These five finalists for Best American Single Malt Whiskey at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition exemplify the pinnacle of U.S. whiskeys. Here’s a closer look at each contender, as one will ultimately claim the top honor.

Triple Eight Distillery, The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whiskey 15 Years Old

• ABV: 48%
• Price: $500

Triple Eight Distillery, part of the Cisco Brewers family from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is known for its commitment to artisanal spirits. Their Notch series utilizes 100% Maris Otter malted barley, employing traditional Scottish methods. This 15-year expression is aged solely on Nantucket, resulting in a unique maritime character influenced by the coastal climate.

Tasting notes include rich aromas of sherry cask, stewed fruits, chocolate, and toasted nuts. The flavor profile features dark chocolate, vanilla, honey, and wood spices, culminating in a long, sweet finish with hints of dried fruits and toasted almonds.

Balcones Distilling, Mirador Single Malt Whiskey

• ABV: 55%
• Price: $100

Hailing from Waco, Texas, Balcones Distilling has been a pioneer in the American craft whiskey movement. The Mirador expression is distinguished by its aging process in ex-bourbon barrels, allowing the malted barley’s subtle flavors to resonate.

The nose features floral and fruity notes, with hints of stone fruits and potpourri. On the palate, it is creamy, with flavors of lemon cream, chocolate, and stewed berries, leading to a sweet, lingering finish with floral and herbal undertones.

World Whiskey Society, Wyatt Earp Small Batch American Single Malt Whiskey

• ABV: 48%
• Price: $79.99

This whiskey from the World Whiskey Society pays tribute to Wyatt Earp, an iconic figure in American frontier history, and is crafted in Oklahoma. With a label showcasing a U.S. Marshal badge, the personality of its namesake is reflected in the whiskey.

It presents an aromatic nose of dark chocolate, candied citrus, and caramel. The palate reveals notes of dark chocolate, fig, and a creamy mouthfeel, concluding with a long finish that carries persistent, sweet dried fruit notes.

Stranahan’s, Mountain Angel 12 Year

• ABV: 47%
• Price: $100

Established in Denver, Colorado, Stranahan’s has contributed significantly to the American single malt scene. The Mountain Angel 12 Year is their oldest release, aged in new American oak barrels at high altitudes, resulting in a pronounced "angel’s share" evaporation.

With stewed and roasted stone fruit notes on the nose, it delivers a rich, creamy taste highlighted by blueberry jam, caramel, and wood spices. The finish is long and silky, with flavors of wood and a hint of smoke.

Stranahan’s, Snowflake

• ABV: 47%
• Price: $120

This limited-edition release from Stranahan’s is highly coveted, with enthusiasts often camping out for a chance to purchase it. Each Snowflake expression is unique, resulting from a blend of various cask-finished single malts.

It offers an aromatic nose of orange zest and dried fruits. The palate is smooth and creamy, showcasing flavors of prune, peach, and cinnamon, ending with a sweet, lingering finish of dried fruit and seasoned oak.

These finalists showcase the incredible variety of American single malt whiskeys, which, while rooted in traditional Scotch and Irish practices, also leverage diverse maturation environments in the U.S. to create a wide array of flavors and expressions. The golden age of American single malt whiskey is on the horizon, and these selections are a perfect introduction to its richness.