The 10 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in August 2025, Ranked

Every month, we sort through dozens of new releases and old favorites to highlight the whiskeys that stood out the most. August 2025 delivered everything from long-awaited Scotch imports to new Bottled-in-Bond bourbons and limited editions from some of America’s top producers. Below, we’ve ranked the best 10 whiskeys we tasted this month — a lineup that ranges from $40 bargains to rare single malts costing more than $1,000.

10 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in September 2025, Ranked

10. Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bonded Straight Rye 7 Year Old (2024)

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Colorado’s Laws Whiskey House continues to shine with this 100% heirloom rye, aged seven years and meeting Bottled In Bond stipulations. the 2024 release offers a layered nose of ginger, cocoa, almond and orange peel, followed by a rich, spicy palate of cinnamon, root beer and mocha. The finish brings marshmallow sweetness and charred oak. A balanced, standout rye at $84.99.

9. Old Grand-Dad 7 Years Bottled in Bond Bourbon

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This long-awaited age-stated Bottled-in-Bond release from Beam revives a heritage brand with real flair. The nose is sweet and candy-like, while the palate layers tart cherry, peanuts, fudge and cinnamon with a sturdy oak backbone. The finish is dry and complex, full of walnut, leather, crème brûlée and black cherry. At $40, this is an absolute steal.

8. Hard Truth & Mellencamp Whiskey Co. American Odd Sweet Mash Bourbon Bottled In Bond

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Hard Truth’s collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Co. — led by John Mellencamp’s son, Hud — blends Indiana-grown grains into a dark fruit-forward BIB bourbon. Plum, cherry and blackberry dominate, supported by gingerbread, cinnamon and tobacco. It’s sweet but balanced by rye spice, with a port-like character that makes it distinctive and delicious.

7. 15 STARS Fine Aged Whiskey Three Kings Aged 11 Years

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A blend of well-aged wheat, rye and bourbon whiskeys, this 107-proof release is dessert in a glass. Custard, marshmallow, salted caramel and butterscotch are balanced by red fruit and oak tannin. The finish carries cherry candies, brownie and spice. Another excellent showing from the young upstart 15 STARS.

6. Westward Whiskey Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

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This American single malt was finished for two years in oloroso sherry casks, amplifying Westward’s malty backbone with blackberry, clove, coffee and tobacco. The finish is long, smoky and fruity, with oak and spice lingering. Available to Whiskey Club members only, it’s a top-tier sherry finish done right.

5. Bardstown Bourbon Company Ferrand

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A 111.8-proof blend finished 15 months in Maison Ferrand Cognac casks, this August release sees Bardstown Bourbon Company’s blending prowess on full display. Cognac character adds lush fruit without overwhelming the bourbon and rye base. Expect peach, banana bread, cherry, nougat and cinnamon with a tannic, oak-driven finish. A decadent, well-structured whiskey at $139.99.

4. Rabbit Hole Distillery Series Starlino

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Finished in Hotel Starlino vermouth barrels, this 95% rye whiskey drinks like a Manhattan — no bartending required. Vermouth-driven notes of licorice, ginger and peppercorn shine, balanced by oak, cocoa and vanilla. At $49.99 per 375-milliliter bottle, it’s a unique and playful release for rye lovers and cocktail fans alike.

3. Parker’s Heritage Collection 11 Year Kentucky Straight American Whiskey (2025)

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Heaven Hill’s annual Parker’s Heritage release blends 11- to 15-year-old whiskeys from multiple mashbills, bottled at 122.5 proof. Sweet pastry, cherry and caramel meet tannic oak, plum and rye spice on the palate. The finish is long, layered and spicy with leather, apple peel and salted caramel. A complex, powerful whiskey for a good cause; Parker’s Heritage Collection whiskeys all pay tribute to Parker Beam, Heaven Hill’s late Master Distiller Emeritus. Beam was diagnosed with ALS in 2010, and since 2013, the series has been used to raise money for ALS research and patient care. It has raised more than $1.4 million so far.

2. Fettercairn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 28 Years

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Part of Fettercairn’s long-awaited U.S. lineup, this 28-year-old Highland malt is a showcase of maturity and balance. Apple bake, butterscotch and cookie butter open the nose, while the palate delivers salted caramel, raisin bread, fig and tobacco. Leather, cinnamon and clove drive the finish. This scotch is gorgeous and complex — albeit not cheap, priced at $1,250.

1. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon 2025

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Released Aug. 19, this year’s highly anticipated Limited Edition Small Batch blends four bourbons aged 13 to 19 years. The result is a masterclass in balance: rich fruits, crème brûlée, mocha and tobacco on the palate, capped by a long finish of cinnamon, cherry and cocoa powder. Bottled at 109.1 proof, it’s a benchmark bourbon of 2025 and proof of Brent Elliott’s blending mastery.