Top 10 Australian Whiskies You Need to Try

The powers-that-be are sitting up and taking note of Australian whiskies. In 2014, Sullivans Cove Distillery won the World Whiskies Award for the best single malt whisky, and they are not the only ones winning awards. Fast forward to 2025, and the Australian whisky scene has grown into a significant global phenomenon. What was once a niche curiosity has become a strong presence in the spirits world. Australian distilleries now regularly win international awards and command high prices on the global market.

As of 2025, Australia has over 300 operating distilleries, more than double the number from just eight years ago. From Tasmania's pure waters to Victoria's creative craft producers, Australian whisky makers are exploring new ideas, using native ingredients, and creating unique expressions. Whether they use Australian oak, different peat sources, or finish barrels in local wine casks, these distillers are setting their own standards.

The world has noticed. International collectors are seeking limited releases from both Tasmanian and mainland distilleries. Australian single malts often appear on "best of" lists alongside their Scottish, Japanese, and American counterparts. If you haven't explored Australian whisky yet, you're missing out on one of the most exciting movements in whisky today.

Isn't it time you tried some good Australian whiskies?

10 Best Australian Whiskies toTry in 2025

Our best Australian whisky range showcases the finest bottles from these top producers and more.

#1 Lark Symphony No.1 Tasmanian Malt Whisky 

An iconic product of the pioneers of Australian craft whisky, it is regarded as one of the best blended whiskies. Head Distiller Chris Thomson hand-picked a harmonious blend of Tasmanian whiskies to create Lark's first-ever blended malt. The result? A superb homage to the distillery that began it all, this dram sings with layers of malt sweetness, delicate spice, and distinctive Lark richness.

2 Starward Fortis Single Malt Australian Whisky 

Melbourne's innovative masterpiece, Starward Single Malt Whisky, is robust, juicy, and uniquely Australian. It is aged in American oak barrels that formerly housed rich Shiraz and Cabernet from the Barossa Valley and is made with Australian barley and brewer's yeast. The final finish? Red fruit, oak spice, and smooth warmth abound in this full-bodied, non-chill-filtered whisky. It's lively, fun, and a genuine taste of Melbourne's creativity.

3 Overeem Distillery Whisky Loot Private Sherry Cask Single Malt Australian Whisky

This rare edition, fully matured rather than done in a quarter-sized Sherry cask, is packed with black fruits, deep spice, and velvety smoothness. Crafted by the popular Overeem team, it's bold, lavish, and overflowing with unique Sherry charm. Imagine dessert-in-a-glass energy, but make it quality and authentically Aussie.

4 Penny's Hill Single Malt Muscat Finish Whisky

Whisky and wine country finesse come together in Penny's Hill Single Malt Whisky (Muscat Finish). This small-batch gem, made in McLaren Vale and the 2023 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards Gold Medal winner, ages in French oak Muscat casks, soaking rich, dessert-wine warmth. The conclusion? Refined, rich, and effortlessly elegant, this whisky is velvety, complex, and filled with sweet spice, dried fruit, and a hint of South Australian soul.

#5 Kinglake Distillery O'Grady's Stand Full Noise Cask Strength Single Malt Australian Whisky 

O’Grady’s Stand Full Noise Cask Strength is here to create noise, not to play nicely. This is one of the best single malt whiskies, is daring offering, which comes from Victoria, intensifying their famous ex-Bourbon barrel single malt. It is aged for two years in 50L ex-Bourbon barrels and is made from NSW barley malt with a hint of Scottish peated malt. It is full of raw power and smoky depth. A spicy, flavourful whisky that is as wild and free as the Australian bush.

#6 Old Kempton Christmas Release 2024 Single Malt Whisky 

The Old Kempton Christmas Release is pure festive magic in a bottle. It comes from a blend of four Australian Tawny casks and finds a perfect balance between depth and brightness. The older 100L casks add rich, complex character, while the younger 20L casks provide a lively lift. The result is a whisky that tastes just like Christmas. You can expect flavours of plum pudding, Florentines, and brandy custard all wrapped up in one warm, nostalgic sip.

#7 Spring Bay Sherry Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 

Sherry Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is a coastal gem with real character. Crafted by Cam and Suzy Brett on Tasmania’s East Coast, it matures in sherry casks for a rich blend of fruity sweetness and gentle spice. Made with clean East Coast rainwater, which some claim is the best in the world, this whisky has a soft, slightly maritime touch. Distilled in a small copper pot still, it offers a velvety, full-bodied mouthfeel that captures pure Tassie magic in a glass.

8  Ned Grand Reward Australian Whisky

NED Grand Reward is a bold Aussie standout. It won a Gold Medal at the 2024 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. This whisky is matured in tawny casks from Kelly Country, which gives it a rich, sweet depth. Bottled at 50% ABV, this corn-based whisky is smooth, complex, and proudly Australian. It offers a perfect mix of luxury and grit.

#9 Limeburners Port Cask Single Malt

After five years maturing in a bourbon cask, Limeburners' single malt moves into port casks to be finished. The result is a tasty lemon and fruit-infused flavour and an exceptional rose wine colour. The first Western Australian distillery to make a legal bottle of single malt whisky, The Great Southern Distilling Company, was named Champion Australian Distiller at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in 2016.

#10 Upshot Australian Whiskey

Excellent Australian grain and a passion for Kentucky bourbon come together in this grain whisky from Whipper Snapper Distillery. How this whisky came to be in the first place is a great story that begins during WWII and features two bomber pilots and their shared love of whisky. It was a long journey over many years before this was publicly available, but at last, other whisky aficionados in Australia can share the passion when they sip a dram of Whipper Snapper’s Upshot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best Australian whisky?

Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask is considered the best. It has won the World Whiskies Award for best single malt. Other strong contenders are Starward Nova, Lark Classic Cask, and Overeem Distillery. What is "best" all based on your taste preferences.

2. What is the best single malt whisky in Australia?

Tasmania makes some of the world's best single malts. Sullivans Cove, Lark Distillery, and Overeem are at the forefront. Distillers on the mainland, such as Starward and Archie Rose, also produce outstanding single malts that match international quality.

3. Where can I buy Australian whisky?

With Liquor Loot, you can buy whisky online in Australia. We have a massive collection of whisky from around the world, and enjoy our curated selection of whisky tasting packs too, for the ultimate drinking experience, featuring limited edition drams and

4. Is Australian whisky better than Scotch?

Australian whisky has a distinctly different profile, instead of being simply "better." It uses unique aging methods, local ingredients, and ages faster because of Australia's warmer climate. Many fans enjoy them for their creativity and strong flavours.

5. What makes Australian whisky unique?

Australian whisky matures in wine casks (Shiraz, Tawny), incorporates regional ingredients like Australian barley and native oak, and ages faster due to the country's diverse environment. Pristine water sources are beneficial to Tasmanian distilleries, and local botanicals and peculiar finishing methods are being experimented with by several producers.

6. Why is Australian whisky becoming so popular?

Due to its outstanding quality and many awards, Australian whisky has become well-known throughout the world. The rise in number from 120 distilleries in 2017 to more than 300 in 2025 is a reflection of both regional pride and worldwide demand for distinctive flavour profiles and cutting-edge distilling methods.

If you'd like to try a great selection of Australian Whiskies, check out our Aussie Whisky Pack featuring Lark, Upshot & Limeburners. And, if you’d like to have a selection of premium whiskies delivered right to your door, Liquor Loot’s subscription service handles the searching for you and provides you with new tastes to explore each month.