Results are in!
We’re excited to announce the official results of the DRAM1 Whisky Award 2025! After an incredible blind-tasting process involving more than 150 members of our passionate whisky panel, the final scores have been tallied and the winners have been chosen. This year’s lineup showcased an outstanding range of whiskies—submitted with the support of brand ambassadors and tasted completely blind to ensure a fair, unbiased outcome.
Whisky #1: Teeling Small Batch – 73 Points
Teeling Small Batch
DRAM1 Panel Members Teeling Small Batch Review This review of the Teeling Small Batch is…
Whisky #2: Coperies Single Malt – 69 Points
Coperies Single Malt
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Coperies Single Malt continues to build momentum for continental European whisky, offering…
Whisky #3: Glengoyne 12 – 75 Points
Glengoyne 12
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Glengoyne 12 is known as a gentle, unpeated Highland malt…
Whisky #4: Singleton 15 – 73 Points
Singleton 15
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Singleton 15 presents itself as a smooth, approachable Speyside expression, known for…
Whisky #5: Aberfeldy 16 – 76 Points
Aberfeldy 16
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Aberfeldy 16 is a rich, sherry-influenced Highland single malt, celebrated for its…
Whisky #6: Clonakilty Pot Still – 76 Points
Clonakilty Pot Still
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Clonakilty Pot Still is an Irish single pot still whisky known for…
Whisky #7: Stauning Rye – 76 Points
Stauning Rye
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Stauning Rye is a Nordic rye whisky showcasing a bold, spicy character, sweet undertones, and…
Whisky #8: Thy Caramel Malt – 76 Points
Thy Caramel Malt
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Thy Caramel Malt is a full-bodied, sherry-forward malt that combines intense sweetness with earthy,…
Whisky #9: Douglas Laing Rock Island – 78 Points
Rock Island
Review Rock Island – Douglas Laing’s Regional Malts DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition Rock Island, part…
Whisky #10: Cadenhead’s 7 Star Blend – 79 Points
Cadenhead’s 7 Star
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition Cadenhead’s 7 Star Blend is a modern revival of an old-style…
Whisky #11: Tamnavulin Port Cask – 76 Points
Tamnavulin Port Cask
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Tamnavulin Port Cask is a delicate Speyside expression finished in…
Whisky #12: Chivas Regal 18 – 76 Points
Chivas Regal 18
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Chivas Regal 18 is a blended Scotch whisky designed to…
Whisky #13: Le Breuil Golden Promise – 79 Points
Le Breuil Golden Promise
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Le Breuil Golden Promise is a young single malt that…
Whisky #14: Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask – 80 Points
Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask is a bold, peated single malt that…
Whisky #15: Glendronach Ode to the Dark – 81 Points
Glendronach Ode to the Dark
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Glendronach Ode to the Dark is a powerful, sherry-forward single…
Whisky #16: Smoky Scot PX – 82 Points
Smoky Scot PX
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition The Smoky Scot PX is a bold, peaty powerhouse that delivers…
Celebrating the DRAM1 Whisky Award 2025
A Triumph of Community, Craft, and Unbiased Whisky Appreciation
The whisky world thrives on passion—on the shared curiosity of enthusiasts, the dedication of producers, and the collective pursuit of discovering the best each year has to offer. This year’s DRAM1 Whisky Award 2025 embodies all of that and more. What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the most community-driven whisky recognitions in the industry. With more than 150 panel members and over 100 contributors submitting full tasting notes, the DRAM1 Award has shown how powerful, knowledgeable, and generous the whisky community truly is.
But what makes the DRAM1 Whisky Award such a standout achievement in the whisky world? It comes down to three things: the transparency of a blind-tasting format, the dedication of our panel members, and the overwhelming enthusiasm from whisky lovers worldwide.
A Blind-Tasting Process Like No Other
One of the most unique and defining elements of the DRAM1 Whisky Award 2025 is the commitment to blind tasting. Every whisky submitted to the judging panel was poured, shared, and evaluated without any labels, brands, marketing, or reputational bias attached. Panelists scored each sample using only their senses—nose, palate, and finish—ensuring that the final results reflect pure, unbiased evaluation.
In a world where brand perception can influence even the most experienced drinkers, the blind-tasting format strips away preconceptions and lets the whisky speak for itself. This approach not only makes the results more trustworthy, but it empowers lesser-known distilleries to shine alongside industry giants. It is this fairness, this purity of judgment, that sets the DRAM1 Award apart from so many others.
A Massive Thank You to Our Tasting Panel
The heart of the DRAM1 Whisky Award lies in its incredible tasting panel. With over 150 members participating from all over the world, this year’s group brought together seasoned experts, dedicated hobbyists, and curious newcomers alike. Their commitment—tasting, writing notes, submitting thoughtful feedback, and scoring each whisky with care—has been nothing short of inspiring.
More than 100 panelists went above and beyond by submitting full tasting notes. These formed the backbone of the detailed whisky reviews that accompany the final scores. Every review published this year was crafted using real impressions from real whisky lovers, making this award a true reflection of community insight.
To every single panel member: thank you. Your time, palate, and passion have shaped the DRAM1 Whisky Award into something meaningful, respected, and grounded in authenticity.
Gratitude to the Brand Ambassadors and Distilleries
Special thanks must also be extended to the Brand Ambassadors and distillery teams who selected and provided the whiskies for this year’s competition. Your trust in the process, your belief in blind tasting, and your willingness to put your spirit forward without expectation is a testament to the craft behind every bottle. Your support helped us assemble an exciting, diverse, and beautifully varied lineup for 2025—one that challenged and delighted our panel.
A Celebration of Community—And an Invitation for Next Year
The whisky community is unlike any other: generous, knowledgeable, and endlessly enthusiastic. The success of the DRAM1 Whisky Award 2025 belongs to every one of you who participated, shared posts, discussed results, or raised a dram in celebration. This award works because the community works. Its integrity comes from your involvement. Its heartbeat comes from your passion.
As we wrap up another incredible year, we invite all whisky lovers—returning panelists and new participants alike—to join us again for the DRAM1 Whisky Award 2026. Whether you’re an expert with decades of tasting experience or someone just beginning your whisky journey, your voice matters, your palate matters, and your contribution strengthens the collective insight that makes this award so special.
Conclusion
The DRAM1 Whisky Award 2025 stands as a testament to the craft of whisky, the value of unbiased tasting, and the power of community. With blind judging, hundreds of tasting notes, and the unwavering support of panelists, brand ambassadors, and enthusiasts worldwide, this year’s award has been a true celebration of what whisky culture is all about: honesty, curiosity, and connection.
Here’s to another year of discovery—cheers to the DRAM1 community, and see you all in 2026!