The 30 Best American Whiskeys Of 2022, Ranked

American whiskey isn’t so much a category as a catch-all for all those whiskeys that don’t easily slot into bourbon, rye, or American single malt whiskey categories. These are the whiskeys that are often called “blended” or are made from 100% corn or wheat. Or they simply get called “American whiskey” because that’s… generally what they are and more designations is not what the whiskey world needs.

That means that there’s a lot of variation in “American whiskey.” But for drinkers, that means that the category offers something interesting, fresh, and maybe new (to you!) to try. So what’s the best American whiskey?

Friends, it’s high time for UPROXX’s Best American Whiskeys of 2022 list! For this list, I’ve pulled in 30 of my favorite American whiskeys that don’t fall into the three main legal categories of American whiskeys in 2022 (bourbon, rye, and American single malt). While this list varies from stellar blended whiskeys to funky wheaties and corn-fueled gems (and so many more variations on those themes), the throughline is that they’re all delicious and worth seeking out, especially if you’re looking for something truly different.

16. Journeyman Distillery Corsets, Whips, and Whiskey

ABV: 66.25%
Average Price: $60

The Whiskey:
This Michigan whiskey is 100% wheat whiskey. The grains are 100% organic and grown locally around Michigan. The whiskey then ages for an undisclosed about of time before it’s blended into a final product that looks to Irish whiskey for inspiration.

Tasting Notes:
There’s a clear sense of toffee and vanilla cake on the nose with a dash of woody winter spices, eggnog creaminess and nutmeg, and a light whisper of smudged sweetgrass. The palate leans into the smoldering grassiness while warm dark spices add a sharpness before stewed pears and plums mingle with clove, anise, and cinnamon bark next to oily vanilla pods and a whisper of old leather and tobacco wrapped in dry sweetgrass on the warm and buzzing finish.

Bottom Line:
This whiskey won a ton of awards this year, including Best in Show/Whiskey of the Year at Fred Minnick’s Ascot Awards. Hype aside, this whiskey lives up to all those accolades as a devilishly fun sipper and one hell of a cocktail base.