The Rise of Craft Whisky Distilleries: What to Expect in 2025
‘Craft whisky’ is flying right now.
Searches on Master of Malt are up 16% in the last quarter alone. Retailers like Selfridges have reported a doubling in demand for limited-edition whiskies from small, independent distilleries. The European craft spirits market is set to grow from USD 4.31 billion in 2025 to USD 7.83 billion by 2030*.
Diageo recently published its Distilled Foresight Report 2025 which reported there’s a “shift towards unique and premium experiences”, which it defines as consumers focusing on one-of-a-kind experiences rather than broad indulgence, with people willing to spend more on rare, exclusive offerings.
Whisky lovers have been embracing small-batch distilleries and their unique expressions for some time. But there’s an increasing shift towards what people consider to be artisanal bottles that deliver character and craftsmanship in spades.
So, what’s in store for the ‘craft whisky’ scene in 2025?
People love whisky from independent distilleries focusing on flavour
What Is Craft Whisky?
Adam, why do you keep putting quotation marks around the term ‘craft whisky’?
Well, because there’s no strict definition.
Ask ten whisky fans, “What is craft whisky?” and you might get ten different answers.
Generally what people mean by the term craft whisky is a product made by small, independent distilleries focusing on traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and hands-on production. People expect distilleries like these to prioritise individuality, playing around with different grains, fermentation styles, and cask finishes.
They don’t have the budgets or channels for marketing, distribution, and production that the big companies have, so their creativity and passion it what drives them and enables them to stand out. Not that larger distilleries aren’t crafting whisky. Craft doesn’t have to mean new either. This is where we run into difficulty.
Is ‘Craft whisky’ just a buzzword?
Because ‘craft whisky’ is not a protected term the word gets thrown around a lot. Some distilleries genuinely craft their whisky in small batches, using hands-on methods and unique approaches. Others? Not so much. With no regulation around the term, some brands use it to market their whisky as small-batch and artisanal when, in reality, their production scale tells a different story.
That’s not to say all ‘craft’ whisky is smoke and mirrors. But if you want the real deal, dig a little deeper. Look at how the whisky is made, where the ingredients come from, and whether the process reflects true craft values. Transparency, innovation, and quality should be the guiding lights. Not just a clever label. The more you learn, the more you’ll able to distinguish the crafts from the craft nots.
Every whisky is the product of craftsmanship. The idea of ‘craft whisky’ does mean something to people, however.
What to expect from Craft Whisky Distilleries in 2025
Whisky is in a funny place right now. There are concerns over sales figures. Distilleries are closing. But where the numbers do look good is for those making whisky you could reasonably define as “craft whisky”.
Some think the market isn’t in decline, it’s just that spirits sales are normalising. As the shift continues towards quality over quantity, higher-value products with story, provenance, and/or heritage will thrive.
Many are confident that the craft whisky scene is booming across the UK and beyond, from burgeoning scenes in established regions like Scotland, America, and Ireland to Scandinavia, New Zealand, and the ever-growing English whisky movement. Whether it’s a fresh-faced craft whisky distillery rewriting the rulebook or an old-school producer dabbling in small-batch experiments, craft whisky is setting its course.
In that sense, the craft whisky revolution is only getting started. Here’s what’s coming next:
A Bigger, Bolder Craft Whisky Selection – Whisky Loch be damned appears to be the attitude across the world. More distilleries are being built which means more bottles to come and more variety for drinkers to explore.
Wilder Cask Finishes – Expect boundaries to be pushed all the way. Ageing experiments used to be Mizunara oak or rum casks. That’s old hat these days. You will quickly be Googling the kind of previous fill barrels had.
Sustainability as Standard – That means more distilleries doubling down on locally sourced grains, renewable energy, and eco-friendly packaging. Being green is becoming less of an opt-in and more of a must-have.
Collectable Whisky on the Rise – Limited runs, one-off releases, and exclusive club bottlings will only become more sought after.
The Rise of Craft Whisky Clubs – Expect more curated subscriptions, tasting experiences, and insider access to distillery exclusives.
Have you tried Nc’nean Organic Single Malt Whisky?
Craft Whiskies to Watch in 2025
Here’s a selection of craft whiskies worth getting excited about:
Edradour Ballechin 10 Year Old Whisky (Scotland) – A peat-packed single malt from the tiny but mighty Edradour, loaded with smoke and dark fruit.
Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Whiskey (Ireland) – A single pot still Irish whisky that nails the balance between honeyed malt and crisp orchard fruits.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Straight Bourbon – Origin Series (USA) – A newcomer in the Kentucky whiskey scene, but one already showcasing the best of modern American craft whisky.
Circumstance Single Grain Estate (England) – A grain-to-glass whisky that leans into unconventional yeasts and long fermentations.
Nc’nean Organic Single Malt (Scotland) – Sustainably produced, light, and fruity, proving eco-friendly whisky can be world-class.
Tin Shed Distilling Co. 3 Year Old (Australia) – From South Australia’s wine country, this tiny whisky maker creates a rich, oily spirit from local barley in short, fat stills that are electrically heated.
PUNI 4 Year Old (Italy) – The first Italian single malt has set out a stall, it’s very, very good and we can’t wait to see more.
The Last Drop: our final thoughts
Craft whisky is thriving, and 2025 looks set to be another bumper year. Expect more distilleries, more variety, and more exciting whisky experiments to hit shelves.
Whether you’re in it for the rare releases, the boundary-pushing cask finishes, or just looking to expand your whisky collection, there’s never been a better time to get stuck into craft whisky.
Sláinte!
*According to Mordor Intelligence. Yes, that’s its real name. Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-craft-spirits-industry
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