In 2023, Michter’s, the Kentucky-based whiskey brand, made history by becoming the first American name to take the top spot on the Drinks International list of The World’s Most Admired Whiskies. This achievement highlighted a significant moment for American whiskey, traditionally dominated by Scotch and Japanese brands.

Fast forward to 2025, and Michter’s secured this accolade for the third consecutive year, further cementing its status. The selection process involved a panel of 100 independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders, and whiskey experts from over 20 countries. They ranked brands based on the quality and consistency of whiskeys, price-to-quality ratio, and the strength of branding and marketing.

In the 2025 list, Michter’s was accompanied by Maker’s Mark as the only American brands in the top 10. Here’s the complete list of the top 10 whiskies:

1. Michter’s
2. The Yamazaki
3. Hibiki
4. Ardbeg
5. Compass Box
6. Maker’s Mark
7. Bruichladdich
8. The Macallan
9. Hakushu
10. Laphroaig

Michter’s roots can be traced back to the 18th century in Pennsylvania, originally known as Shenk’s Distillery before being rebranded in the 1950s. Although the original distillery ceased operations in 1989, Joe Magliocco revived the brand in the late 1990s by acquiring the trademark and establishing new production in Kentucky.

Initially sourcing whiskey from other distilleries, Michter’s began its own distillation in 2015 at a new facility in Shively, Kentucky. The brand’s offerings include a range of bourbons and ryes, along with limited editions like the Michter’s Legacy Series, which features exclusive releases such as Bomberger’s Bourbon and Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash.

Michter’s also produces a line of age-stated whiskeys that are only offered when deemed exceptional, with releases of 10-year bourbons, coveted 20-year bourbons, and the limited Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash.

Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Executive Vice President, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It’s literally a dream to have Michter’s recognized as the World’s Most Admired Whiskey… it’s extremely humbling to be acknowledged by our peers across the industry.”

In addition to the Shively distillery, Michter’s operates the Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville and a 205-acre property in Springfield, Kentucky, which is developing estate-grown grain.