Fercullen 15 Wins Best Grain Whisky 2025 at World Whiskies Awards
Fercullen 15 Single Grain from Ireland has been named Best Grain Whisky 2025 at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, rising to the top with its soft oak complexity and silky toffee-led character. The 15-year-old expression from Powerscourt Distillery outpaced strong international competition, affirming the potential of long-aged grain whisky as a serious category in its own right.
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Key Takeaways
Ireland’s Fercullen 15 took top honors for Best Grain Whisky 2025 with a smooth, bourbon-aged single grain
Japan’s Kirin Fuji and South Africa’s Bain’s also medaled, showcasing global excellence in grain distillation
Judges praised sweetness, texture, and elegance across all winning entries
Best Grain Whisky 2025 – Fercullen 15 Single Grain
Crafted by the Powerscourt Distillery, Fercullen 15 is aged in ex-bourbon barrels and delivers a rich profile with sweetness and spice in perfect harmony. Judges highlighted its smooth mouthfeel and elegant balance as key factors behind its win.
Aroma | Creamy vanilla and toasted coconut |
|---|---|
Palate | Silky toffee, orange zest, almond nougat, and soft oak spice |
Finish | Long, sweet grain finish with gentle pepper |
Kirin Fuji Single Grain 17 Years – Silver Medalist
Japan’s Fuji Gotemba distillery earned Silver with a refined and aromatic single grain aged 17 years. This whisky impressed judges with its light floral character and balanced sweetness, underscoring Japan’s growing strength in the grain category.
Aroma | Blossom, pears, and vanilla |
|---|---|
Palate | Caramel, green apple, and white chocolate |
Finish | Clean with oak and a hint of white pepper |
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky – Bronze Medalist
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky from South Africa, crafted using 100% corn and matured in first-fill bourbon casks, took Bronze. Its fruity sweetness and creamy texture highlight the advantages of warm-climate maturation and corn-driven distillation.
Aroma | Banana bread, toffee, and toasted oak |
|---|---|
Palate | Vanilla custard, tropical fruit, and sweet spice |
Finish | Smooth and lingering with honeyed oak |
What Is Grain Whisky?
Grain whisky is typically made from corn, wheat, or other grains (excluding 100% malted barley) and distilled in column stills. It is often used in blends, but high-quality single grain expressions have emerged as stand-alone releases — particularly those aged in ex-bourbon casks. In 2025, judges favored well-aged grain whiskies with creamy textures, subtle oak influence, and clean finishes.
Fercullen 15’s win in Best Grain Whisky 2025 reinforces the potential of single grain whisky when matured with care. With the refined sweetness of Kirin Fuji and the warm, tropical notes of Bain’s also on the podium, this year’s winners demonstrated the global versatility and appeal of grain whisky. Each expression showed that — given time and attention — grain whisky can achieve depth, elegance, and complexity on par with its malt counterparts.
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All 2025 World Whisky Awards Gold Medalists
