Bloomberg’s spirits critic has released his sixth annual year-end whiskey selection, and this edition marks a pivotal moment: tequila and rum now share shelf space alongside single malts in his curated dozen. Over the course of twelve months, sampling hundreds of notable spirits, Japhe narrowed his picks to selections that transcend traditional category boundaries, reflecting broader industry recognition that excellence trumps heritage gatekeeping.
The premiumisation trend that dominated 2025 shows no signs of slowing. Millennials and Gen Z are driving demand for quality over quantity, with single malts and unique cask releases claiming larger shares of shelf space. The Scotch whisky market alone is projected to grow by $12.4 billion from 2025 to 2029, while Irish whiskey saw a 23% rise in tourism, with over one million visitors in the year to June 2025.
Japan’s Dominance Reshapes Global Standards
House of Suntory’s market leadership reflects years of investment in distilling excellence and consistency. Japan, India, Taiwan, and Australia are pushing production boundaries with innovative approaches, creating distinct flavor profiles that challenge traditional geographic assumptions. Younger consumers are rejecting the notion that legitimacy stems solely from origin.
The Yamazaki 18 Years Old earned the title of Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge in London this September—the prize every distillery covets. Judges praised its “exceptional smoothness coupled with impressive flavor intensity.” The Japanese single malt commands retail prices frequently surpassing $550 in the U.S., with tasting notes of dark fruit, sandalwood, Spanish oak, and Mizunara wood.
Scottish Excellence Across Categories
Aberlour A’bunadh earned Gold at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards and Master accolades at the Scotch Whisky Masters. This cask-strength Speyside, matured entirely in Oloroso sherry casks, delivers dark fruit, spice, and roasted oak without the premium pricing of aged competitors. Judges highlighted its “complex texture and style,” with notes of honey-roasted cashews and subtle woodiness.
GlenAllachie 12-Year-Old achieved World’s Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, retailing for approximately $65. The sherry-rich Speyside showcases Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks, retaining its natural color without the use of chill filtration. Its nose presents rich notes of sultanas, flapjacks, and milk chocolate, while the palate delivers flavors of golden raisins, fruitcake, and orange zest.
Glenmorangie Signet Reserve claimed Best Scotch Highlands Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Its sherry character brings forth figs, dates, raisins, and cherry jam, balanced with cinnamon, hazelnut, and toasted oak. The palate offers dark fruit, orange, barley sugar, clove, and roasted nuts.
Glen Scotia 25-Year-Old earned Best Scotch Campbeltown Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. The expression represents a region once threatened with extinction—now thriving. Long, elegant finishes hint at maritime salt, seapray character, and lingering heat from quality oak.
Emerging Voices and Value Selections
Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old was named Whisky of the Year 2024 by The Whisky Exchange and helped the distillery secure “Distillery of the Year” at the IWSC. Its tropical-flavored profile features baked apple, grapefruit, and honeysuckle, with a finish presenting gentle wisks of smoke and rich oak.
Talisker’s 45-year-old cask-strength island expression represents whisky’s most patient maturation strategy. Described as a “maritime masterpiece,” each sip reveals peat smoke, sea minerals, and the unmistakable Talisker signature. Limited availability makes it an investment-grade purchase.
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, priced around $100, represents exceptional value in an increasingly premium category. Ireland is rediscovering cask-strength styles, with Redbreast leading the charge. This sherry-influenced, full-proof Irish whiskey delivers balanced power without compromise.
Benromach occupies a curious space: it boasts exceptional quality, yet its marketing reach is minimal. Enthusiasts describe it as “the best peated bargain in Scotland,” combining sherry influence, peat smoke, and genuine value. Ardnamurchan Cask Strength proves age statements aren’t everything; young spirits can compete when the foundation is right.
Category Boundaries Dissolve
Japhe’s inclusion of two tequilas and one rum signals something profound: great spirits transcend category labels. These selections underscore broader industry recognition that excellence matters more than tradition. For collectors seeking conversation pieces and discoveries, this expansion offers story value beyond typical whiskey selections.
The cask-strength trend observed throughout 2025 shows momentum building. Distilleries are releasing more uncut and unfiltered expressions as consumers demand authenticity and transparency. Brands such as Benromach, Ardnamurchan, and Redbreast are leading this charge.
Sources:
“Best Bourbon, Scotch and World Whiskey 2025” — Bloomberg
“World Whiskies Awards 2025 – Winners” — World Whiskies Awards
“The Yamazaki 18 wins Supreme Champion at International Spirits Challenge 2025” — Drinks International
“Irish whiskey distillery visitor figures back over 1m” — The Spirits Business
“Scotch Whisky Market Size, Competitors & Forecast to 2032” — Research and Markets
“The Scotch Whisky Masters 2025 results” — The Spirits Business