American whiskey has undergone a renaissance over the past two decades. Once dominated by legacy Kentucky and Tennessee houses, today’s landscape is bursting with innovative craft distillers who are rewriting the rules. From heritage grain experiments to smoky single malts, these smaller producers are proving that bold ideas and local character can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the big brands.
But with hundreds of new bottles appearing every year, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve narrowed the field to ten outstanding craft American whiskeys — bottles that showcase originality, terroir, and impeccable craftsmanship. Each one has a distinct story, and every sip is proof that American whiskey’s future is in adventurous hands.
1. Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon — Waco, TX
One of the first to put Texas whiskey on the map, Balcones brings bold flavor to the glass. The Pot Still Bourbon offers roasted nuts, honey, and a touch of chocolate with a rich, oily texture. A warm finish makes it a standout for sipping neat.
2. New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon — Newport, KY
New Riff balances tradition and experimentation beautifully. This bottled-in-bond release delivers classic bourbon notes — vanilla, caramel, oak — with a lively spice that shows off its craft roots. It’s a modern Kentucky staple that still honors heritage.
3. Corsair Triple Smoke — Nashville, TN
Corsair thrives on pushing boundaries, and Triple Smoke proves it. Using three differently smoked barleys, this whiskey has a savory, campfire quality layered with malt sweetness. It’s adventurous, unexpected, and beloved by bartenders for creative cocktails.
4. Westland American Single Malt — Seattle, WA
Westland has become a leader in the American single malt movement. Distilled from Pacific Northwest barley and matured in new oak, it shows flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, and baking spice. A world-class rival to traditional Scotch single malts.
5. FEW Rye Whiskey — Evanston, IL
Bold, spicy, and unapologetic, FEW’s rye captures the punch of classic pre-Prohibition styles. Notes of cinnamon, pepper, and dried fruit dance over a chewy, full body. A must-have for making a serious Manhattan or sipping on a cold night.
6. Kings County Distillery Bourbon — Brooklyn, NY
Operating out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Kings County has built a cult following. Its small-batch bourbon has a grain-forward, almost rustic character balanced by vanilla and caramel. The branding is minimalist, but the flavors are anything but.
7. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey — Denver, CO
A true pioneer of Colorado whiskey, Stranahan’s reflects its mountain origins. Expect notes of roasted nuts, honeycomb, and a warming oak spice. Best enjoyed neat while watching the sunset over the Rockies.
8. Wigle Organic Rye — Pittsburgh, PA
Grain-to-glass and proudly organic, Wigle focuses on sustainability and flavor. Their rye delivers grassy freshness, peppery spice, and a long, clean finish. It’s a whiskey that tastes as authentic as its Pittsburgh roots.
9. High Wire Jimmy Red Corn Bourbon — Charleston, SC
Made from the rare Jimmy Red heirloom corn, this bourbon is a revelation. Rich with nutty sweetness and layers of maple, it showcases how one ingredient can transform a whiskey’s personality. High Wire’s commitment to heritage grains shines through.
10. McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt — Portland, OR
One of America’s first peated single malts, McCarthy’s brings a smoky intensity rarely found in U.S. whiskey. Think campfire smoke, dark fruit, and a whisper of brine. For fans of Islay Scotch, this American cousin is a must-try.
From smoky single malts in Oregon to heirloom-grain bourbons in South Carolina, craft whiskey in America has never been more dynamic. These ten bottles are proof that innovation and tradition can coexist — and that whiskey lovers have never had it better. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, each of these whiskeys deserves a place on your radar — and maybe on your shelf.