The Whisky Exchange holds a prestigious position as one of the premier online retailers in the world of whiskey, offering a diverse selection that encompasses over 9,000 different expressions. Each year, the company undertakes a meticulous evaluation of its inventory to determine the standout whiskey for the year. The results for 2025 have brought forth an unexpected victor: an American bourbon that has overshadowed traditional favorites from Scotland and Ireland. This decision represents a significant shift in perception and a growing recognition of American whiskey in the global market.
What differentiates this competition from others in the whiskey world is its reliance on consumer opinions rather than solely on expert judgments. Unlike many industry competitions that prioritize critic reviews, the Whisky Exchange engages with actual whiskey drinkers to identify their preferences. This year, the tasting process involved narrowing down a range of commercially available whiskeys, all priced under £80, before presenting the selected options at their annual Whisky Show in London. Attendees participate in blind tastings, ensuring that their votes reflect genuine preferences devoid of bias from branding or origin.
This year’s top honor went to New Riff Bottled in Bond, a celebrated Kentucky bourbon with a retail price of around $42. This bourbon embodies the characteristics of a bottled-in-bond spirit, being aged for at least four years in freshly charred American oak and bottled at 100 proof. However, what sets New Riff apart is its use of non-GMO grains and a notably high rye content of 30%. The results are an impressive flavor profile, starting with inviting notes of butterscotch and cardamom on the nose and unfolding into a delightful complexity on the palate, where sweet dark fruits pair beautifully with spices like clove and fresh cracked pepper.
The accolade awarded to New Riff is a testament to its consistent quality and innovation since its inception just a decade ago, located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Its selection over distinguished competitors from notable whiskey-producing regions in Scotland and Ireland marks a turning point in the perception of American whiskey. Contenders on this year’s shortlist included noteworthy names such as Glenglassaugh Portsoy, Glen Scotia Victoriana, and Kilchoman Sanaig, highlighting the competitive nature of the tasting event.
In addition to recognizing the top contender, The Whisky Exchange also honors emerging distilleries with their “New Wave” award for groundbreaking innovation in the industry. The 2025 recipient was Seattle’s Copperworks Distilling for their Release 046 single malt, showcasing the expanding versatility and creativity in American whiskey production. Such acknowledgments signal an exciting time for whiskey enthusiasts on the lookout for fresh and inventive spirits.
Dawn Davies, the head buyer for The Whisky Exchange, commented on the significance of this year’s results, noting that “blind tasting is always a great way to remove all preconceptions about liquid.” The triumph of two American whiskeys this year, a bourbon and a single malt, underscores the rising esteem for American production methods and flavors. Traditionally overshadowed by the reputation of Scotch, American whiskey is proving it can compete on an equal footing, showcasing not only flavorful depth but also remarkable complexity that appeals to both novice drinkers and sophisticated connoisseurs.
For those who have historically been devoted to whiskies from the British Isles, this year’s competition serves as a compelling awakening. The inherent quality and craftsmanship of American whiskey are now deserving of the recognition that they have long sought. The results from The Whisky Exchange’s tastings are a clarion call to whiskey lovers everywhere to expand their palates and embrace the richness and variety offered by American distilleries. As this trend evolves, the global whiskey landscape will undoubtedly continue to change, offering consumers a wider array of exceptional spirits to explore and enjoy.