The 20 Best Whisky Blogs (Independent Sites Every Whisky Lover Should Follow)
Whisky is built on stories.
Every bottle carries a history — of a distillery, a place, a cask and the people behind it. But for many whisky enthusiasts, the journey into those stories didn’t begin in a distillery warehouse. It began online, through the voices of passionate writers sharing their experiences with the world.
That was certainly the case for me.
Long before I started publishing my own whisky reviews, I spent countless evenings reading whisky blogs. These independent writers helped me discover bottles I might never have tried otherwise. They introduced me to independent bottlers, explained the subtleties of cask maturation and showed me how to translate flavours into words. Which is why they earned themselves a spot in this personal 20 Best Whisky Blogs list.
Over time that fascination grew into a passion for whisky writing itself.
Today I’m fortunate enough to share that passion through Dram1 as well as through my contributions to Whisky Passion Magazine. But the inspiration behind my writing still comes from the incredible community of independent whisky bloggers around the world.
This article is a tribute to them.
Below you’ll find my personal list of the 20 best whisky blogs currently available online — independent websites run by enthusiasts, writers and whisky geeks who share their passion through reviews, stories and education.
If you’re searching for the best whisky blogs to follow, these are some of the most insightful, entertaining and inspiring places to start.
1. Whiskyfun
If there is one website that shaped modern whisky reviewing, it is Whiskyfun.
Founded by Serge Valentin, Whiskyfun has been publishing whisky tasting notes for decades and now contains tens of thousands of reviews. Serge’s near-daily posts cover everything from obscure independent bottlings to legendary old Scotch releases.
Over the years, the site has also featured contributions from respected whisky writer Angus MacRaild, whose palate and thoughtful writing have added another layer of depth to the site’s already formidable archive.
What makes Whiskyfun truly special is its personality. Serge writes with humour, honesty and a playful irreverence toward whisky marketing while maintaining an extraordinarily precise palate. The result is a website that is both entertaining and deeply authoritative.
For many whisky bloggers, Whiskyfun isn’t just a blog — its a masterclass in whisky tasting and writing. And can never be exluded from a best whisky blogs list.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy daily whisky reviews, witty commentary and incredibly detailed tasting notes from some of the most respected palates in the whisky world.
2. Whiskynotes
Belgian whisky writer Ruben Luyten launched Whiskynotes in 2008, and it has since grown into one of the most respected whisky blogs on the internet.
The site contains thousands of whisky reviews, covering everything from official distillery releases to rare independent bottlings. Ruben’s writing is structured, precise and extremely informative, making Whiskynotes a trusted reference for whisky enthusiasts researching bottles.
Alongside reviews, the site also features whisky news, distillery updates and coverage of new releases.
Who it’s for:
Readers looking for well-structured whisky reviews, reliable bottle research and thoughtful commentary on new releases.
3. Words of Whisky
Written by Dutch whisky journalist Thijs Klaverstijn, Words of Whisky brings a journalistic approach to whisky blogging.
While the site includes tasting notes, it’s best known for distillery interviews, industry insights and in-depth articles exploring the craft of whisky making. Thijs has a talent for uncovering the stories behind the spirit — the people, ideas and traditions that shape the whisky world.
The result is a blog that feels both educational and engaging.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy long-form whisky journalism, distillery stories and behind-the-scenes industry insights.
4. Malt Review
Malt Review is a collaborative whisky blog run by several experienced whisky writers who share a commitment to honest whisky criticism.
The site publishes in-depth tasting notes, analytical essays and opinion pieces that often challenge whisky hype or marketing narratives. Its tone is thoughtful, sometimes provocative and always independent.
If you enjoy whisky writing that goes beyond simple reviews, Malt Review is one of the most interesting blogs to explore.
Who it’s for:
Readers who appreciate analytical whisky essays, critical perspectives and long-form whisky commentary.
5. Whisky Rant
Whisky Rant lives up to its name.
The site mixes whisky reviews with commentary on pricing trends, marketing tactics and the occasionally absurd side of the whisky industry. The tone is candid, occasionally blunt and refreshingly honest.
It’s a blog that isn’t afraid to call things as they are.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy straight-talking whisky opinions, industry commentary and refreshingly honest reviews.
6. Bourbon Banter
Bourbon Banter is one of the most entertaining whiskey websites around.
The site focuses primarily on American whiskey — bourbon, rye and craft distilling — while also covering Scotch and world whisky. Reviews are mixed with interviews, podcasts and cultural commentary.
I personnaly love that focus on American whiskey, as it’s a category of whisky I appreciate a lot, but when it comes to the best whisky blogs I find myself graviting more towards my european countparts, which often don’t feature American Whiskey as much as I’d like.
The writing style is lively and humorous, capturing the social side of whiskey appreciation.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy fun, conversational whiskey writing and strong coverage of bourbon and American whiskey culture.
7. Breaking Bourbon
https://www.breakingbourbon.com
Breaking Bourbon has become one of the most respected bourbon-focused websites online.
The site is known for its highly structured reviews, detailed bottle breakdowns and extremely useful bourbon release calendars. It offers a data-driven approach to whiskey reviewing while still maintaining an enthusiast’s perspective.
If you follow the American whiskey scene closely, Breaking Bourbon is an essential resource.
Who it’s for:
Readers who want detailed bourbon reviews, release tracking and in-depth analysis of new American whiskey bottles.
8. Dram1
Of course, I couldn’t write a list of the best whisky blogs without mentioning Dram1.
Dram1 began as a personal passion project — a place to document whisky discoveries and share honest tasting notes. Over time it has grown into a broader platform covering whisky reviews, whisky education and whisky storytelling.
Alongside detailed tasting notes, the site features Dram1 Academy articles, distillery spotlights, whisky guides and occasional whisky news, all aimed at helping readers explore the whisky world more deeply.
The inspiration behind Dram1 came from many of the blogs in this list, which makes it particularly meaningful to include it here.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy honest whisky reviews, educational whisky articles and accessible guides that help deepen their understanding of whisky.
9. Single Malt Snob
https://www.singlemaltsnob.com
Single Malt Snob offers a relaxed and personal approach to whisky blogging.
The site blends whisky reviews with reflections on whisky culture, occasional recipes and everyday whisky enjoyment. The tone is conversational and approachable, making the content easy to read whether you’re new to whisky or already experienced.
It’s a blog that celebrates whisky as part of life rather than just a technical subject.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy casual whisky storytelling, lifestyle-style whisky content and approachable tasting notes.
10. Long Pour Amour
Long Pour Amour approaches whisky through storytelling.
Rather than focusing purely on scores or bottle comparisons, the blog explores the atmosphere and emotion surrounding whisky appreciation. Articles often combine tasting notes with reflections on moments, memories and experiences connected to a dram.
It’s a refreshing perspective that reminds readers why whisky is meant to be savoured.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy reflective whisky writing, storytelling and immersive whisky experiences.
11. Two Whisky Bros
Two Whisky Bros brings the energy of a whisky bar conversation to the internet.
The blog features whisky reviews, discussions and commentary written by two enthusiasts who clearly enjoy debating drams together. Their writing is informal, enthusiastic and opinionated in the best possible way.
Reading it feels like joining a whisky tasting among friends.
As a member of the SMWS I also hugely appreciate the fact they put a lot of effort into reviewing upcoming Outturns from the society, which helps me a lot in picking out a bottle or two there!
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy conversational whisky reviews, opinion-driven content and lively whisky discussions.
12. First Fill Phil
First Fill Phil has become particularly popular among whisky enthusiasts interested in independent bottlings.
Phil frequently reviews single cask releases and lesser-known bottles that might otherwise fly under the radar. His tasting notes are detailed yet approachable, striking a good balance between analysis and enthusiasm.
It’s an excellent blog for discovering interesting whiskies beyond standard distillery releases.
Who it’s for:
Readers interested in independent bottlers, single cask reviews and discovering lesser-known whisky releases.
13. Malt Fascination
Malt Fascination delivers detailed whisky analysis with a clear passion for the spirit. And while it’s no longer active, there’s still a trove of reviews to explore.
The site regularly reviews independent bottlings and special releases while offering thoughtful commentary on whisky trends and flavour profiles. The tone is analytical yet enthusiastic, making it particularly appealing to experienced whisky drinkers.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy technical tasting notes, flavour analysis and deep dives into whisky profiles.
14. Confessions of a Whiskyfreak
Confessions of a Whiskyfreak captures the excitement of discovering new drams.
The blog features passionate tasting notes and personal reflections from someone clearly driven by genuine enthusiasm for whisky. That authenticity gives the site its charm.
It’s the kind of blog that reminds you why whisky blogging exists in the first place.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy enthusiastic whisky writing and personal tasting journeys.
15. Jeff Whisky
Jeff Whisky focuses on making whisky reviews accessible.
The blog presents tasting notes in a clear and straightforward way that helps readers understand flavour profiles without overly technical terminology. Jeff explores a wide range of bottles, from everyday drams to more unusual releases.
It’s a helpful guide for anyone still building their tasting vocabulary.
Who it’s for:
Readers who appreciate clear, beginner-friendly whisky reviews and approachable flavour descriptions.
16. Whisky Passion
https://www.whisky-passion.com
Whisky Passion is both a blog and magazine dedicated to whisky enthusiasm.
The platform publishes tasting notes, whisky commentary and articles written by multiple contributors, offering a variety of perspectives on whisky appreciation. The content often blends reviews with broader whisky reflections.
It’s a collaborative space where whisky writers share their passion for the spirit.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy magazine-style whisky writing, multiple viewpoints and in-depth whisky articles.
17. The Whiskey Wash
The Whiskey Wash is one of the most widely read whiskey websites online.
The site combines whisky reviews with industry news, interviews and distillery features, covering everything from Scotch and bourbon to emerging world whiskies. With multiple writers contributing content, it provides a broad perspective on the whiskey world.
It’s a great place to stay up to date with whisky culture.
Who it’s for:
Readers looking for whisky news, industry stories and wide-ranging coverage of global whiskey trends.
18. The Whiskey Jug
The Whiskey Jug has become a trusted source for whisky reviews.
The site covers Scotch, bourbon and world whisky with hundreds of tasting notes across different price ranges. The writing style is practical and approachable, making it a helpful reference when researching bottles before buying.
Who it’s for:
Readers searching for honest bottle reviews, practical buying advice and accessible whisky recommendations.
19. Whisky for Everyone
https://www.whiskyforeveryone.com
Whisky for Everyone is one of the early whisky blogs that helped introduce many readers to Scotch whisky.
The site focuses on approachable reviews, distillery guides and educational content designed to make whisky less intimidating for newcomers.
It remains a friendly entry point into whisky appreciation.
Who it’s for:
Readers beginning their whisky journey who want simple whisky guides, approachable reviews and beginner-friendly education.
20. The Dutch Whisky Association
https://dutchwhiskyassociation.nl
The Dutch Whisky Association highlights whisky culture in the Netherlands.
The site covers whisky tastings, events and community initiatives while celebrating the social side of whisky appreciation.
It’s a reminder that whisky is often best enjoyed as part of a community.
Who it’s for:
Readers interested in whisky events, community gatherings and the social side of whisky culture.
Final Thoughts
One of the most beautiful things about whisky blogging is that it is almost always driven by passion.
Most of the writers behind these sites didn’t start because they wanted to become critics or influencers. They started because they loved whisky and wanted to share that enthusiasm with others.
That authenticity is what makes the whisky blogosphere such an inspiring place.
For me personally, these writers played a huge role in shaping my own whisky journey. They helped me discover new bottles, refine my palate and understand how storytelling can bring whisky to life.
They also inspired me to start writing myself.
Through Dram1 and my work with Whisky Passion Magazine, I now try to contribute to that same community — sharing discoveries, tasting notes and whisky stories with fellow enthusiasts around the world.
If you’re looking for the best whisky blogs to follow, the websites in this list are some of the most enjoyable places on the internet to explore the world of whisky.
Preferably with a dram in hand.