The coveted Whisky of the Year Award has been the desire of top distilleries this year. However, New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon won the prize this weekend. The Whisky Exchange, located on Great Portland Street, conducted a blind tasting to select it.
The whiskies competing for the title had to be current releases with retail prices below £80 (about $101) and be in the market for a while. Some runners up included:
- Glenglassaugh Portsoy,
- Glen Scotia Victoriana,
- Kilchoman Sanaig, G
- Green Spot Leoville Barton Bordeaux Finish, and
- Glencadam 15 Year Old were all selected for the 2025 shortlist.
Selling for £64.95 (about $82) per bottle, New Riff has a 50% alcohol by volume (ABV). The ‘creamy, spicy profile and devotion to quality production’ were among the commendations.
New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Named Whisky of the Year
The four-year aging process in virgin American oak complements the use of non-GMO grains in the expression.
In addition, Copperworks Release 046 American Single Malt Whiskey, the New Wave Whisky of the Year, took second place. Last year at the Whisky Show 2024, a blind tasting panel crowned the single malt the winner.
Selling for £73.95 (about $94) per bottle, this expression has 50% alcohol by volume. Copperworks Distillery in Seattle, Washington, uses Genie barley from a single Oregon farm in its production. Before aging in new American oak barrels, the barley undergoes a lengthy fermentation process.
“Blind tasting is always a terrific way to remove all preconceptions about liquid, and it was fantastic to see that two American whiskies—one American single malt and one American Bourbon—took the crown this year,” said Dawn Davies MW, chief buyer at The Whisky Exchange.
While single malts from Scotland may provide more excitement than American whiskey, this lineup demonstrates its competitiveness. The judges determined the winner in these tastings based on its flavor, complexity, and ease of drinking.
Furthermore, The Whisky Exchange awarded Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, Spirit of the Year 2025.
Crafted with a 10-year-old Blue Weber agave, the tequila undergoes a lengthy fermentation process and distills using a combination of pot and column methods. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume, it retails for £50.95 (US$65).
Many praised its ‘tropical fruit, red pepper, florals, and butterscotch’ aroma.
