The World Whiskies Awards 2026 have revealed the best single malt Scotch whiskies from each region of Scotland—and some of the winners may surprise you.
Scotland’s whisky regions—like Islay, Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown, and the Islands—each have their own unique style. While these regions are known for certain flavour profiles, this year’s winners show that whisky makers are going beyond traditional expectations.
Top Winners by Region
Islay (and World’s Best Overall):
Bowmore 21 Years Old Sherry Oak Cask
This whisky took the top global award. It offers a balance of smoky peat, sweetness, and warm spice. Unlike heavily smoky Islay whiskies, Bowmore’s style is more refined, combining gentle smoke with fruity and sherry cask flavours.
Campbeltown:
Glen Scotia 15 Years Old
Campbeltown is now home to only a few distilleries, but it still produces distinctive whiskies. This one is smooth and slightly sweet, with hints of fruit, light smoke, and a coastal character.
Highlands:
Aberfeldy 21 Years Old
Known for its soft and honeyed style, this whisky brings together flavours of fruits, chocolate, and spice. It reflects the classic Highland profile—smooth, balanced, and elegant.
Islands (Non-Islay):
Isle of Raasay Cask Strength
A relatively new distillery, Raasay has impressed judges with its innovative approach. This whisky combines light peat, fruitiness, and spice, created using a mix of different cask types.
Lowlands:
InchDairnie KinGlassie Double Matured 8 Years Old
This is a bold and unusual Lowland whisky. Unlike the region’s typical light style, it is heavily peated and rich in flavour, showing how newer distilleries are experimenting.
Speyside:
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
One of the biggest surprises this year, this affordable whisky stood out for its smooth and fruity character. It proves that quality whisky doesn’t always have to be expensive.
What Makes This Year Special
This year’s results highlight the wide variety in Scotch whisky. From traditional, long-aged expressions to newer, experimental styles, each region offers something different.
While regions still give a good idea of flavour—like smoky Islay or fruity Speyside—these winners show that whisky makers are increasingly breaking those boundaries.
Final Take
The 2026 awards remind us that regional identity is just a starting point. Today’s whisky industry is evolving fast, blending tradition with innovation—and giving consumers more exciting choices than ever before.
