The 12 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in February 2025, Ranked

February brought us an exciting selection of new and limited-release whiskeys that left a lasting impression on our palates. From bourbons with unique finishing techniques to bold American single malts, this month was a treat for whiskey lovers. After rigorous tasting and scoring, we’ve compiled our list of the 12 best whiskeys we tasted in February 2025.

Rankings Explanation: Bottles are ranked by the house scores given by our spirits critics. When ties arise in the house scores, they are broken by our Raided Score®, a number based on the average of notable critic scores. In instances where the Raided Scores® are equal, the whiskey with the highest number of reviews aggregated is ranked higher. In an instance where all of those factors are equal, alphabetization is used as a final tiebreaker.

12 Best Whiskeys We Tasted in February 2025, Ranked

12. WhistlePig Snout To Tail Bourbon Aged 10 Years

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WhistlePig, primarily known for its rye whiskeys, took a turn with this 10-year-old bourbon, sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery. This bourbon is bottled at 88 proof to commemorate the brand’s upcoming Louisville location, which will open in summer 2025, 880 miles from the WhistlePig Farm in Vermont. WhistlePig’s new bourbon undergoes a “snout-to-tail” aging process, using toasted Vermont oak and smoked maple wood barrel heads. Priced at $89.99, this is a distinctive and oak-forward expression.

• Nose: Cream soda, barrel char, butterscotch, orange peel, cedar.
• Taste: Peach, peanut brittle, orange peel, cherry, cinnamon, caramel and marshmallow fluff.
• Finish: Medium in length with oak, tannin, smoke, buttercream and orange sherbet.
• Overall: A well-crafted, oak-heavy bourbon at an approachable proof, though some may wish for a higher ABV.

11. Westland Exploration Beer Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey

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From Seattle’s Westland Distillery, this American single malt whiskey is finished in beer casks including scotch ale, stout, brown ale, doppelbock, saison and stock ale. Bottled at 46% ABV and priced at $74.99, it showcases a complex malt-driven profile.

• Nose: Malty with orchard fruits, pear, papaya and honey.
• Taste: Well-balanced with soft oak, mango, clove, grape leaves and menthol.
• Finish: Earthy and medium in length, with notes of tobacco, tea, oak, vanilla, almond and coffee.
• Overall: A unique and balanced American single malt, though not the standout of Westland’s portfolio.

10. Woodinville Cask Strength Bourbon Orange Wine Finish

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A distillery exclusive from Woodinville, this cask-strength bourbon is finished in Spanish Vino de Naranja barrels, bringing an intriguing citrus influence.

• Nose: Spice drops, candied ginger, orange peel, toffee, toasted oak, almond.
• Taste: Thick and rich, with layers of honey, toasted almond, candied ginger, coconut, caramelized sugar and oak.
• Finish: Long and syrupy, packed with bold oak, malt, crème brûlée and sweet orange peel.
• Overall: An exceptional orange wine-finished bourbon, full of character and decadence.

9. Woodinville Cask Strength Bourbon Marsala Finish

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Another Woodinville distillery exclusive, this bourbon is finished in Marsala wine casks, imparting rich jammy notes.

• Nose: Confectioners’ sugar, grape must, fresh dough, with a pleasant mustiness.
• Taste: Orange peel, minerality, sweet wine character, raspberry jam, pepper, slate, oak.
• Finish: Long, proofy, with cocoa, berry jam and marmalade.
• Overall: A rare gem with a wonderful interplay between bourbon and Marsala wine.

8. Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon: Eli Manning’s 2025 Bold Pick

Eli Manning’s Knob Creek Pick (Photo: Knob Creek)

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A special barrel pick by Eli Manning in collaboration with Beam Master Distiller Freddie Noe, this 120-proof bourbon is available in select markets for $59.99.

• Nose: Sweet bourbon classicism with melon, sawdust, pretzel, cinnamon.
• Taste: Oaky with cherry, cinnamon, tannin, crème brûlée, orange blossom.
• Finish: Medium in length, with oak, tannin, butterscotch, blood orange, peach juice.
• Overall: A solid, oak-forward pick, perfect for those who enjoy tannin-heavy bourbons.

7. Baker’s High Rye Single Barrel Bourbon 7 Years Old

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A high-rye limited edition of Baker’s Single Barrel, this 107-proof bourbon is priced at $75.

• Nose: Pie crust, nutmeg, peanut brittle, pralines, toasted oak.
• Taste: Moderate heat with caramel, cocoa, peanut butter, butterscotch, pepper.
• Finish: Long with peanut brittle, cola, caramel, cocoa and pepper.
• Overall: A delightful pour with enhanced complexity over standard Baker’s.

6. Old Forester 1924 10 Year Old (2025)

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This 10-year-old, 100-proof bourbon with a different mashbill than Old Forester’s usual is part of the distillery’s Whiskey Row Series, priced at $119.99.

• Nose: Oak, butterscotch, vanilla bean, leather.
• Taste: Oaky with butterscotch, chocolate-covered almonds, cracked pepper, clove.
• Finish: Dry, with almonds, vanilla, toasted cornbread.
• Overall: A dry, oak-forward bourbon with a unique character.

5. Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Cask Strength (2025)

(Photo: Garrison Brothers)

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A limited-edition, cask-strength version of Garrison Brothers’ popular Balmorhea bourbon. Only 1,000 bottles of this Texan bourbon were released. In an effort to support conservation efforts, Garrison Brothers donated $50 from each bottle sold to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, reinforcing its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Texas.

• Nose: Vanilla ice cream, root beer, custard, sour cherry candies.
• Taste: Tannic and char-heavy with cherry cola, leather, brownies, sugar cookies, cinnamon.
• Finish: Long, rich, toasted oak, walnuts, stewed cherry pits.
• Overall: A powerful bourbon that benefits from a few drops of water.

4. Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Oak Series: American Oak

(Photo: A. Smith Bowman Distillery)

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A 12-year-old, 135-proof bruiser, available via lottery for $79.99.

• Nose: Brown sugar, heavy barrel char, orange peel.
• Taste: Rich with oak, char, root beer, cocoa, tobacco.
• Finish: Long, with caramel, brown sugar, sweet oak.
• Overall: A heavy, oak-laden delight for American whiskey fans.

3. Sagamore 9 Year Old Rye

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A bold 9-year-old rye with a distinctive profile.

• Nose: Sourdough, blackberry, oak, cinnamon rolls, praline.
• Taste: Oaky with pecan pie, Dr. Pepper, tobacco, clove.
• Finish: Earthy, umami, with cinnamon sugar and lime zest.
• Overall: Complex and exquisitely balanced.

2. Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Aged 12 Years

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Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Aged 12 Years is a distinctive American single malt whiskey that showcases an extended maturation process. The whiskey is primarily aged in new oak barrels, as is typical of Stranahan’s products. Most of the blend is unfinished 12-year-old whiskey, but a “small portion” was finished for 1-4 years in barrels that were previously used to age bourbon and blonde ale. Bottled at 120 proof, this single malt has a suggested retail price of $199.99.

• Nose: Powerful and bold, with oak, white chocolate, walnut.
• Taste: Rich with praline, cinnamon, clove, tobacco.
• Finish: Long, earthy, with tobacco, coffee, oak.
• Overall: A masterful American single malt.

1. Bomberger’s PFG Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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Bomberger’s Declaration PFG™ is a bold, historically inspired bourbon from Michter’s, paying tribute to the legacy of the Bomberger’s Distillery, the predecessor to Michter’s that dates back to the 1800s. This release is uniquely finished in specially treated Chinquapin oak barrels, crafted from wood sourced from the Tronçais, Allier, Nevers, and Vosges forests in France. The wood is naturally air-dried outdoors for at least 40 months near the Charente River before being made into barrels, which are toasted at a tightly defined temperature range before being charred. The result is a whiskey with deep complexity, offering rich spice, dark fruit and toasted oak character.

• Nose: Crème brûlée, buttercream, cherry, almond, cinnamon, gingerbread.
• Taste: Rich and decadent with cherry, cake batter, hazelnut, caramel apple.
• Finish: Long, with cinnamon, tobacco, peach and dried cranberry.
• Overall: Classic Michter’s: Exquisitely balanced and absolutely delicious.