Each year we taste and review hundreds of American whiskeys, which are predominantly bourbons but also include ryes, malts, finished whiskeys, and other classifications of American-made whiskeys. Our annual “Best Whiskeys of the Year” series features five categories: “Best American Single Malt, “Best American Whiskey,” “Best Rye,” “Best Finished,” and “Best Bourbon,” finally culminating with our overall #1 Whiskey of the Year.

Our Best American Single Malts of 2025 starts with those ongoing releases or new ones released in 2025 and rated 3.5 barrels or higher, but are not based purely on our initial tasting and individual rating. Instead, we retaste and discuss this wide range of whiskeys extensively. We ask questions, such as is the whiskey exciting, memorable, unique, and most importantly, how does it compare to the rest of the field for the year?

We look for whiskeys that move us, and dig into whiskeys that may be off the beaten path. While availability and price are factors, they are not absolute. The intent is to highlight the whiskeys of the year that stand out the most to us, even if they might be difficult to obtain - and the reason we review hundreds of whiskeys each year spanning a wide price range and availability in order to inform readers of all budgets and experience levels. Ultimately, we must agree on which whiskeys make the list, and which do not - combining the diversity of our different palates.

‍

Copperworks Distilling Co. is a distillery located in downtown Seattle, Washington, and has been operating since 2013. The distillery focuses on single malt whiskey, and variables across releases include the variety of barley, aging time, and characteristics of barrels used for aging. Special Release Red Wine Cask is made from Genie malt from Athena, Oregon, which is a two-row malting barley known for its light, malty flavor and growing popularity among craft brewers. It was aged for just over 6 years in a French oak cask that previously held red wine.

Copperworks Special Release Red Wine Cask is full of flavor and a unique pour. It’s heavy on red wine influence, with prominent fruit leather and rich, red fruit notes throughout. There’s a malty undertone that weaves its way throughout the sip, but takes a clear backseat to the red fruit flavors. The American single malt category is just getting its feet under it, and flavor profiles vary wildly. Copperworks Special Release Red Wine Cask nails the American single malt plus red wine cask flavor profile with a unique yet satisfyingly rich flavor profile.

FULL REVIEW

SRP: $90 / 700mL

‍

Lost Lantern is an independent bottler, sourcing whiskeys from distilleries all over the country in an effort to “shine a light on the independent spirit.” McCarthy’s is made by Clear Creek Distillery, who is considered one of the first American single malt distilleries, having been founded in the 1990s. They are currently owned by Hood River Distillers and continue the McCarthy's whiskey tradition of American single malts that take inspiration from scotch with an emphasis on peat and Scottish barley, but are aged in Pacific Northwest-made oak barrels.

High aged American single malts are not common, and some of that is due to the style of whiskey not having an official classification until late 2024. The term “crossover” is used a lot with American single malts. These are whiskeys that take inspiration from scotch, but with a decidedly American spin that will appeal to American drinkers' sensibilities. McCarthy’s Peated Oregon Single Malt 10 Years Old is perhaps one of the most successful whiskeys in that regard. Peat permeates every aspect of its sip, but its high age and proof results in an American single malt with much more in common with bourbon than we often get. Lost Lantern 2025 Single Cask #20: McCarthy’s Peated Oregon Single Malt 10 Years Old doesn’t go so far as to shy away from its single malt heritage, but by mixing styles, it results in a stunningly rich whiskey that is ripe with complexity.

‍

FULL REVIEW  

SRP: $150 / 750mL

WHERE TO BUY: SEELBACH’S

‍

Westland Distillery is based in Seattle, Washington, and is one of the longest-running American-made single malt distilleries, having opened their doors in 2010. Their single malts tend to be more traditional in nature, resulting in a challenging sip for many American drinkers. Taking a cue from scotch, the distillery takes inspiration from their geographic location, and in their case, infusing the Pacific Northwest in all of their whiskeys.

Not only does this year’s release mark the 10th anniversary of the brand, but it also features a 10 year age statement. It is a blend of Westland Signature five malt and Washington pale malt, aged in first and second-fill Garry oak barrels, and “supported” with additional single malt that was finished in Pedro Ximenez, rum, and ex-bourbon barrels. Westland Garryana 10th Edition American Single Malt is wholly unique, and flavorful pour that is well-crafted, expertly balanced, and showcases a wide range of flavors anchored by a malt foundation.

FULL REVIEW

SRP: $150 / 750mL

WHERE TO BUY: FROOTBAT

‍

New Riff Distilling was founded by Ken Lewis in the spring of 2014 in Newport, Kentucky, which is just on the other side of the river from Cincinnati. The 2025 release marks the third iteration of this annual Single Malt, and contains some of the distillery’s oldest malt whiskeys that are aged up to 10 years. This year’s blend features three mashbills ranging in age from 7 to 10 years old, which were finished in six different casks. The final blend was re-barreled and aged in used oak for an extended period of time.

This year’s iteration of New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt (25.03.06.06) can best be described as a whiskey drinker’s whiskey. It’s a challenging sip, and those looking for a more traditional American single malt need to turn elsewhere. For those who are up for the challenge, the whiskey rewards those who sit with it and take the time to dissect each distinct part of the sip. The combination of age, various finishing barrels, and the final rebarreled blend results in New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt being one of the most intriguing single malts that has been delivered to the market so far this year.

‍

FULL REVIEW

SRP: $70 / 750mL

‍

Westward Whiskey is located in Portland, Oregon, and specializes in American single malt. To create Westward Whiskey x Fort George Brewery Stout Cask, the distillery employed a new process to differentiate the whiskey from their standard American Single Malt Stout Cask. Master Blender Miles Munroe led a “double stouting” process, which began by aging mature Westward in freshly emptied stout beer casks before transferring the whiskey into Fort George’s freshly returned Matryoshka Stout barrels to further deepen the whiskey’s rich flavors and aromas.

This whiskey is a tribute to stout lovers, especially those who enjoy chocolate stouts. Rich flavor notes are found throughout with various forms of chocolate, both common and unique, coming at you from all directions. A chocolate lover's dream, Westward Whiskey x Fort George Brewery Stout Cask goes all-in on a singular flavor note to rewarding results.

‍

FULL REVIEW

SRP: $100 / 750mL