Discover why WhistlePig 10 Year Rye won World’s Best Rye Whiskey at the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards — a bold, flavorful triumph for American rye.
A bold, flavorful victory for America’s favorite spice-driven spirit
Rye whiskey lovers, rejoice — the world’s best rye whiskey has just been crowned, and it’s proof that American craftsmanship still sets the global gold standard. At the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards (LVGSA), WhistlePig’s Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years earned a near-perfect 99.4 points, taking home the title of World’s Best Rye Whiskey. Its sibling, the Old World Rye Aged 12 Years, followed closely behind with 99.3 points — both bottlings showcasing the full flavor, spice, and fun-loving spirit that define modern rye.
Held annually in Las Vegas, the LVGSA is where distillers, bartenders, and spirits experts meet to honor excellence in every glass. This year, five standout ryes — two Platinum, three Gold — stole the show and the spotlight.
Flavor Frontier: Why Rye Whiskey Rules Right Now
American rye is having a moment — and not just in cocktail bars from Los Angeles to Berlin. With its bold spice, caramel depth, and surprising versatility, rye whiskey appeals equally to collectors in Aspen and craft cocktail fans in Miami Beach.
“The rye whiskies recognized at the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards
exemplify the bold character and uncompromising craftsmanship
that define this remarkable category,”
Eddie Rivkin
CEO and Founder of the LVGSA
“Each winner showcases the perfect balance of spice, depth, and innovation — a testament to the distillers who honor rye’s storied past while pushing its future forward.”
That future tastes rich and confident. Think caramel and vanilla woven with peppery spice — a flavor story built for both the neat pour and the high-end cocktail lounge.
WhistlePig 10-Year: The Quintessential American Rye
WhistlePig’s Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years isn’t just award-winning; it’s a flavor masterclass. Distilled in Vermont and bottled at 100 proof, this rye carries aromas of all spice and dried orange zest, with sweet caramel and herbal anise tones. The finish lingers like a jazz note on a New York rooftop — smooth, smoky, and unforgettable.
It’s easy to see why judges gave it 99.4 out of 100. Whether you sip it in a leather armchair in D.C. or at a sleek Berlin bar, this whiskey bridges classic character with modern polish.
WhistlePig 12-Year: The Old World with a Twist
The Old World Rye Aged 12 Years is its refined counterpart — matured in American oak, then finished in Madeira, Sauternes, and Port casks. The result? Layers of apricot, honey, raisin, and dark chocolate that glide across the palate. It’s rye whiskey with an international passport — elegant enough for a Michelin-star tasting in Hong Kong, yet deeply rooted in American soil.
Both WhistlePig ryes prove that “fun-loving flavor” doesn’t mean compromising on sophistication. You get boldness, balance, and a sense of humor — the kind of whiskey that winks at you after the first sip.
Supporting Cast: Big Red, TINCUP, and Old Potrero
While WhistlePig dominated, the other winners deserve a toast of their own.
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American Icon Big Red Rye brought approachable sweetness and spice, a crowd-pleaser for gatherings from Chicago lofts to Atlanta speakeasies.
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TINCUP Rye Whiskey, cut with Rocky Mountain water, delivered a clean, citrusy brightness — the perfect hiking flask companion for those who mix adventure with flavor.
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Old Potrero California Cellar Series #04, finished in beer barrels, offered roasted malt and stone fruit notes — a nod to San Francisco’s craft brewing culture.
Each bottle showcases how American rye has evolved from rustic roots to cosmopolitan cool.
Why America Still Leads in Rye
Rye whiskey embodies what’s best about American craftsmanship: bold experimentation grounded in respect for tradition. It’s the same energy that built skyscrapers, soundtracks, and streetwear. You can feel it in every sip — that balance of creativity and control that keeps American rye at the center of global attention.
For those who crave more than just a drink, [Insert Internal Link] offers a deep dive into how rye whiskey makers are shaping modern cocktail culture.
For additional insight into global whiskey trends, visit Whisky Advocate, a trusted authority on premium spirits.
FAQ: World’s Best Rye Whiskey 2025
Q: What won the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards for Best Rye Whiskey?
A: WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years won the title with a score of 99.4 points.
Q: What makes rye whiskey different from bourbon?
A: Rye must contain at least 51% rye grain, giving it a spicier, drier flavor profile than bourbon’s sweeter, corn-based style.
Q: Where can I buy WhistlePig Rye?
A: WhistlePig whiskies are available through select retailers and luxury bars worldwide; check the brand’s official website or local distributors.
Raise a Glass to the New Standard
From Vermont farms to Las Vegas stages, the message is clear — rye whiskey isn’t just back; it’s better than ever. These medalists aren’t chasing trends; they’re setting them.
So the next time you pour a glass, remember: a little spice, a little sweetness, and a whole lot of flavor can go a long way. Here’s to the world’s best rye — and the distillers who make life taste just a bit more fun.
Discover why WhistlePig 10 Year Rye won World’s Best Rye Whiskey at the 2025 Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards — a bold, flavorful triumph for American rye.
