jack Daniel's and Uncle Nearest emerging as serious contenders; the rise of American Single Malt is undeniable, led by craft distiller Hogback Peated Smoke; and, for the first time, a blended American whiskey, Mister Sam, broke into the top 10. Meanwhile, established icons like Dewar's Double Double series continue to show why they're perennial favorites, holding strong in the top 10 year after year.'
Beyond the top 10 whiskey winners, Colorado emerged as a dominant force in the competition, sweeping the American Single Malt whiskey category and further demonstrating just how diverse elite whisky production has become in the modern world.