The 8 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in March 2025

March was a big month for Jack Daniel’s. (Photo: Jack Daniel’s)

March poured out a stellar lineup of whiskey releases, and we did the hard work of tasting through them all (someone’s gotta do it). Last month’s favorites span big-name distilleries and upstart craft producers, but each of these bottles stood out for one simple reason: They’re damn good whiskeys. Whether you’re into brooding bourbons, fruit-forward finishes or rich Tennessee heat, there’s something here to love.

We’ve ranked the best bottles of March 2025, from great to exceptional.

8. Blackwood Toasted Bourbon 105 Proof

Buy It Now

House Score: 88

This 8-year-old Kentucky bourbon was finished in not one but three toasted barrels, giving it a toasted marshmallow-meets-tiramisu vibe that’s impossible to miss.

At 52.5% ABV and $95.99, it’s a well-built whiskey that brings a unique flavor profile to the table. The nose is all marshmallow fluff, candied ginger and melon, with a faint bready note that reads almost like a wheated bourbon. On the palate, expect toasted marshmallow, chocolate mint candies, and gingersnap, plus coconut and cinnamon.

Bottom line: Blackwood isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it’s doing something fresh. This bourbon is distinctive, flavorful and worth your attention.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

7. Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 4

House Score: 88

The fourth release of Jack’s 10-year Tennessee whiskey clocks in at 48.5% ABV and retails for $84.99. It’s sweet, mellow and dialed-in. Banana pudding, caramel and cherry cola define the nose, while peanut brittle, vanilla custard and baked oak round out the palate. The finish is medium-length with vanilla cake and a kiss of bitter char.

Bottom line: It’s easy-drinking, warm and sweet — classic Jack, just dialed up with a little more age and depth.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

6. Penelope 2024 Estate Collection 9 Year Private Select Bourbon

House Score: 90

Bottled at 101.2 proof and aged nine years, this release blends MGP bourbon with liquid from undisclosed Kentucky producers. With a suggested retail price of $80, it delivers a well-balanced four-grain experience. The nose leads with butterscotch, cinnamon and lemon curd. On the palate: cocoa, caramel apple, cherry and watermelon candy.

Bottom line: Fruity, flavorful and balanced — this is the kind of pour that keeps you reaching for another glass.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

5. Middle West Spirits Double Cask: Napoleon Calvados Cask-Finished Whiskey

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House Score: 91

At a punchy 61.9% ABV and priced at $129.99, this release from Ohio’s Middle West Spirits is big, bold and loaded with personality. Aged in American oak and finished in Calvados casks, this whiskey hits the nose with stroopwafel, caramel and cherry, followed by a rich palate of caramel apple, browned butter, French vanilla and rye-driven spice.

Bottom line: It’s rich, decadent and totally drinkable despite the high proof. It’s not overly complex, but the layers of wheat, rye and Calvados influence harmonize beautifully. It’s rich, decadent and highly drinkable.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

4. Bushmills Private Reserve 10 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish

House Score: 92

This $59.99 Irish single malt spent time in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks before finishing in Portuguese Moscatel barrels. The result is an aromatic, layered whiskey with an ABV of 48.5%. The nose delivers smooth wine and waffle cone notes, while the palate is a balanced mix of oak, tobacco, honeyed bread and a savory mushroom twist.

Bottom line: It’s weird and wonderful in the best way. The finish alone makes this one unforgettable.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

3. Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3

House Score: 93

Retailing for $94.99 and bottled at 53.5% ABV, the third batch of Jack Daniel’s 12-Year is all about balance and richness. Cherry, cinnamon roll, dark chocolate and cookie butter dominate the nose. The palate is equally packed: cornbread, praline, cherry syrup, espresso grounds and nougat, with mint chip ice cream adding a playful note.

Bottom line: JD continues to prove that extra age suits its whiskey. This one’s complex, polished and deeply enjoyable.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

2. Jack Daniel’s 14 Year Old

House Score: 93

Jack’s oldest age-stated whiskey in modern history pulls no punches at 63.15% ABV. Tagged with a $149.99 suggested retail price (though good luck finding it at that price), this 14-year-old whiskey is dark and intense. The nose is rich with Luxardo cherry, gingerbread and crème brûlée. On the palate, it opens hot with chili powder and oak before mellowing into black cherry, chocolate and banana bread.

Bottom line: Powerful and layered, though it doesn’t quite achieve the balance and easy-sipping nature of the 12-year. Still, this is a thrilling direction for Jack Daniel’s — and we’re eager for future batches.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

1. Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Chocolate Whisper Redux

House Score: 95

This is Woodford Reserve like you’ve never seen it. Bottled at a face-melting 69.7% ABV, this powerhouse is dark, brooding and full of flavor: toffee, chocolate, peach, leather, espresso, even a touch of smoked applewood. A little water opens up a gorgeous frosting-like sweetness and layers of baking spice.

Bottom line: It’s rich, complex and beautifully aggressive. Our favorite bottle of the month — but you might want to add a few drops of water.

🥃 Click here to read our full review.

Check out the 12 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in February 2025 here.