5 Award-Winning Whiskies to Try in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Explore five award-winning whiskies from around the world, each with unique flavors and stories.
• Consider your flavor preferences and budget when choosing a whisky to ensure a satisfying experience.
• Try at least one new whisky this year to discover something special and expand your palate.

1. The GlenAllachie 12 Year Old

Origin

You find The GlenAllachie 12 Year Old in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. The GlenAllachie Distillery started in 1967. It faced some tough times, even closing in 1987. In 2017, Billy Walker and his team brought it back to life. Now, this distillery stands out for its focus on quality and independence. The 12 Year Old is their flagship single malt and a favorite among Award-Winning Whiskies.

Tasting Notes

Here’s what you can expect when you pour a glass:

Aspect	Description
Nose	Dark chocolate, treacle, heather honey, cinnamon, espresso, sticky raisins
Taste	Marzipan, orchard fruits, warming mocha, butterscotch, grated nutmeg
Finish	Medium length, chocolate, a touch of tannin

You get a rich, layered experience with every sip.

Awards

• 2025 World Whiskies Awards – World’s Best Single Malt
• 2025 Scotch Whisky Masters – Gold
• 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Double Gold, 95 points
• 2024 World Whiskies Awards – Gold

Price

You usually find The GlenAllachie 12 Year Old for $60 to $75 per bottle. That’s a great value for a whisky with this much character.

Highlights

• Crafted by an independent Scottish team focused on quality
• Matured in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and virgin oak casks
• Bursts of heather honey, butterscotch, mocha, orange zest, figs, and dates
• Stands out for its depth and richness, often seen in much pricier single malts

If you want to start your journey into Award-Winning Whiskies, this bottle makes a perfect first stop.

2. Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS

Origin

You find Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS in Kentucky, where bourbon history runs deep. This whiskey comes from Heaven Hill Distillery, a name you might know for its rich American whiskey heritage. The Old Fitzgerald brand has a special story. It was once served on fancy rail lines and steamships. Heaven Hill took over the brand in 1999, keeping its legacy alive. The bourbon is made at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, using a wheated mashbill that gives it a smooth, classic taste.

Heritage Detail	Description
Distillery	Heaven Hill Distillery, Louisville, KY
Brand History	Luxury bourbon, once served on rail lines and steamships
Mashbill	Wheated, known for smoothness
Brand Acquisition	Heaven Hill acquired Old Fitzgerald in 1999

Tasting Notes

Pour yourself a glass and you’ll notice a beautiful amber color. The aroma brings vanilla, caramel, and ripe apples. Take a sip and you taste brown sugar, chocolate, toasted oak, dried cranberry, and pecan. The finish is long and warming, with hints of baking spices, honey, and a touch of black pepper.

Awards

Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS stands out among Award-Winning Whiskies. It took home two big honors at the World Whiskies Awards 2025:

• World’s Best Bourbon
• Best Kentucky Bourbon

Price

You can expect to pay between $110 and $155 for a bottle at retail. The whiskey comes in a collectible decanter, which makes it even more special. On the secondary market, prices can go much higher, sometimes reaching $200 to $400.

Highlights

• Luxury bourbon with a rich Kentucky heritage
• Smooth, wheated mashbill for a soft, sweet profile
• Collectible decanter packaging
• Perfect for special occasions or as a gift

If you want a bourbon that feels truly special, Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS is a top pick.

3. Redbreast 27 Year Old

Origin

You get something truly special with Redbreast 27 Year Old. This whiskey comes from Ireland and stands as a classic single pot still whiskey. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley
• Distilled in traditional pot stills
• Aged for at least 27 years in bourbon, sherry, and ruby port casks

Redbreast’s story goes back to 1857, when W&A Gilbey Co. started making whiskey. The brand introduced the idea of “pure pot still” whiskey, and by 1912, Redbreast released its first 12-year-old bottle. That legacy continues today.

Tasting Notes

Pour a glass and you’ll notice a burst of tropical fruit on the nose—think mango, pineapple, and blood orange. You might also pick up wildflowers, dried herbs, and a hint of vanilla. Take a sip and you’ll taste plum, cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, and a savory spice that lingers.

Awards

Redbreast 27 Year Old has earned its place among Award-Winning Whiskies. In 2025, it took home the title of World’s Best Pot Still at the World Whiskies Awards.

Highlights

• Crafted using both malted and unmalted barley for a velvety, complex texture
• Aged in bourbon and sherry casks for rich dried fruit and nutty flavors
• Known for its full-bodied character and elite reputation
• Loved by both seasoned collectors and newcomers

If you want a whiskey that shows off Irish craftsmanship at its best, Redbreast 27 Year Old is a must-try.

4. Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt

Origin

You discover Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt high in Japan’s Southern Alps. Suntory built the Hakushu Distillery in 1973, calling it “the forest distillery.”

• The distillery sits at 700 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest single malt distilleries in the world.
• Originally, Hakushu was the largest distillery when it opened during Japan’s whisky boom.
• Today, production happens at Hakushu east, after the original west site closed in 1981.

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt uses malt whiskies aged at least 18 years. The mountain setting and pure water shape its unique style.

Tasting Notes

Pour a glass and you notice a gentle smokiness.

• The nose brings honey, vanilla, green apple, and a hint of mint.
• On the palate, you taste sweet honey, pomelo, and a touch of smoky barbecued pork.
• Clove, black pepper, and sage add spice.
• You find tropical fruit like papaya and passionfruit, plus toasted oak and citrus.
• The finish is long, crisp, and slightly mineral, with lingering citrus and heat.

Awards

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt took home the title of World’s Best Japanese Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards 2025. This bottle stands out among Award-Winning Whiskies for its balance and complexity.

Price

Expect to pay between $650 and $900 for a bottle. Limited releases and high demand can push prices even higher.

Highlights

• Crafted to celebrate Suntory’s centenary, showing off Japanese innovation.
• Uses mountain water for a soft, complex palate.
• Offers a unique, subtle take on peated whisky—different from Scotch.
• Collectors and enthusiasts love its return, marking a new era for Japanese whisky.

5. Kilkerran 12 Years Old

Origin

You find Kilkerran 12 Years Old in Campbeltown, Scotland. This whisky comes from Glengyle Distillery, a place with a story as rich as its spirit.

• Glengyle Distillery started in 1872, founded by William Mitchell.
• The distillery closed in 1925 and stayed silent until 2000, when Mitchell’s Glengyle Ltd, led by Hedley G Wright, brought it back to life.
• Production began again in 2004, and the Kilkerran range was born. The name honors Campbeltown’s Gaelic roots: ‘Ceann Loch Chille Chiarain.’

Glengyle is one of only three distilleries in Campbeltown. It helps keep the region’s whisky tradition alive and strong.

Tasting Notes

You get a whisky that’s both classic and unique. Here’s what you’ll notice:

Aspect	Tasting Notes
Appearance	Warm, light gold color
Nose	Dry honey, floral notes, butterscotch, heather, shortbread, hint of brine
Palate	Creamy, peppery sweetness, citrus, cinnamon spice, vanilla, gentle smoke
Finish	Long, dry pepper, slightly sweet background

Awards

Kilkerran 12 Years Old took home the title of Best Campbeltown Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2025. This win puts it among the top whiskies you can try this year.

Price

You can usually find Kilkerran 12 Years Old for about $105 in the US. Many whisky fans see it as a great value for the quality.

Highlights

• Complex flavors with light peat, toffee, dried fruit, and a savory touch
• Affordable compared to many other award-winning single malts
• Crafted with a mix of traditional and modern methods
• Collectors love it for its authenticity and rising reputation

If you want a whisky that feels like a hidden gem, Kilkerran 12 Years Old is a must for your list.

Award-Winning Whiskies Comparison

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Table Overview

You might wonder how these top bottles stack up side by side. Here’s a handy table to help you compare the five Award-Winning Whiskies at a glance. You can spot the differences in origin, style, tasting notes, awards, and price. This makes it easier to pick the one that matches your taste or budget.

Whisky Name	Origin	Style	Key Tasting Notes	Major Award (2025)	Price Range
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old	Speyside, Scotland	Single Malt	Honey, raisins, cinnamon, cocoa	World’s Best Single Malt	$60–$75
Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS	Kentucky, USA	Wheated Bourbon	Sweet corn, vanilla, toasted oak	World’s Best Bourbon	$110–$155
Redbreast 27 Year Old	Ireland	Pot Still	Dried fruit, honey, plum, chocolate	World’s Best Pot Still	$500+
Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated	Japan	Peated Single Malt	Pine, honey, pear, gentle smoke	World’s Best Japanese Whisky	$650–$900
Kilkerran 12 Years Old	Campbeltown, Scotland	Lightly Peated Single Malt	Light peat, toffee, dried fruit	Best Campbeltown Single Malt	~$105

Tip: If you want something rich and classic, try GlenAllachie or Redbreast. For a smoky twist, Hakushu or Kilkerran might surprise you. Old Fitzgerald is perfect if you love smooth, sweet bourbon.

You can use this table to find your next favorite. Each bottle brings something special to the table, whether you want a taste of Scotland, Ireland, Japan, or Kentucky. No matter which you choose, you get a true champion from the world of whisky.

How to Choose

Flavor Preferences

Picking the right whisky starts with knowing what you like. Do you enjoy sweet flavors or smoky notes? Maybe you prefer something fruity or spicy. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• Think about flavors you already enjoy in food or drinks.
• Remember whiskies you have tried before and liked.
• Ask retail staff for advice. They often know which bottles are popular and can let you smell or sample options.
• If you are buying for someone else, try to learn about their favorite tastes.

You can use these ideas to narrow down your choices and find a bottle that matches your style.

Occasion & Budget

The right whisky depends on when you plan to drink it and how much you want to spend. Are you celebrating a big event or just relaxing at home? Some whiskies fit special occasions, while others work for everyday sipping.

Occasion	Suggested Whisky Type	Price Range
Celebration	Rare or aged whisky	$$$
Gift	Collectible or luxury	$$–$$$
Casual evening	Classic single malt	$–$$
Tasting party	Diverse styles	$–$$$

Set a budget before you shop. You can find great Award-Winning Whiskies at many price points.

Where to Buy

You want to buy from trusted places to get genuine bottles. Here are some good options:

• Local liquor stores with knowledgeable staff
• Specialty whisky shops
• Online retailers like The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt
• Auction sites for rare bottles

Ask questions and check reviews before you buy. This helps you get the best whisky for your needs.

• You just explored five Award-Winning Whiskies from around the world.
• Each bottle brings a unique flavor and story.
• Try at least one new whisky this year and discover something special.
• My top pick is GlenAllachie 12 Year Old.
• Share your favorites below and enjoy every sip responsibly.

FAQ

What is the best way to taste whisky for beginners?

• Pour a small amount.
• Smell it first.
• Take a tiny sip.
• Let it sit on your tongue.
• Notice the flavors.

Tip: Add a drop of water to open up the aroma!

How should I store my whisky bottles?

Keep bottles upright in a cool, dark place.

Avoid sunlight and heat. This helps your whisky stay fresh and tasty.

Can I mix award-winning whiskies in cocktails?

You can, but most people enjoy these neat or with a splash of water.

Try them straight first to appreciate all the flavors.