Whisky Trends for 2025
A new year is a new opportunity for whisky to continue to expand its reach across the globe, from scintillating new flavours, unmissable new collaborations and even more exciting sensory exploration.
Whether you’re new to whisky and getting to grips with the unique flavour profiles and mastering the different types, or, like a good malt, your love for the golden nectar has had several years to age and mature, there’s always something new to discover.
When it comes to the big whisky trends of 2025, Charlotte Barker is the one to ask.
As an expert in drinks for over a decade, Charlotte has become one of the pre-eminent ambassadors for luxury malts, helping to not only uncover new taste explorations and innovations, but setting them too.
She told Malts.com, “We’re seeing some punchy new trends coming through for 2025 in the whisky world! In terms of flavour, people are growing more and more interested in the cask that whisky is finished in. Though we talk about the character and personality of different distilleries, the cask that the whisky matures in plays such an important part.”
“We’re seeing a lot more interest in traditional casks like a port pipe or sherry butt – these add layers of chewy dried fruit, and rich dark fruit notes. But we go further with rum casks offering lashings of bright and lively tropical notes, mezcal layers and herbaceous smokiness, and even chardonnay: butter brioche toast anyone?”
If you want to understand just how these unique traits and notes come together for something truly incomparable - and experience a taste of similar innovations to come in 2025 - Charlotte suggests savouring The Singleton 14yo Special Releases 2023.
Now, for something which is less of an investment - what will 2025 mean for our favourite whisky cocktails?
Charlotte shared, “Within the cocktail world, we’ve gone back in time. There’s an air of nostalgia as we will see a resurgence in disco classics! Think about ordering a Godfather, a sweetie whisky and amaretto, or its cocktail cousin, the Rusty Nail. Perhaps shake things up a little with adding your favourite dram into something truly retro like a Grasshopper? Maybe it’s time to don a pair of flares and give them a try.”
Fancy whipping up one of Charlotte's 2025 whisky cocktails?
The Godfather
You'll need:
60ml of your chosen whisky - a smoky whisky like a Talisker pairs well with the sweetness of the Amaretto
10ml Amaretto
To make:
Fill a mixing glass about two-thirds full of ice
Measure and pour in your whiskey and amaretto, and stir until well-chilled
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Whisky festivals, product launches and more - your key whisky 2025 dates
Maybe you’re less interested in following new trends, and 2025 is more about your own personal journey with whisky.
Whilst a distillery tour and a chance to discover the best of Scotland needs no further encouragement, but you could time it so you can also take part in one of the leading whisky festivals of the year.
Whisky festivals in 2025
Spirit of Speyside, 30th April - 5th May: This Spring, be there when Speyside's world famous distilleries open, inviting visitors from across the globe to experience some of the finest malts up close and personal
Feis Ile, 23rd-31st May: a ten day event that defines the whisky calendar, the Islay Festival is a must for malts lovers. And you’ll discover why the Islay saying is ‘Come for the whisky, return for the island.’
Explore the world of Malts
From American bourbon to Scotch whisky, read our handy guide to the different types of whisky, how they’re made and how they differ.
From peaty whisky to fruity whisky, lean on our expert insights to discover the full variety and character of different whisky flavours.
Choosing the correct beginner whisky is an important step for any budding malts enthusiast. Let us help you start your journey.
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