Top American Whiskeys of 2025: Blind Tasting Reveals Surprising Winners Under $70

Each year, the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) conducts a rigorous blind tasting where panels of experts evaluate hundreds of American whiskeys without any brand labels or marketing cues. This impartial approach has made their results a gold standard in the spirits world. In 2025, the top-scoring bottles ranged from classic Kentucky bourbons to innovative single malts and even a peach-infused spirit—proving the incredible diversity and skill in modern American whiskey making. Among them, one bourbon emerged as the overall champion, and it comes at a surprisingly accessible price point. Here are the key highlights and top winners from this year's tasting.

What is the Beverage Testing Institute and why is its blind tasting so respected?

The Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) is an independent organization that has been evaluating alcoholic beverages for decades. Their most influential event is an annual blind tasting of thousands of American whiskeys. During the process, judges evaluate each bottle anonymously, meaning they have no knowledge of the brand, distillery, or price. This eliminates the influence of reputation or marketing hype, allowing the whiskey's quality to speak for itself. The panel includes seasoned spirits professionals, master distillers, and industry experts who score each sample on a 100-point scale. Because of this rigorous methodology, BevTest's results have become a trusted benchmark for consumers, collectors, and bartenders alike. Winning a platinum medal (96 points or higher) from BevTest is a significant achievement, as it signals that a whiskey can compete with—and often surpass—bottles costing much more. The transparency and credibility of the process make it one of the most respected tastings in the spirits industry.

Which bourbon was named the best bourbon of 2025, and what does it cost?

The best bourbon honored by the Beverage Testing Institute in 2025 is Cream of Kentucky Small Batch. This expression earned an exceptional 96 out of 100 points and a platinum medal, placing it at the top of the bourbon category. Remarkably, despite winning such a prestigious award, the bottle retails for $69.99—and can sometimes be found for as low as $60. That price point places it well below many premium bourbons that sell for hundreds of dollars, making it an outstanding value for a high-scoring whiskey. Crafted by former Four Roses master distiller Jim Rutledge, Cream of Kentucky revives a historic pre-Prohibition brand. The whiskey is bottled at 100 proof and showcases a classic Kentucky profile with notes of honeyed orchard fruit, orange blossom, caramel apple, vanilla, and subtle oak. For bourbon enthusiasts seeking a refined yet affordable pour, this bottle is a standout choice that proves excellence doesn't have to break the bank.

What did the BevTest panel say about Cream of Kentucky's flavor and character?

The judging panel at BevTest was thoroughly impressed by Cream of Kentucky Small Batch, describing it in glowing terms. According to their official notes, the whiskey presents “aromas of caramel, chocolate, rice cookie, spiced poached apricots, and apples.” On the palate, they detected “flavors of spice cake with crème anglaise, praline with dried fruits, and a hint of white ash.” This complexity and balance led the judges to conclude that it is “a sumptuous, finely balanced bourbon with tremendous flavor and length—one that can handle anything you throw at it.” The whiskey’s profile leans heavily into classic Kentucky character—rich, sweet, and oaky, but with enough nuance to reward careful sipping or mixing. The 100-proof bottling allows the flavors to shine without being overwhelmed by alcohol heat. Overall, the panel praised its depth and harmony, noting that it excels as both a neat sipper and a cocktail base. This kind of universal praise from a blind panel is rare and underscores the craftsmanship behind the bourbon.

Who created Cream of Kentucky and what is the story behind this label?

Cream of Kentucky is a revival of a whiskey brand that predates Prohibition, brought back to life by Jim Rutledge, the legendary former master distiller of Four Roses. Rutledge is widely respected for his expertise in bourbon production, especially in sourcing and blending. For this expression, he sources select Kentucky bourbons and blends them to create what he calls a “double-rich” house style—meaning the whiskey is intentionally full-bodied and layered. The original Cream of Kentucky brand was known before the 1920s, but closed during Prohibition. Rutledge’s goal with the relaunch was to honor that heritage while crafting a modern bourbon that epitomizes the best of Kentucky distillation. He selects barrels that he believes complement each other perfectly, resulting in a consistent, high-quality small-batch release. This attention to detail and commitment to tradition have earned him a loyal following among whiskey aficionados. The brand's comeback is a testament to how historic names can be revived with integrity when placed in the hands of a master.

What was the best American single malt whiskey of 2025, and how is it unique?

The best American single malt in the 2025 BevTest tasting was Stranahan's 10 Year Old Mountain Angel, batch no. 4. This whiskey also scored 96 out of 100 points and earned a platinum medal. What makes Mountain Angel distinctive is its high-altitude aging: the barrels are stored at the Stranahan’s distillery in Colorado, where the dramatic temperature swings between hot days and cold nights accelerate the maturation process. The whiskey spends a full 10 years in new charred American oak barrels, developing a unique character that blends warm cream, citrus zest, caramelized sugar, and hints of mountain pine, dried fruit, and spiced oak. On the palate, it is described as direct yet well-balanced, with silky malt sweetness, candied raspberry, orange peel, and caramel. This single malt represents the growing category of American single malts, which operate under separate regulations from Scotch single malts. Stranahan’s has been a pioneer in this space, and Mountain Angel exemplifies how altitude and environment can create a whiskey that is both intense and elegant.

What other types of American whiskeys were highlighted in the 2025 tasting?

The 2025 BevTest tasting covered the full spectrum of American whiskey, showcasing more than just bourbon and single malt. Among the top-scoring bottles were bold ryes, Tennessee whiskeys, and even an inventive peach-infused spirit. This diversity reflects how competitive and innovative the American whiskey landscape has become. Revived heritage labels like Cream of Kentucky stood alongside carefully aged single-barrel releases and high-proof bottles crafted for experienced enthusiasts. The inclusion of flavored expressions shows that the category has evolved far beyond traditional straight whiskeys. For example, a peach-infused whiskey demonstrated that fruit-forward profiles can achieve high scores when executed with balance and quality ingredients. The panel also recognized ryes that deliver bold spice and complexity, Tennessee whiskeys with their signature charcoal-mellowed smoothness, and other small-batch offerings that push boundaries. Overall, the results highlight that American whiskey makers are not afraid to experiment while maintaining craftsmanship, offering consumers an exciting range of options for any occasion.

Why is the price of the best bourbon notable, and what does it mean for consumers?

The fact that the best bourbon of 2025, Cream of Kentucky Small Batch, retails for under $70 is a major headline. In a market where many highly-rated bourbons have soared to triple-digit prices due to demand and scarcity, this bottle proves that quality and affordability can coexist. For consumers, it means they don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a platinum-medal-winning whiskey. This is especially important for everyday drinkers who want a reliable, excellent pour without breaking the bank. The price also challenges the assumption that expensive equals better. The blind tasting methodology eliminates brand prestige, so the score reflects pure sensory quality. When a $70 bottle beats competitors that cost three times as much, it sends a clear message: value exists if you know where to look. For bartenders, retailers, and collectors, this presents an opportunity to stock a high-scoring bourbon at an accessible price point. Ultimately, Cream of Kentucky demonstrates that excellent bourbon can remain an attainable luxury.