Winter 2025 Editors' Choices

Our Winter issue Buying Guide includes reviews of nearly 100 whiskies. All are worth a look to seek out expressions that might appeal to you. Representative of the whisky world's current climate, some are limited, and a few are priced beyond the reach of most drinkers, but there's something for everyone. Here are nine highly rated, generally available, and reasonably priced whiskies worth seeking out. The list includes a 15 year old scotch for $85, a stout-finished Irish blend for $35, and a plethora of bourbon and rye to add to your bar for $45 or less.

94 points - Aberfeldy 15 year old Bolgheri Red Wine Cask Finish, 46%, $85

This Highland single malt spent 2 years in Bolgheri Italian red wine casks. Chocolate, black cherry, clove, and nutmeg

94 points - Eagle Rare 12 year old, 47.5%, $50

A new permanent addition to this bourbon brand's lineup. Honeyed almonds, buttery French toast, raspberry jam, and pepper spice

93 points - Indri Agneya, 46%, $75

Lightly peated barley is the base of this Indian single malt. Vanilla extract, peat, banana, and chocolate-covered toffee

93 points - The Whistler Imperial Stout Cask Finish (Batch 003), 46%, $35

An Irish blend that was finished in Lough Gill's Imperial stout barrels. Mocha, blackberry, blueberry, and cocoa powder

93 points - Wild Turkey 8 year old 101 Proof, 50.5%, $45

Making a return to U.S. shelves after over 30 years of being an export-only expression. Peanut oil, red berries, bananas, tobacco, and pepper spice

92 points - Fettercairn 12 year old, 46%, $65

This scotch single malt was aged exclusively in bourbon barrels. Tropical fruit, sourdough, and toasted vanilla

92 points - Sazerac 100 Proof, 50%, $30/liter

A new higher-proof, widely available rye from Buffalo Trace. Vanilla, brown sugar, caramel corn, and sweet tea

91 points - Sweetens Cove 5 year old, 46.85%, $45

A celebrity-owned bourbon that hits the mark with approachability and flavor. Cinnamon rolls, butter cake, vanilla custard, and some tannic oak

90 points - Old Grand-Dad 7 year old Bottled in Bond (Spring 2018 Vintage; 2025 Release), 50%, $40

A new annual release bourbon from Beam. Chocolate, cinnamon, pickled ginger, and jammy fruit