Top Shelf Only: Our Favorite Whiskey Brands of 2025

This liquid gold has won the hearts of many around the globe with its fascinating history that goes back centuries. From the land of cowboys and maple syrup, to the land of bagpipes and kilts, and even the land of sushi and samurais, whiskey is an art that's been perfected by only a few remarkable brands.

But with so many options out there, it can be a real head-scratcher to pick which one to try.

Fear not, my fellow whiskey enthusiasts and newbies! We've got you covered with the latest, trendiest brands that'll add some serious pizzazz to your drinking game.

So, let's hit the links and check out these amazing brands!

1. Bulleit-  This Kentucky straight bourbon is known for its high-rye content, which gives it a bold, spicy flavor. It is a popular choice for cocktails and is also great on its own. This is my go-to for an old fashioned the flavor of the rye perfectly connects with the cherry and bitters.

2. Hibiki Japanese Harmony - This is a blended Japanese whiskey that has become known for its exceptional quality and complex flavor profile. What sets Hibiki apart from other bourbons is its use of multiple distilleries and various aging techniques, which allows it to achieve a depth of flavor and balance that is unparalleled. With notes of honey, orange peel, and white chocolate, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a smooth and elegant whiskey that is perfect for sipping neat or mixing into your favorite cocktail.

4. Old Carter - This is a relatively new entrant to the bourbon market, but it has quickly gained a reputation as a top-quality bourbon that is well worth seeking out. What sets Old Carter apart from other bourbons is its unique blending process, which combines aged barrels from different distilleries to create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. The team spends months experimenting with different blends, tasting each one to ensure that it meets their exacting standards.

5. Glenmorangie - A single malt Scotch whiskey that has gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Glenmorangie uses tall, slender stills, which allow for a purer and smoother distillation process. Creating a smooth Scotch whisky that connoisseurs and newcomers alike will delight in.

6. Blanton's - This brand of bourbon has gained a reputation as one of the best bourbons in the world, thanks to its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profile. What sets Blanton's apart from other bourbons is its unique aging process, which includes aging the whiskey in single barrels, rather than blending together multiple barrels. This gives Blanton's a rich, complex flavor that is both smooth and bold, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.

7. Woodford Reserve - This is one of the finest Kentucky bourbons on the market. Crafted with care to ensure smoothness and flavor, this whiskey packs an intense punch. With over 200 tasting notes ranging from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics, spice, fruit, and floral flavors, this whiskey has something for everyone. With its smooth finish and light feel on your tongue, it's perfect for a quiet night in or as part of your favorite cocktail. It is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby so pour a few fingers and watch the ponies go!

8. Four Roses - They have earned a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts thanks to its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. What sets Four Roses apart from other bourbons is its use of two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains, which allows for a range of complex and distinct flavor profiles. Whether you prefer the spicier "high rye" mash bill or the sweeter "low rye" mash bill, Four Roses offers a bourbon that is both smooth and full of character. 

9. Wild Turkey - This bourbon has stood the test of time, with a history that dates back to the mid-19th century. What sets Wild Turkey apart from other bourbons is its bold and robust flavor, which is achieved through a unique aging process and a high percentage of rye in the mash bill. Wild Turkey is a great bourbon that offers a rich, complex flavor profile that is sure to satisfy any whiskey lover. 

10. Macallan - The world’s most widely distributed brand of Scotch whiskey. Velvety smooth and vibrant. What makes Macallan different from other whiskey's is its use of sherry oak casks for aging, which gives the whiskey a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of fruit, spice, and oak. 

11. Jameson Black Barrel - This Irish whiskey is a staple in many bars and liquor stores. Unlike the normal green bottle and label you see Black Barrel Jameson packs a delish punch. The double charring of the wooden barrel fires up all the tasting notes in this batch. Take a sip and experience the sweet and spicy characteristics. One of my favorites to drink straight while feeling sophisticated but not breaking the bank.

12. Buffalo Trace - They have become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts for their exceptional quality and rich, complex flavor profile. What sets Buffalo Trace apart from other bourbons is its unique mash bill, which includes a high percentage of corn, as well as rye and barley. This combination of grains gives Buffalo Trace a sweet and spicy flavor profile that is both smooth and bold. 

13. Maker's Mark - This Kentucky straight bourbon is known for its unique flavor, which is a result of its special blending process. Which includes the use of charred oak barrels and a proprietary "rotating method" that ensures even aging and consistent flavor. The result is a bourbon with a smooth, mellow flavor that is both sweet and spicy, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It is a smooth, easy-to-drink whiskey that is perfect for sipping or mixing.

14. Glenfiddich - This single malt Scotch whiskey is a well-known brand that is popular for its smooth, well-rounded flavor. Glenfiddich uses a unique aging process, which includes the use of American and European oak casks that have been previously used for sherry, bourbon, and other spirits. This gives Glenfiddich a complex and layered flavor profile, with notes of fruit, honey, and oak. 

15. Angel's Envy - This well known bourbon brand that has gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. What sets Angel's Envy apart from other bourbons is its use of port wine barrels for aging, which gives the whiskey a rich and fruity flavor with hints of vanilla and spice. This bottle will also enhance any cabinet or whiskey shelf you put it in.

16. Whistle Pig - This rye whiskey is exceptional quality and Whistle Pig has bold, spicy flavor profile. What sets Whistle Pig apart from other rye whiskeys is its use of a 100% rye mash bill, which gives the whiskey a distinctive flavor that is both complex and full-bodied. Whether you're sipping it straight or mixing it into a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned, Whistle Pig is a whiskey that will get the job done.

17. Kaiyo Mizunara - Here is another Japanese whiskey brand that has gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and unique aging process. What is different about Kaiyo Mizunara from other Japanese whiskeys is its use of Mizunara oak barrels, which are known for their porous nature and ability to impart a range of complex flavors to the whiskey. Filling a Highball, with some Kaiyo Mizunara is a whiskey is a sure fire way to impress all your friends.

18. Crown Royal - This Canadian whiskey brand is a favorite for whiskey connoisseurs and beginners because it has a smooth and mellow flavor profile. Crown Royal has a unique blending process, which combines over 50 different whiskies to create a perfectly balanced and nuanced flavor. One of the most popular whiskeys to use for mixed drinks.

These are just a few of the most popular whiskey brands in the world. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, these brands are worth trying

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