A lot of people ask us what the "best whisky" is, and our answer is always the same: there's no single "best" — just the best for you. It's like asking for the greatest song ever written; you'll get ten different answers in ten seconds.
But since nobody is ever satisfied with that, we lock ourselves in a room each month (armed with plenty of glasses) for a spirited debate, and narrow it down to our 10 favourites for August 2025. This month's selections represent a remarkable period in whisky history, where American innovation meets traditional craftsmanship, and where awards from prestigious competitions like the International Wine & Spirit Competition have validated some truly exceptional expressions.
About The Top 10 Whiskies August 2025
How We Score Our Top 10 Whiskies August 2025
Each whisky is evaluated across five key criteria, scored from 1-10:
- Taste & Complexity - Flavour depth and balance
- Value for Money - Quality relative to price point
- Innovation - Uniqueness in production or aging
- Availability - How easy it is to find and purchase
- Overall Experience - The complete drinking experience
1. Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whiskey
![Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whiskey bottle](alt="top 10 whiskies august 2025 makers mark star hill farm wheat whiskey")
- A historic whisky from one of Kentucky’s most beloved producers, Star Hill Farm is a natural evolution of the wheated bo...
- This is a bold, satisfying wheat whisky with notes of maraschino cherry, baking spices, honey roasted nuts, vanilla and ...
Maker's Mark Star Hill Farm
American Wheat Whiskey, Kentucky
Our Rating:
| Taste & Complexity | Value | Innovation | Availability | Overall Experience | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 9.5/10 | 44.5/50 |
The first new mash bill from Maker's Mark in over 70 years, this groundbreaking wheat whiskey represents a seismic shift in American whiskey production. Unlike traditional bourbon that uses corn as the primary grain, this blend features 51% soft red winter wheat aged 8 years combined with 27% malted soft red winter wheat and 22% malted barley aged 9 years. Bottled at a bold 57.35% ABV, it marks the most adventurous release in the distillery's 70-year history.
Historical Context: This release breaks Maker's Mark's longstanding tradition of using their original Bill Samuels Sr. recipe from 1953. While brands like Bulleit (#10 on our list) rely on high-rye for spice, Maker's Mark has doubled down on wheat's softer character, creating something entirely unique in the American whiskey landscape.
"This is absolutely mind-blowing – it's like Maker's Mark went to flavor boot camp and came back as a superhero. Pure liquid innovation!"
— Sarah Jenkins, Chief Whisky Adventurer & Bourbon Explorer
Availability: Currently available through The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, and select independent retailers. Limited production means stock moves quickly.
Tasting notes
Nose – Melted caramel, raspberry, red velvet cake, strawberry cream, powdered funnel cake, brown sugar
Palate – Dark raspberry, blackberry, vanilla extract, dark chocolate, rich buttery mouthfeel, soda bread, pipe tobacco
Finish – Strong oak evolving to red wine, blackberry, dried figs, hazelnuts, leather, sweet charred oak
2. Redbreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
![Redbreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey bottle](alt="top 10 whiskies august 2025 redbreast 21 year old irish whiskey")
- Redbreast 21 year old is the fine representation of the signature Redbreast sherry style - it is the oldest and richest ...
- The 21 year ageing process introduces new levels of depth, flavour and taste to create an inherently complex and ultimat...
- Nose : Rich, rounded, spicy – prunes, quinces, a little deeply caramelised apple.
Redbreast 21 Year Old
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, County Cork
Our Rating:
| Taste & Complexity | Value | Innovation | Availability | Overall Experience | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | 42.5/50 |
The pinnacle of the Redbreast range, this magnificent 21-year-old is matured in American bourbon barrels and first-fill Spanish Oloroso sherry butts. Part of Midleton Distillery's historic sweep at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where they claimed 22 Double Gold medals – more than any Irish distillery in the competition's history.
Evolution & Context: While the younger Redbreast 12 Cask Strength (#4 on our list) offers raw power, this 21-year-old shows the benefits of extended maturation. Compared to the immediate impact of American innovations like Maker's Mark (#1), this represents centuries-old Irish craftsmanship refined to perfection.
"If whiskey could win an Oscar, this would be sweeping the ceremony. It's liquid poetry that makes you want to write love letters to barley."
— Marcus O'Sullivan, Sherry Cask Whisperer & Poetry Enthusiast
Availability: Widely available through Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, and most premium spirits retailers. Consistent stock levels make this accessible despite the premium price.
Tasting notes
Nose – Fresh tropical fruits, pineapple, rich nuts, dried fruit, prunes, quince
Palate – Mouth-filling, silky, soft vanilla, toasted oak, sherry nuttiness, luscious fruit, menthol, leather
Finish – Legendary length, oak, spices, creamy barley character
3. Triple Eight Distillery 'The Notch' 12-Year-Old American Single Malt
![Triple Eight Distillery The Notch 12-Year-Old American Single Malt bottle](alt="top 10 whiskies august 2025 triple eight distillery notch american single malt")
The Notch 12 Year Old
American Single Malt, Massachusetts
Our Rating:
| Taste & Complexity | Value | Innovation | Availability | Overall Experience | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 6/10 | 8.5/10 | 42/50 |
From the island of Nantucket comes this pioneering American single malt, made with 100% Maris Otter malt and aged in the unique maritime climate. This expression made history by winning Gold Outstanding at the first-ever American Single Malt category in the International Wine & Spirit Competition – a category that didn't exist until American distillers proved they could rival Scotland's finest.
Innovation & Maritime Influence: While Scottish distilleries like Lochlea (#9) rely on traditional terroir, Triple Eight harnesses Nantucket's maritime climate for natural coastal influence. The salt air penetration creates flavours that would take Scottish distilleries decades to achieve artificially. This represents a distinctly American approach to single malt whiskey.
"Nantucket's salty sea air has worked absolute magic here – it's like someone bottled the essence of a perfect coastal summer evening."
— Tom Blackwood, Maritime Malt Master & Island Explorer
Availability: Limited distribution through specialty retailers including The Whisky Shop, Selfridges, and independent wine merchants. US availability through select liquor stores in Massachusetts and New York.
Tasting notes
Nose – Peach sorbet, toffee apples, candied orange peel, herbal quality, warm pecan, honeysuckle
Palate – Vivacious and bright, tupelo honey, orchard fruits, custard cream, butterscotch, honeydew melon, wood tannins
Finish – Great length, complex fruit, vanilla, oak interplay
4. Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength
![Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Irish Whiskey bottle](alt="top 10 whiskies august 2025 redbreast 12 cask strength irish whiskey")
- Whisky
- Original Box
- 70cl Standard
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, County Cork
Our Rating:
| Taste & Complexity | Value | Innovation | Availability | Overall Experience | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 44/50 |
The definitive expression of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey presented in its most natural form. Bottled straight from the cask without water addition or chill-filtration, this is how the master blenders themselves experience this iconic spirit – as nature and craft intended.
Direct Comparison: While the Redbreast 21 (#2) offers refined elegance through extended aging, this 12-year-old cask strength provides raw intensity and incredible value. At £76 versus £299, this delivers 90% of the complexity at less than a third of the price. For those seeking the pure essence of pot still character without the premium, this is your answer.
Evolution Context: This expression showcases Redbreast's consistency – the same production methods that created their legendary reputation, just bottled at full strength. Compared to American innovations like Talnua (#5) that reimagine pot still whiskey, this represents Irish tradition in its purest form.
"This is like getting VIP backstage access to the whiskey-making process. Pure, unfiltered brilliance that'll knock your socks clean off!"
— Emma Walsh, Cask Strength Champion & Barrel Enthusiast
Availability: Excellent availability through Harrods, John Lewis, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, Amazon, and most major retailers. One of the most accessible cask strength expressions on the market.
Tasting notes
Nose – Exotic fruits, dried apricot, sultanas, assorted spices, toasted wood
Palate – Rich, fully rounded, thick and creamy, luscious fruit, cinnamon spice, caramel, vanilla, black pepper
Finish – Long and sophisticated, fruit and spice, toasted oak, creamy barleyak, creamy barley
5. Talnua Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey
Talnua Bourbon Cask & Stave Series
Single Pot Still American Whiskey, Colorado
America's first distillery dedicated to single pot still whiskey, Talnua brings Irish traditions to Colorado soil. Made from 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, triple distilled, and aged with charred virgin American white oak staves. Winner of "America's Best Whiskey" at the 2025 American Distilling Institute Competition.
"It's like Ireland and Kentucky had a beautiful baby and raised it in the Rocky Mountains – absolutely revolutionary stuff!"
— Jake Patterson, Pot Still Pioneer & Mountain Spirit Guide
Tasting notes
Nose – Fresh marshmallows, charred oak, cooked cereal, caramel, vanilla, candied bubble gum sweetness
Palate – Light and fresh, cooked grain, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel, white pepper, apple, pear, cinnamon toffee
Finish – Medium length, seasoned oak, wood spices, vanilla, caramel
6. Praedictum 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Praedictum 15 Year Old
Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky
An ultra-premium, limited-edition release with only 600 cases produced. Selected and blended by Master Distiller Joseph O'Sullivan, this 15-year-old bourbon is bottled at 112 proof without chill-filtration to preserve its full complexity and character.
"Fifteen years of patience has created something absolutely stunning – this is bourbon for special occasions and very special people."
— Isabella Chambers, Vintage Bourbon Curator & Patience Advocate
Tasting notes
Nose – Antique oak, dark cherry, leather, caramelized sugar, molasses, orange zest, cinnamon bark
Palate – Dense and velvety, oaked vanilla, baking spice, peach compote, dark chocolate, toffee, dried fig, black tea
Finish – Exceptionally long, polished leather, stewed plums, tobacco, sarsaparilla, root beer, vanilla buttercream
7. Heaven Hill Parker's Heritage Collection (2025 Edition)
Parker's Heritage Collection 2025
Blended American Whiskey, Kentucky
The 19th annual release in this prestigious series blends three exceptional whiskies: 15-year-old wheated bourbon, 11-year-old corn whiskey, and 12-year-old rye and malt whiskey from 160 barrels. Bottled at cask strength 61.25% ABV, with proceeds supporting ALS research.
"Parker Beam's legacy lives on in this bottle – it's complex, meaningful, and absolutely worth every penny for the cause and the liquid."
— David Morton, Heritage Collection Historian & Charity Champion
Tasting notes
Nose – Complex blend of sweet fruit, gentle oak, buttery sweetness, caramel, herbal spice
Palate – Multi-layered, wheated softness, rich butter, deep caramel, intricate spice, malty backbone
Finish – Powerful, warming, spiced, showing the masterful blending of three distinct whiskey styles
8. Pinhook Vertical Series 9-Year-Old Rye
Pinhook Tiz Rye Time Vertical Series
Straight Rye Whiskey, Indiana
The ninth release in Pinhook's ambitious Vertical Series, following the same barrels from four to sixteen years. This 95% rye, 5% malted barley expression is blended from just 20 barrels and bottled at 111.2 proof, representing the sweet spot for aged MGP rye.
"Nine years of aging has turned this rye into pure liquid gold – it's the Goldilocks of the series, everything is just right!"
— Rachel Stewart, Vertical Series Tracker & Rye Enthusiast
Tasting notes
Nose – Candied licorice, oatmeal cookie, clove, burnt toffee, raisin bread, nutmeg, mint, anise
Palate – Vibrant and tingling, baked apricot, lychee, candied cinnamon, French roast coffee, charred lemon, cocoa nibs
Finish – Long and warming, white peppercorn, rye spice, butterscotch, vanilla frosting
9. Lochlea Fallow Edition (Third Crop) Single Malt Scotch
- INSPIRED BY AUTUMN ON THE FARM | Fallow Edition reflects the period of rest for our fields after harvest at Lochlea farm...
- WARM, COMFORTING & PERFECT FOR THE COOLER AUTUMNAL MONTHS | This seasonal release showcases the evolving style of Lochle...
- FINAL EDITION IN OUR FALLOW SERIES | The Third Crop marks the final instalment in Lochlea’s limited edition seasonal whi...
Lochlea Fallow Edition Third Crop
Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lowlands
From the farm where Robert Burns once worked comes this exceptional single malt, fully matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts. Part of Lochlea's seasonal series exploring their agricultural cycle, this expression earned 94 points from Whisky Advocate's Summer 2025 Editor's Choice.
"It's like drinking liquid Black Forest cake while sitting in a Scottish meadow – absolutely magical and surprisingly powerful."
— Sophie MacLeod, Farm-to-Flask Expert & Poetry Lover
Tasting notes
Nose – Dark fruits, berries, raisins, sweet malt character
Palate – Light yet rich, berries, raisins, sweet malt, Black Forest cake, chocolate ganache, cinnamon powder
Finish – Long and satisfying, spiced chocolate, dark fruit notes
10. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Barrel Strength
- Medium amber in colour
- With gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas
- Mid-palate is smooth with tones of maple, oak and nutmeg
Bulleit Barrel Strength
Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky
The purest expression of Bulleit's high-rye bourbon philosophy, bottled straight from the cask at varying proofs around 120. Uncut and non-chill filtered, this preserves the full depth of oils and esters that define the Bulleit character.
"It's like Bulleit decided to show off and absolutely nailed it – all the spice and sweetness cranked up to eleven without losing the smooth factor."
— Chris Anderson, High-Proof Hero & Spice Specialist
Tasting notes
Nose – Gentle spiciness, sweet oak, candied fruits, white pepper, pineapple brûlée, rich toffee
Palate – Remarkably smooth, robust maple, oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking spice, butterscotch, honey, blackberry
Finish – Exceptionally long, dry, satiny, light toffee, deepened oak, lingering spice
This Month's Spirit of Innovation
That's our top 10 for August 2025 — a month that's proven American whiskey innovation is reaching new heights while traditional powerhouses continue to set the standard. From Maker's Mark's first new mash bill in seven decades to Talnua's groundbreaking single pot still whiskey, these selections show that the future of whisky is bright, bold, and beautifully crafted.
Whether you're after an accessible everyday sipper like the Bulleit Barrel Strength or looking to splurge on something truly special like the Redbreast 21, this month's lineup offers something extraordinary for every whisky lover.
Check out our complete guide to the best Japanese whiskies or explore our recommendations for whisky beginners to continue your whisky adventure. For those interested in learning more about American whiskey vs Irish whiskey, our detailed comparison guide breaks down the key differences between these distinct styles.
One of these might just become your new favourite dram — we'll be back next month after more spirited debates and plenty more tasting sessions!
