American Single Malt whiskey is rapidly gaining a reputation as world-class spirits. These five whiskeys, all finalists for World’s Best American Single Malt Whiskey at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, represent some of the finest American single malts currently produced. One of these five will be named the best American single malt whiskey. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for each of the finalists.

Triple Eight Distillery, part of the Cisco Brewers family on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is renowned for its artisanal spirits. The distillery has consistently garnered gold medals at international spirit competitions.

Their "Notch" series reflects a commitment to traditional Scottish methods, using 100% Maris Otter malted barley, an heirloom variety, and double distillation in a single Arnold Holstein pot still. The 15-year expression is aged solely on Nantucket, where the coastal climate imparts a unique maritime character to the whisky, utilizing a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. This expression is among the oldest American single malts currently available.

The whisky presents rich sherry cask aromas on the nose, featuring stewed and dried fruits, chocolate, and toasted nuts. It is robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, honey, coconut, caramel, and wood spices. The finish is long and sweet with lingering notes of dried fruits and a hint of toasted almond.