The Best American Whiskey
[Expert Selections]

Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Published November 2025

1. Sagamore Spirits Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey

Here is a top American whiskey. Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey is beautifully made using a unique blend of two distinct rye mash bills. Its development involves pure limestone-filtered spring water from the Sagamore Farm for its superior quality. This rye is amazing for both beginners and whiskey enthusiasts who want something approachable with the depths of rye.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you'll find notes of toasted vanilla and caramel. The palette then brings a vibrant burst of citrus with hints of rye. The finish is smooth and satisfying.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 41.50% | 750ml

2. Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential American Single Malt

The Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential is a true testament to American innovation in the single malt category. What makes this whiskey unique is that it’s crafted from 100% two-row malted barley grown on the distillery's family farm. It undergoes a unique two-stage aging process, first maturing in a variety of American and French oak casks, before being finished in the distillery's own used bourbon barrels. Complex and beloved.

Tasting Notes: This American whiskey opens on the nose with apricot, vanilla, and toasted nuts. The palate is smooth with notes of dried fruit, caramel, and a gentle smokiness that carries through to a long finish.

Region: Iowa, USA | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml

3. Balcones Texas Single Malt Rum Cask Finish

Balcones is a pioneer of the Lone Star State whiskey scene and known for their bold approach. This particular bottle begins as their classic Texas Single Malt. It’s then finished in their own used rum casks, which previously held Balcones Texas Rum. This finishing process imparts a wonderful sweetness and complexity that perfectly complements the character of the base whiskey. It’s American through and though.

Tasting Notes: This bottle opens on the nose with brown sugar, dried fig, and a touch of banana. On the palate, you'll experience a delightful mix of honey, fruit, and soft leather. It finishes long and warm.

Region: Texas, USA | ABV: 62.0% | 750ml

4. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey Diamond Peak

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Diamond Peak is crafted with locally sourced barley and pure Rocky Mountain water. It’s then distilled in small batches and aged in American white oak barrels. Every step of the process is about authenticity. From mashing to aging, and even the bottling process with hand-labelling, it’s a true reflection to its one-of-a-kind character. A true whiskey that embodies Colorado's rugged spirit.

Tasting Notes: The nose greets you with warm aromas of butterscotch and a hint of coffee beans. The palette will open with a beautiful blend of toasted malt, maple syrup, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and satisfying for that perfect sip.

Region: Colorado, USA | ABV: 47.0% | 750ml

5. Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Single Malt

Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled Single Malt offers an innovative twist on a traditional whiskey. This exceptional release from Jack Daniels is crafted entirely from 100% malted barley. It’s first aged in new charred American oak barrels before being finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The careful double-barreling process creates a beautifully balanced American whiskey that’s perfect for both enthusiasts, as well as beginners who want something a bit more complex.

Tasting Notes: The nose offers soft aromas of ripe fruit and toasted oak. On the palate, you’ll find delicious notes of dark chocolate and nuts. All leading to a subtle finish.

Region: Tennessee, USA | ABV: 53.20% | 700ml

6. Middle West Spirits Pumpernickel Rye

Middle West Spirits from Columbus, Ohio, takes a culinary approach to distilling, and their Pumpernickel Rye is a perfect example. This unconventional whiskey is crafted from a mash bill featuring dark pumpernickel rye grain. It's aged for a minimum of three years in new, lightly toasted American white oak barrels, setting it apart among the long list of whiskey out there.

Tasting Notes: The nose of this whiskey begins with notes of toasted rye bread, vanilla, and a hint of coconut. The palate continues with a surprising and spicy kick of black pepper and cinnamon, balanced by sweet toffee and dark fruit. Its finish is flavorful and long.

Region: Ohio, USA | ABV: 49.75% | 750ml

7. 15 STARS First West Straight Rye Whiskey

15 STARS celebrates Kentucky's history as the 15th U.S. state. This whiskey is a careful blended straight rye whiskey. It combines straight rye whiskeys aged between 7-9 years, all carefully selected and married to create a final product that is complex, balanced, and exceptionally smooth. With that, it honors the pioneering spirit of early America. Perfect for enthusiasts who want a conversation starter for their home bar.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, this rye whiskey opens with notes of caramel, baking spices, and a touch of mint. The palate is rich and full-bodied with vanilla, dried fruit, and oak. The finish is long, complex, and satisfying.

Region: USA | ABV: 52.40% | 750ml

8. Westland Garryana 9th Edition

A leader in the American Single Malt movement, Seattle's Westland Distillery is renowned for its use of local ingredients and commitment to terroir. The Garryana series showcases the influence of Quercus garryana, a rare oak species native to the Pacific Northwest, which makes it truly standout among other American whiskey. Westland's blending process involves marrying these Garryana-aged spirits with those matured in other cask types.

Tasting Notes: You’ll notice the nose present notes of smoked manuka honey, blackberry, and clove. On the palate, it then goes to provide flavors of dark chocolate, and coffee. The finish is long and memorable.

Region: Washington, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 700ml

9. McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt

Produced by Clear Creek Distillery, McCarthy's is one of the original American single malts, first distilled in 1996. Using peated malted barley sourced directly from Scotland, the whiskey is distilled in small copper pot stills for precision. It’s then aged for three years in Oregon oak casks. This combination of Scottish tradition and American innovation results in a smoky, complex whiskey that has paved the way for many other American single malts.

Tasting Notes: You’ll notice that the nose opens with rich peat smoke, honey, and a hint of brine. The palate then features smooth vanilla, toasted nuts, and a smoky earthiness that lingers on the finish.

Region: Oregon, USA | ABV: 42.50% | 750ml

10. New Riff 8 Year Rye Whiskey

New Riff 8 Year Rye Whiskey represents modern craft distilling at its finest. The Cincinnati-based distillery creates small batches and drive for a bold and unforgettable flavor. Which comes from the eight years of aging in charred new oak barrels. What sets it apart is their commitment to non-chill filtration, and presents a full and natural character. Highly sought-after by enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes: Bright notes of citrus peel, fresh herbs, and vanilla greet the nose. The palate then offers flavors of honey, cinnamon, and peppery rye grain. The finish is medium and full.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml