Enter the world of sophisticated flavours, distinctive aromas and a touch of timeless elegance. We fill our glasses and raise a toast to the top 10 whiskies of 2025!
2025 has brought us a wonderful selection of divine distillates. In 2025, Scotch and Japanese whisky appear to be doing particularly well, being the only two countries to top our list of most loved whiskies in 2025.
Place 10: Arran Port Finish
After an initial maturation in traditional oak casks, this Arran Port Finish single malt received a finish on a selection of port casks. The casks were closely monitored by Master Distiller James MacTaggart during this second maturation period to give them the perfect balance between the port finish and the intrinsically sweet flavour of Arran malt. The end result is a single malt full of charm, complexity and quality.
Place 9: GlenDronach Ode Dark
Glendronach Ode Dark is a whisky from Scotland by the Glendronach brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Single Malt category. This whisky comes from the Highland region. Aged in exceptional Pedro Ximénez casks, this rich and sumptuous elixir achieves unparalleled depth and intensity.
Place 8: Nikka Coffey Malt
Nikka Coffey Malt is a whisky from Japan by the Nikka brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Coffey Malt category.
The woody, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Spicy hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Place 7: Nikka Days
Nikka launched Nikka Days years ago. The then brand new creation was a subtle blend of grain whisky and lightly-turfed malt and, years later, still proves to be a hit... was it ever any different at Nikka?
Place 6: Arran The Bodega Sherry
Arran The Bodega Sherry is a whisky from Scotland by the Arran brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Single Malt category. This whisky comes from the Isle Of Arran region.
The spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Woody hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this whisky has a fairly distinct character.
Place 5: Arran 10y
The Arran 10yo is a fresh and lively Arran malt expression with all the characteristics of the classic Arran style. Vanilla and citrus dominate in this smooth, mellow dram.
Place 4: John Crabbie Single Malt
John Crabbie's legacy and passion for whisky continues today with this single malt Scotch whisky from the Bonnington distillery in Leith and is matured in 100% virgin oak casks.
Floral, woody, spicy, as well as fruity hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction. Based on this profile, you can conclude that this whisky has a fairly soft character, without extremes.
Place 3: Arran Barrel Reserve
In 1995, the first spirit started flowing at the Arran distillery. This was fairly remarkable, it was a period when many distilleries were just closing their doors. The first whisky was very drinkable, but it is fair to say that the quality got better and better, even growing into one of the finest single malts we offer in our range: Arran has become well established.
Arran Barrel Reserve, 100% matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 43% was the newcomer in 2019, replacing the Lochranza Reserve (the latter then disappeared from the range). Years later, it still proves to be a particularly well-loved whisky that must be tasted.
Place 2: Taketsuru Pure Malt
Taketsuru Pure Malt is a whisky from Japan by the Taketsuru brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Blended Malt category.
Masataka Taketsuru, born in 1894, is considered the founder of Japanese whisky. This chemist by training was hired by Settsu Shuzo who, in 1919, assigned him to train around whisky production in Scotland. Masataka fell in love with Scotch whisky and also met his soul mate Rita Cowan there. During his schooling at Campbeltown, he was already giving plenty of thought to the ideal place in Japan to set up a production unit, thus fulfilling his dream of becoming a distiller. On his return to Japan, it was clear to him that the island of Hokkaido was by far the best choice. However, Shinjiro Torii, his then employer, disagreed, and he decided to open a distillery at Yamazaki. Some time later, Masataka Taketsuru and his wife left for Hokkaido and established their first distillery at Yoichi: thus a living legend was born! After constructing Yoichi in Hokkaido in 1934, Taketsuru managed to open a second distillery near Sendai in 1969: Miyagikyo. The Nikka group's entire range is based on production from these two sites. Taketsuru always contains whisky originating from both sites.
Site 1: Nikka From The Barrel
Nikka "From the Barrel" with its very recognisable bottle is one of the great classics of Japanese whisky. It is a blended whisky that comes from sherry casks, bourbon, re-roasted bourbon casks and new casks! The care taken by Nikka's Master Blender gives this whisky a rarely seen powerful, complex flavour.
The nose is fine and complex with a floral, fruity pointe. Then spices and leather rear their heads alongside cloves, vanilla, nougat with almonds and caramel.
The palate is very powerful and determined, evolving over caramelised apple, cooked peach and dates.
The finish is long with a maritime touch over vanilla and plum jam.
Marketing • IT • Klantenservice
I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
