16-07-2025
2025's Best Single Malt Irish Whiskeys According To BevTest
Knappogue Castle 21 YO was the highest rated Irish Single Malt Whiskey at the 2025 BevTest Judging Photo, J Micallef
The 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Irish whiskey judging has announced the top Irish whiskeys of the year. One exceptional Irish single malt whiskey received a prestigious Platinum medal, while four other single malts and two single grain whiskeys earned Gold medals. If you're looking for the best Irish single malt or award-winning grain whiskey, these top-rated whiskeys are your essential starting point.
A limited-edition blend of ex-bourbon and sherry cask-matured malts aged for 21 years, showcasing the brand's excellence in single malt blending. The whiskey received 96 points and a Platinum medal, the highest score for any single malt whiskey.
On the nose, the whiskey offers aromas of dried apricot, toasted almond, candied citrus, and seasoned oak. The palate is rich and flavorful, with a layered complexity showcasing flavors of cooked cereal, honey, dried fruits, leather, and oak spices. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of Sherry, nutmeg, and oak.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'brown butter, dried apricots, and fudge. The palate reveals flavors of baked walnuts, ginger, and pear compote. Rich and balanced, with notes of spice and baked goods, complemented by brown butter and pear.'
Another single malt from Knappogue Castle, one of Ireland's top whiskey makers. The whiskey is non-chill-filtered and aged in ex-bourbon barrels. It received a score of 94/100 points and a gold medal.
The whiskey features aromas of green apple, vanilla, and ripe tropical fruit. It's fruity on the palate, revealing flavors of orchard and tropical fruits, lemon curd, and creamy caramel. The finish is medium-length, with lingering notes of candied citrus zest and subtle oak spices.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting aromas of 'apple spice cake, cinnamon toast, and marigold. The palate presents similar flavors with hints of allspice, spiced apples, and nasturtium. If you're looking for the definition of 'pot still whiskey,' this is it – hits every note and then some.'
A glass of Irish whiskey on the rocks with a cigar. getty Knappogue Castle 16-Year-Old Sherry Cask-Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% Abv. 750 ml. $115
Aged for 14 years in bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso Sherry casks for 2 years, this expression combines sweetness with rich sherry notes. It scored 94/100 points and earned a gold medal.
The whiskey offers aromas of golden raisins, toasted walnuts, dark chocolate, and wood spices. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, featuring flavors of toffee, dried figs, red berries, roasted nuts, and Sherry notes. The finish is long and luxurious, with lingering notes of dried fruit and oak.
The Bev Test Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'spiced butter, Banana Foster, and pound cake. The palate features flavors of apple buckwheat pancakes, peach-fig-pecan pie, and vanilla ice cream. It has a bold, peach-forward style with spiced bakery notes—like warm treats fresh from the oven; a whiskey best enjoyed on the rocks or in an elevated Old Fashioned.' Method and Madness 14-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $97
This limited-edition whiskey from Midleton combines traditional Irish single malt distillation with a French Limousin oak finish. The whiskey earned a gold medal with a score of 92 out of 100.
The whiskey features aromas of lemon oil, white pepper, coconut, and poached pear. It's flavorful, creamy, and herbal on the palate, with notes of fresh citrus, cooked cereal, clove, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering hints of lemon custard, wood spices, and vanilla.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'kettle corn, vanilla pudding, and toasted almonds. The palate presents flavors of honey, walnut shavings, and buttered popcorn. It is light and bright with delicate flavors and fresh vanilla bean notes, ideal for cocktails.' Knappogue Castle 12-Year-Old Bourbon Cask-Matured Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml. $69
Aged entirely in ex-bourbon barrels, this is Knappogue Castle's flagship, known for its clean, fruit-forward character and classic Irish malt style. This expression earned a gold medal with a score of 92/100.
The whiskey exhibits aromas of honey, fresh apple, vanilla, and cooked cereal. It's light and elegant on the palate, highlighting ripe orchard fruit, toasted cereal, and baking spices. The finish is long, crisp, and balanced, with lingering sweetness and subtle oak.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'cinnamon multigrain toast, peach, and sugar cookie. The palate features frosted honey buns, baking spices, and black tea with milk & honey. Ripe and addictingly sippable with warm, comforting flavors.'
The Midleton Distillery Experience at the Midleton Distillery where Method & Madness is produced. getty Method and Madness Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml $59
Crafted at the Midleton Micro Distillery, this experimental expression showcases a corn-based single grain whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in virgin Spanish oak. The whiskey earned a gold medal and received a score of 95/100 points.
The whiskey exhibits aromas of freshly sawn oak, vanilla cream, citrus zest, and candy corn. It's sweet and smooth on the palate, revealing flavors of honey, cooked cereal, toasted coconut, apricot, and subtle wood spices. The finish is long and brisk, with lingering notes of vanilla and gentle pepper.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'baguette, plum crème Anglaise, and caramelized pear. Flavors: The palate features similar flavors with hints of crème caramel, marzipan, and wildflower honey. Rich, caramelized, and velvety with a long, complex, dry finish, you can taste the freshness of the Irish grains - enjoy neat or on a single rock with a dash of fine bitters.' Powers Irish Rye Whiskey, 43.2% ABV, 750 ml.
Introduced in 2022, this is Ireland's first modern 100% Irish rye whiskey. It's produced at Midleton Distillery using a mash bill of 100% Irish-grown rye and aged in virgin oak. The rye whiskey received a score of 93/100 points and earned a gold medal.
The whiskey offers aromas of earthy rye spice, apple, honey, and nutmeg. It's rich and flavorful on the palate, revealing notes of cooked cereal, rye toast, rye spices—especially clove, white pepper, and toffee. The finish is long, dry, and peppery, with a hint of cinnamon and a sweet cereal note.
The BevTest Judging panel described the whiskey as featuring aromas of 'roasted candied walnuts, chocolate, and cherry crème brûlée. The palate showcases flavors of cinnamon toast, ripe apple, and nutmeg cider. Warm and delightfully complex, this blended Irish will turn heads as it over-delivers with wood-roasted, fruity, and lightly spiced flavors.'
Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or simply looking for the best Irish whiskey to try in 2025, these award-winning expressions offer unmatched quality and complexity. The Beverage Testing Institute's top-rated Irish whiskeys feature everything from ultra-aged single malts to innovative grain whiskies finished in exotic oak. Don't miss the opportunity to explore these exceptional spirits, each representing Ireland's whiskey renaissance and a must-have for any serious whiskey lover. More From Forbes Forbes The Top Irish Whiskeys, According To The Irish Whiskey Awards By Joseph V Micallef
