Best Whiskey 2026

1. Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask
Strength Single Malt Whisky

Produced in Taiwan, Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry is bottled at cask strength from single sherry casks. Subtropical maturation accelerates aging, delivering concentrated complexity and balance at a younger age. This expression showcases Kavalan's innovative cask management and distinctive climate driven approach, underscoring its growing global influence in the single malt whisky category.

2. Garrison Brothers Distillery

Located in Hye, Texas, Garrison Brothers is widely recognized as Texas' first legal distillery. The distillery produces handcrafted bourbons shaped by the Texas Hill Country climate, which accelerates aging and intensifies flavor. Visitors can tour the ranch-style property, sample award-winning whiskies and experience a laid-back setting that reflects the brand's commitment to craft and place.

3. Templeton

Templeton Rye draws inspiration from Prohibition-era recipes while producing modern rye whiskey with a smooth, approachable character. Known for its spicy yet balanced profile, the brand appeals to both cocktail enthusiasts and neat pour drinkers. Templeton's whiskies emphasize accessibility without sacrificing the defining traits that make rye distinct.

4. Still Austin Whiskey

Crafted in Austin, Texas, Still Austin Whiskey reflects a modern approach to grain-to-glass production. The distillery focuses on locally sourced grains and a hands-on distilling process that embraces Texas' challenging climate. Its whiskies balance boldness with structure, appealing to drinkers interested in contemporary American whiskey.

5. WhistlePig Whiskey

Based in Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig is best known for its focus on rye whiskey and long aging statements. The brand emphasizes bold flavor profiles and estate-driven production, with whiskies often bottled at higher proof. Its approach has helped elevate rye whiskey's modern reputation, making WhistlePig a standout for drinkers looking beyond traditional styles.

6. Glengoyne White Oak Single Malt Scotch

Glengoyne White Oak is matured exclusively in first fill bourbon and virgin oak casks from North America, gently charred to let the unpeated spirit shine. Distilled slowly for clarity and balance, the whisky delivers a bright, approachable style with gentle sweetness and notes of toffee apple. It highlights wood influence and patience without leaning into smoke.

7. Johnnie Walker Black Label

Blended from whiskies aged a minimum of 12 years, Johnnie Walker Black Label is known for its balance and consistency. The expression combines smoky, malty and subtly sweet notes into a profile that appeals to a wide range of whiskey drinkers. Long regarded as a staple on back bars and home shelves alike, it remains a reliable introduction to blended Scotch as well as a longtime favorite among seasoned fans.

8. George Dickel Signature Recipe

George Dickel Signature Recipe is crafted using the Lincoln County Process, which filters whiskey through charcoal before aging. Known for its smooth profile, the whiskey reflects the distillery's long-standing Tennessee traditions. It's often enjoyed neat or in classic whiskey cocktails.

9. Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered
Straight Rye Whiskey

Bottled as an "uncut/unfiltered" expression, Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye is a bold, high-impact rye designed for drinkers who want intensity and depth. The whiskey emphasizes rye's classic spice and barrel-driven character, delivering a fuller-style profile suited to sipping or spirit-forward cocktails. It's also positioned as a distillery-exclusive release, making it a notable pick for collectors and rye fans alike.

10. Woody Creek Distillers Rye Whiskey

Produced in Colorado, Woody Creek Distillers Rye Whiskey is made using locally sourced grains and traditional distilling methods. The rye delivers a clean, spice-forward profile that works well both neat and in cocktails. Its regional focus highlights the growing diversity of American whiskey beyond traditional hubs.

FINALISTS
Dalton Distillery's Taza Ray Moonshine
GlenAllachie
Iron Smoke Distillery
Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey
Prichard's Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Select

About Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readers.choice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Pam & Gary Baker

Pam and Gary Baker are freelance food, wine, and travel writers living in Northern California. They have written for local, national, and international publications including WineTraveler, BBC Travel, LuxeBeat, Best Wineries, Wander with Wonder, and more. Pam is also the former editor of Sacramento Lifestyle Magazine. They love train travel, small ship sailing, and exploring wine regions throughout the world. Follow their adventures at pamandgarybaker.com.

Gavin Booth

Gavin Booth of coupleinthekitchen.com specializes in recipe development, all things grilling, food- and wine-based travel and romantic destinations of the world. He has extensive travel experience, visiting all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries. He's a full-time recipe developer, photographer, videographer and writer.

Chez Chesak

Chez Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 29-year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and President of The Society of American Travel Writers' Central States Chapter. Learn more about him at www.chezconnects.com.

Peggy Cleveland

Marguerite "Peggy" Cleveland is a travel and food writer focusing on cultural experiences, food and wine for travelers over 50. She runs the website Peggy, Where Should I Go? and contributes to Business Insider, SheBuysTravel, TravelAwaits, Northwest Travel and Life, and Food, Wine & Travel. Peggy is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die with Reedy Press. Her writing highlights unique destinations and local cuisine, offering practical insights and inspiration for her readers. She is a NATJA and IFWTWA member. Follow her on Instagram.

Amy Piper

Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. She is a native Michigander who travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 45 states and 41 countries around the world. From getting chased by bomb-sniffing dogs in the middle of the night in Bogotá to being boarding on her plane from Buenos Aires to Paraguay due to the wrong visa, Amy always has an exciting adventure to tell her readers and community of travel enthusiasts. Learn more at followthepiper.com.

Jill Robbins

Jill Robbins is an expert writer focusing on family and adventure travel as well as practical tips to help everyone get the most value out of their vacation experience. Jill's work has appeared in AAA Texas, Southern Living, Business Insider, Fodor's Travel and more. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and two sons, but she's usually somewhere else. Learn more about her travels at www.jillgoes.com.

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a writer and attorney from Philadelphia who now calls Washington, D.C. home. She's traveled to more than 90 countries, often bringing her children along on her adventures. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Afar, The Huffington Post, USA Today and many other publications. Jamie can be contacted at byjamiesmith@gmail.com, and posts about her travels on Instagram.

Robin Smith

Robin O'Neal Smith is a freelance writer covering food, travel, wine and lifestyle topics. A "foodie," she enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her and finding the hidden gems in destinations to share with her readers. She resides in Pennsylvania, and her work has appeared in Potomac Lifestyle, Travel Awaits, She Buys Travel, Extended Weekend Getaways and many others. Robin has appeared on various podcasts as an expert on travel topics. She is a TravMedia member and serves on the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association board. Follow her adventures at robinonealsmith.com.

Aly Walansky

Aly Walansky writes regularly about food news and trends. She has been a food journalist for over twenty years and has covered everything from budget shopping to recipes to culinary travel content for national publications that include the Food Network, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, The Kitchn and more. She was ranked among top 10 journalists of 2023 and top 10 freelance journalists in 2024, as well as #1 food journalist of 2022, by Muck Rack. Follow her at alywalansky.substack.com.

Kathleen Walls

Kathleen Walls is publisher/writer for American Roads and Global Highways. She's authored eight travel books and several online tour guides. Publications she's written for include Roadtrippers, Travel Awaits, World Footprints, Snowbirds and RVers, Family RVing, Deep South, Florida Country, Rovology and more. She's a proud member of International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers (IFWTA), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), and North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).

Nancy Zaffaro

Nancy Zaffaro is a writer, editor and photographer. She covers arts, culture, travel and the outdoors and also writes fiction. She is the Editor of ConfettiTravelCafe.com, and her work has appeared in print and online for numerous publications and media outlets. She travels locally throughout the Pacific Northwest, nationally and to far-flung international locales. When not traveling, she's active in her community and enjoys hiking, kayaking, yoga and spending time with friends and family. Originally from Chicago, she's also lived in Vancouver, British Columbia and Bellingham, Washington. She's currently based in Portland, Oregon.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.