Michter’s has done it again. For the third consecutive year, the Louisville-based distiller has claimed the title of World’s Most Admired Whiskey, topping Drinks International’s annual ranking.
While Michter’s retained its crown, Japan once again showed its might. Suntory-owned Yamazaki repeated its silver-medal finish for the third year running, while Hibiki made its debut in the top three.
Scotland’s highest climber was Ardbeg, nabbing fourth place and the title of Most Admired Scotch Whisky. For Ireland, Redbreast led the pack at 19th.
Why Michter’s keeps winning
The rankings are compiled from an international academy of 100 independent experts, including bartenders, journalists, buyers, and whisky specialists. And… me!
Brands are judged on quality and consistency, value, and brand strength. Drinks International editor Shay Waterworth said it best: Michter’s “ticks all the boxes”. It honours tradition while innovating, has provenance without stodginess, and is exclusive without being impossible to find.
In just five editions of the list, Michter’s has already made history with an unprecedented hat-trick.
Michter’s whiskey has a big reputation.
The Michter’s way
Matt Magliocco, executive vice president, called the award “literally a dream” and emphasised that any success is down to industry peers and supporters. Master of maturation Andrea Wilson said the recognition was “the ultimate expression” of the team’s work, while master distiller Dan McKee pointed to the global enthusiasm for both Michter’s and American whiskey in general. President Joseph J. Magliocco summed it up simply: “None of this would have been possible without the people behind it”.
Michter’s roots may be in Shively, Louisville, but its operations extend well beyond. The brand cultivates estate-grown grain in Springfield, Kentucky, on a 205-acre farm. Meanwhile, the downtown Fort Nelson Distillery houses the legendary Pennsylvania pot still system, offers tours, tastings, and even a cocktail bar curated by spirits historian David Wondrich. All this, while producing a portfolio of bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey that remains stubbornly committed to peak maturity and quality over volume.
This award arrives in what Michter’s calls an “era of evolution” for the industry, as whisky makers adapt to changing regulations, shifting consumer tastes, and advancing technology. Yet in the face of change, Michter’s continues to prove that focusing on fundamentals, making exceptional whiskey and getting it into the right hands, is what earns lasting admiration.
Michter’s make whiskey in a way that booze nerds like us can get geeky about
The Last Drop: The World’s Most Admired Whiskey 2025
Michter’s secures its place at the very top once more, flanked by Japanese titans Yamazaki and Hibiki, while Ardbeg and Redbreast wave the flags for Scotch and Irish whiskey.
For now, the world’s most admired whiskey remains proudly American, and it doesn’t look ready to give up that crown any time soon.
