In the world of American whiskey, where tradition meets bold innovation, one release has just claimed the crown for 2025. Bourbon Podcast, a go-to source for guys who appreciate a good pour after a long day, has named Jack Daniel's 14 Year Tennessee Whiskey as its Whiskey of the Year. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's a standout that beat out heavy hitters after a rigorous process that involved tasting over 125 different whiskeys and putting the finalists through a blind review.
Jack Daniel's hasn't put out a 14-year age-stated whiskey in more than 100 years, making this one a real milestone. It's bottled at a strong proof that packs a punch, thanks to all that extra time spent maturing in the barrel. The result? A deep, satisfying sip loaded with notes of rich oak, dark caramel, toasted spices, and that smooth, seasoned vanilla that lingers. The finish is long and steady, the kind that makes you sit back and savor it without rushing to the next glass. More than just marking an age, this whiskey stands as a testament to solid craftsmanship, the value of waiting for something good, and pushing the boundaries of what modern distilling can achieve.
The folks at Bourbon Podcast didn't take this decision lightly. They sampled a ton of options throughout the year, narrowing it down to the best before going blind on the top contenders. "From the moment we sampled it, we knew Jack Daniel's 14 would be a contender for Whiskey of the Year," said Ben Salango, one of the co-hosts. He pointed out how the thickness and layers of flavor grabbed everyone's attention right away, turning it into a favorite not just on their show but among whiskey fans everywhere. "The viscosity and the amazing depth of flavor made it an instant hit on our podcast and with whiskey enthusiasts around the globe," Salango added.
Kyle Mork, another co-host, echoed that sentiment, explaining how tough it was for anything else to measure up. "Every time we tasted it against a top competitor this year, we knew it was going to be very hard to beat," he said. The blind tasting sealed the deal, proving it belonged in the elite category. "Our blind tasting only confirmed this is an elite whiskey," Mork concluded.
Joe Nassif, the third co-host, remembered their early review back in April and knew it had potential from the start. "When we recorded our review on Jack Daniel's 14 Year in April of this year, we knew that JD 14 was going to be a contender for whiskey of the year," he said. When they pitted it against big names like George T. Stagg, King of Kentucky, and Bardstown Cathedral in their Whiskey of the Year episode, it came out on top without question. "Unanimously selected during our recent Whiskey of the Year Podcast against industry heavy hitters George T. Stagg, King of Kentucky, and Bardstown Cathedral, Jack Daniel's 14 Year checks all the boxes from the luring aroma, full-bodied and complex palate, and long delightful finish," Nassif explained.
What sets this whiskey apart isn't just the hype—it's the way it delivers on every level, from that inviting smell that draws you in to the rich body that unfolds with each taste, right down to the finish that leaves you wanting more but satisfied all the same. For men who enjoy unwinding with a quality dram, perhaps while watching the game or sharing stories with buddies, this is the kind of bottle that elevates the experience without overcomplicating it.
Bourbon Podcast didn't stop at just picking a winner; they also highlighted their top 10 whiskeys for 2025, chosen for standing out in quality, reliability, and shaking up the scene this year. Right behind Jack Daniel's 14 comes King of Kentucky 17-Year-Old in second place, followed by Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral French Oak in third. George T. Stagg takes fourth, with Michter's Rye Barrel Proof in fifth. Bomberger's Declaration PFG lands at sixth, Master's Keep Beacon at seventh, Booker's The Reserves at eighth, Knob Creek 21-Year-Old at ninth, and rounding it out is Jack Daniel's Heritage Barrel Rye in tenth.
Each of these picks represents something special in the whiskey world. King of Kentucky's 17-year version brings that deep maturity guys look for in a solid Kentucky bourbon. Bardstown's Cathedral French Oak offers a twist with its finishing process, adding unique layers that keep things interesting. George T. Stagg is a classic powerhouse, known for its intensity. Michter's Rye Barrel Proof appeals to those who prefer the spicy kick of rye. Bomberger's Declaration PFG nods to heritage with a modern edge. Master's Keep Beacon shines in its balance, while Booker's The Reserves delivers that unfiltered boldness. Knob Creek's 21-Year-Old is all about patience paying off, and Jack Daniel's Heritage Barrel Rye wraps up the list with a rye take that's full of character.
Bourbon Podcast has built a solid reputation as the spot for anyone serious about bourbon. Billed as The Official Podcast for Bourbon Enthusiasts™, it's where thousands tune in every week to get the straight talk on what's worth sipping. They've climbed into Apple Podcasts' top 10 in the Hobbies category and stay there, earning trust from everyday drinkers and pros in the industry. With over 150,000 followers across social media, they dish out in-depth reviews, chats with top master distillers, the latest news from bourbon country, and insider tips you won't find just anywhere.
Whether you're stocking your home bar, planning a tasting with friends, or just curious about what's new, Bourbon Podcast makes it easy to stay in the know. They cover everything from how a whiskey's made to why certain releases become legends, all in a way that's straightforward and enjoyable—like chatting over a glass with knowledgeable pals.
For those ready to dive deeper, checking out their episodes is a no-brainer. Head to bourbonpodcast.com for the full scoop, or follow them on Instagram at @bourbonpodcast, Facebook at facebook.com/bourbonpodcast, or X at www.x.com/bourbonpodcast1. It's the kind of resource that turns a casual interest into a real appreciation, one episode at a time.
In a year packed with strong contenders, Jack Daniel's 14 Year Tennessee Whiskey rising to the top shows how blending old-school methods with fresh approaches can create something timeless. It's a reminder that great whiskey isn't about flash—it's about the details that make every sip count. If you're looking to add a winner to your collection, this one's hard to beat.
