My Top 5 Scotch Whiskies of 2025 Ranked

2025 has been a fascinating year for whisky. Quality is rising, hype is fading, and the new generation of distilleries is proving they can compete with the classics.

I've tasted hundreds of whiskies this year, and today I'm counting down my top 5—plus a controversial special mention that'll surprise you.

CHAPTERS/TIMESTAMPS :

═════════════════════════
🥃 ESSENTIAL WHISKY TOOLKIT - Ships from 32 Countries
═════════════════════════

📍 FLAVOUR MAP - Find Your Next Bottle
100 whiskies organised by actual taste on a spectrum diagram, BUT in hand-drawn old map style.
→ https://etsy.me/48u6Gjg

🌳 FLAVOUR TREE POSTER
Flowchart guide to whisky flavour. Identify what you're tasting.
Dark: https://etsy.me/4pqTEJ4 | Light: https://etsy.me/4pArJqd

📝 TASTING CARDS - Pocket Flavour Tree
10-pack for tastings, bars, mate's house, etc
US & CA: https://etsy.me/4hOefVa | Rest of World: https://etsy.me/47XXh3c

═════════════════════════
🤝 JOIN THE COMMUNITY
═════════════════════════

💬 Discord (1000+ whisky geeks, most active):   / discord  
💌 Newsletter (monthly whisky picks & insights): https://firstphilwhisky.com/neatnotes
🎥 Patreon (bonus videos, Q&As, support the channel):   / firstphilwhisky  
📸 Instagram:   / firstphilwhisky  
✨ YouTube Membership (badges, emojis, perks):    / @firstphilwhisky  

═════════════════════════

🧰 GEAR FROM MY VIDEOS (affiliate links)
Glencairn Glass: https://amzn.to/36sPr24 | Water Jug: https://amzn.to/3o6pz1U | Bottle Caps: https://amzn.to/3OX0Fip
→ Full gear list: https://www.firstphilwhisky.com/gear

═════════════════════════

📧 Business: phil [at] firstphilwhisky [dot] com
🔗 Website & media kit: https://www.firstphilwhisky.com

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views are personal opinions, not factual assertions. Critiques are based on publicly available information (freedom of expression/fair use). Brand references are for commentary/review only—no endorsement implied. Verify information independently.

This whisky content is intended for legal drinking age audiences in your jurisdiction only. Drink responsibly. Some links are affiliates (supports channel at no cost to you).

Whisky Flavour Tree and Flavour Map © 2025 Phillip Gow / First Phil Whisky. All rights reserved. Unauthorised use prohibited.