Scotland’s world-leading Scotch Whisky sector gathered in Glasgow last night as the winners of the 7th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards were revealed during a prestigious dinner and industry celebration. The national awards programme, dedicated to Scotland’s most iconic global product, honoured outstanding achievements across the Scotch Whisky industry, recognising the breadth, quality, and innovation driving success today.
This year’s competition saw an exceptional standard of entries, with a rigorous blind tasting of over 200 Scotch whiskies produced by more than 50 distilleries and independent bottlers. Finalists represented the strength and diversity of the Scotch whisky landscape, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, global ambition, and deep commitment to Scotland’s whisky heritage.
The evening’s highest honour, Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year, sponsored by Howden, was awarded to Lochranza Distillery – Isle of Arran, celebrating their excellence in whisky production, brand growth, and industry reputation. A standout competitor, The Glenmorangie Company, secured remarkable success in the taste categories, claiming six medals, including three Golds, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s leading whisky producers.
One of the most celebrated moments of the night was the presentation of the Dr. Jim Swan Award for Services to Scotch Whisky, awarded to Willie Phillips. A legendary figure in the industry, Phillips first joined Macallan in the early 1970s and became Managing Director in 1978, at the pivotal moment when single malts began their rise to international prominence. His leadership focused on premiumisation and quality, and he continued to shape the sector long after Macallan’s acquisition by Highland Distillers in 1996. His career has since spanned Armagnac and leadership roles supporting new distilleries, including Isle of Harris and Ardgowan, where he served as Chairman from 2017–2022. Phillips has also dedicated years of service as a non-executive director of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
This year’s awards proudly supported The Maclean Foundation as its charity partner. Founded in 2022 by whisky expert Charlie Maclean and his sons, Lachlan, Jamie and Ewan, the foundation aims to create meaningful change through adventure, compassion, and collaboration with the whisky community. Working with distilleries to select and bottle rare casks, the charity raises funds to provide access to clean water for vulnerable communities across the world. Every bottle sold supports at least one person with clean water for life.
Now in its seventh year, the Scottish Whisky Awards continues to champion excellence, empower innovation, and strengthen collaboration across the Scotch whisky sector. By recognising both established leaders and emerging pioneers, the programme highlights the global impact and enduring legacy of Scotland’s national spirit—celebrating a dynamic industry that continues to shape the world of Scotch Whisky.
THE WINNERS IN FULL
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
SCOTTISH WHISKY DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Howden
Winner: Lochranza Distillery -Isle of Arran
Finalists
Isle of Raasay Distillery
Jackton Distillery
The Glasgow Distillery Co.
JIM SWAN AWARD
Willie Phillips
INDEPENDENT BOTTLER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Rankin Brothers
Winner: Turntable Spirits
Finalists:
Brave New Spirits
Ferguson Whisky
Living Souls
One Cask at a Time
Tri Carragh Scotch Whisky
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh
TOURISM DESTINATION OF THE YEAR
Winner: Rosebank Distillery (Ian Macleod Distillers)
Finalists:
Arbikie Distillery Experience
Ardnahoe Distillery
Isle of Raasay Distillery
Jackton Distillery
The Lost Close
EXCELLENCE IN BRANDING – Sponsored by Macfarlane Labels
Winner: The Glasgow Distillery Co.
Finalists:
Living Souls
Saltire Rare Malt
Tailored Spirits Co.
The National Trust for Scotland
Turntable Spirits
Unkiltered
PRODUCT LAUNCH OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by H&A Barrell Group
Winner: Ardnahoe Distillery with Ardnahoe Inaugural Release
Finalists:
Brave New Spirits Ltd with Cask Masters Golden Proof & Distiller's Cut
InchDairnie Whisky with KinGlassie
The Glasgow Distillery Co. with No.15/10
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Saltire Rare Malt with Saltire Rare Malt
Highly Commended: Living Souls
Finalists:
Ferguson Whisky with Speyside 12
TASTE CATEGORIES
Blended Scotch – Sponsored by Close Brothers Beverage Finance
GOLD MEDAL: Turntable Spirits - Bittersweet Symphony
SILVER MEDAL: Turntable Spirits – Smokin’Riff
BRONZE MEDAL: CVH Spirits - Black Bottle 10
Finalists:
Aceo, Aceo Spirits - Coleburn Selection
CVH Spirits - Black Bottle Andean Oak
CVH Spirits - Black Bottle Captains Cask
InchDairnie Whisky - Islay Mist Original Blend
InchDairnie Whisky - Lauders Blended Scotch Whisky
Kinloch Anderson - THE KILTMAKER - PLEATED TO SETT
Living Souls - Ninety-Nine & One
Living Souls - 40-Year-Old Blended Scotch
Living Souls - 15-Year-Old Blended Scotch
Loch Lomond Group - High Commisioner Blended Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond Signature Blended Scotch
RAER Scotch Whisky - RAER Oloroso Expression
RAER Scotch Whisky - RAER Amontillado Expression
The GlenAllachie Distillers Company - White Heather 15-Year-Old
Turntable Spirits - Unplugged
Turntable Spirits - Paradise Funk
Blended Malt Scotch
GOLD MEDAL: The GlenAllachie Distillers Company - MacNair's Lum Reek 10-Year-Old Batch 3
SILVER MEDAL: The GlenAllachie Distillers Company - MacNair's Lum Reek 12-Year-Old
BRONZE MEDAL: DOUGLAS LAING & CO LTD - Big Peat Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Finalists:
Dornoch Distillery Company - SRV5
DOUGLAS LAING & CO LTD - Scallywag Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
DOUGLAS LAING & CO LTD - Timorous Beastie Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Living Souls - 10YO Lagmore
Loch Lomond Group, Noble Rebel - Orchard Outburst
Loch Lomond Group, Noble Rebel - Smoke Symphony
Loch Lomond Group, Noble Rebel - Hazelnut Harmony
The Glasgow Distillery Co. - Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Uokka - 17 Black Whisky
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh - Highland Blended Malt 30 years old
Single Malt Scotch - No Age Statement Unpeated – Sponsored by Independent Stave Company
GOLD MEDAL: The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Signet Reserve
SILVER MEDAL: The Clyedside Distillery - Napier
BRONZE MEDAL: The Clydside Distillery - Stobcross
Finalists:
Aceo, Aceo Spirits - Glen Cooper: Heather Edition
Bladnoch Distillery - Bladnoch Samsara
Brave New Spirits - Highland Shepherd
CVH Spirits - Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine
CVH Spirits - Deanston Virgin Oak
Glen Moray Distillery - Phoenix Rising
Halewood Artisanal Spirits - Bonnington Muscat
Halewood Artisanal Spirits - John Crabbie Single Malt
Kingsbarns Distillery - Kingsbarns Doocot
Kingsbarns Distillery - Kingsbarns Balcomie
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia Double Cask Bordeuax Red Wine Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lochlea Distillery - Our Barley
Saltire Rare Malt - The Falkland Collection - Speyside Edition
Speyside distillers co - SPEY Chairmans Choice PX
The Glasgow Distillery Co. - Glasgow 1770 Triple Distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glasgow Distillery Co. - Glasgow 1770 The Original Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Signet
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream
The National Trust for Scotland - Schiltron
Single Malt Scotch - No Age Statement Peated – Sponsored by Saverglass
GOLD MEDAL: Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Anamorphic
SILVER MEDAL: Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Corryvreckan
BRONZE MEDAL: The Glasgow Distillery Co. - Glasgow 1770 Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Finalists:
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg An Oa
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Eureka!
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Smoketrails Batch 2 Cote Rotie
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg SmokeTrails Batch 3 Napa Valley
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Smokiverse
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Uigeadail
Ardnahoe Distillery - Ardnahoe Bholsa
Badachro Distillery - Bad na h-Achlaise TUscan Oak Cask Finish
Bladnoch Distillery - Bladnoch Alinta
CVH Spirits - Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha
CVH Spirits - Ledaig Triple Wood
CVH Spirits - Ledaig Sinclair Series
Halewood Artisanal Spirits - Bonnington Peated Muscat
Isle of Arran Distillers - Lagg Single Malt Kilmory Edition
Isle of Arran Distillers - Lagg Single Malt Corriecravie Edition
Isle of Raasay Distillery - Cask Strength
Kingsbarns Distillery - Kingsbarns Coaltown
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond Steam & Fire Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lochlea Distillery - Cask Strength Batch 3
The Glasgow Distillery Co. - Glasgow 1770 Cask Strength Peated (Batch 02)
Torabhaig Distillery- Cnoc Na Moine
Single Cask Scotch - 12 and Under – Sponsored by Scott Pallets
GOLD MEDAL: Ferguson Whisky - Ferguson Whisky Speyside 12
SILVER MEDAL: Woodrow’s of Edinburgh - Tamdhu 10
BRONZE MEDAL: Unkiltered Spirits - The Vagabond. Teaninich 12 year old
Finalists:
Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters Linkwood 12 Year Old
Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters Glenglassaugh 11 Years Old
Brave New Spirits - WhiskyHeroes The Untamed Grace Ardlair 10 Years Old
Unkiltered Spirits - The winter warmer. Tobermory 8 year old
Unkiltered Spirits - Ruadh Maor 10 year old.
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh - Lowland 10
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh - Woodrow's 101 proof Race to the Bottom Highland Motherlover
Single Cask Scotch - 13 and Over – Sponsored by Hillebrand Gori
GOLD MEDAL: Saltire Rare Malt - Craigellachie 17 Year Old
SILVER MEDAL: Woodrow’s of Edinburgh – Woodrow’s Glentauchers 16
BRONZE MEDAL: One Cask at a Time - One Cask at a Time - Ledaig 30
Finalists:
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Mystery Malt - Speysides Finest 15yo Oloroso Sherry Butt
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Mission Gold - Highland Park 18yo Oloroso Sherry Octave
Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters Caol Ila 13 Years Old
Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters Blair Athol 13 Year Old
Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters Jura 16 Years Old
Brave New Spirits - WhiskyHeroes Silent Night Benrinnes 13 Years Old
DS Tayman - Winter Edition
DS Tayman - Summer Edition
LIMITED Whisky - Limited Highland Park 1989 33 Year Old Exceptional Cask Collection #3004
LIMITED Whisky - Limited Bowmore Exceptional Cask Collection 1989 34 Year Old #1972
One Cask at a Time - One Cask at a Time - Glentauchers 15
One Cask at a Time - One Cask at a Time - Aultmore 33
Saltire Rare Malt - Miltonduff 17 Year Old, 59.5% Cask Strength
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh - Deanston 16
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh - Arran 28 year old
Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch
GOLD MEDAL: Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters North British 13 Years Old
SILVER MEDAL: Aceo, Murray McDavid - Mission Gold - Loch Lomond 28yo Sauternes Wine Finish
BRONZE MEDAL: Loch Lomond Group - Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Finalists:
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Select Grain - North British 13yo Murcca Port + Spinola PX Finish
Living Souls - 25-Year-Old Dumbarton
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond Single Grain - Unpeated
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond Single Grain - Peated
Single Malt Scotch- 12 and Under – Sponsored by Speyside Capital
GOLD MEDAL: Isle of Arran Distillers - Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt
SILVER MEDAL: The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie The Accord
BRONZE MEDAL: Speyside Distillers co - SPEY 12-years-old
Finalists:
Aceo, Aceo Spirits - Parkmore Selection 7yo Madeira Finish
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Benchmark - Linkwood 12yo Oloroso + Tawny Port Finish
Ardnahoe Distillery - Ardnahoe Inaugural Release
Bladnoch Distillery - Bladnoch 8YO
CVH Spirits - Bunnahabhain Cask Strength 12 Year Old
CVH Spirits - Deanston 10YO Bordeaux TRX
CVH Spirits - Deanston 12
CVH Spirits - Tobermory 12
Glen Moray Distillery - Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Tequila Cask Finish
Glen Moray Distillery - Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Peated Tequila Cask Finish
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy 12 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy Madeira Cask GTR 12 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask GTR 12 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore 12 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Royal Brackla OLOROSO 12 Years Old Highland
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia 12 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond 12 year old - Perfectly Balanced
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond 12 year old - Inchmurrin
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond 12 year old - Inchmoan
The GlenAllachie Distillers Company - Meikle Tòir The Original
The GlenAllachie Distillers Company - Meikle Tòir The Sherry One
The GlenAllachie Distillers Company - Meikle Tòir The Chinquapin One
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Barrel Select Calvados Release
Single Malt Scotch- Aged 13 – 16 – Sponsored by Catalyst ERP
GOLD MEDAL: Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Anthology The Beithir's Tale
SILVER MEDAL: Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond Waypoint 16 year old - Falls of Falloch
BRONZE MEDAL: The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie The Nectar
Finalists:
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Benchmark - Glen Garioch 14yo Ximinex Spinola PX Sherry Finish
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn
Glen Moray Distillery - Glen Moray 15 Years Old
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy Madeira Cask GTR 16 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Craigellachie 13 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Highland
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia 15 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Lasanta 15 Years Old
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie The Elementa
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate Batch 4
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Vindima
Single Malt Scotch - Aged 17 – 20 – Sponsored by VCL Vintners
GOLD MEDAL: The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Infinita
SILVER MEDAL: Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 6
BRONZE MEDAL: CVH Spirits - Ledaig 18
Finalists:
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg 17 Years Old
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 7
CVH Spirits - Deanston 18
Glen Moray Distillery - Glen Moray 18 Years Old
John Dewar & Sons - Royal Brackla PALO CORTADO 18 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore 18 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore Madeira Cask GTR 18 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Craigellachie 17 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Craigellachie 19 Years Old Speyside
Loch Lomond Group - Glen Scotia 18 year old
Loch Lomond Group - Loch Lomond 18 year old single malt scotch whisky
Single Malt Scotch - 21 and Over – Sponsored by Sanderson Weatherall
GOLD MEDAL: CVH Spirits - Tobermory 27
SILVER MEDAL: John Dewar & Sons - Royal Brackla Pedro Ximenez 25 Years Old Highland
BRONZE MEDAL: John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask GTR 25 Years Old Speyside
Finalists:
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Mission Gold - Bowmore 23yo Port Pipe
Aceo, Murray McDavid - Mission Gold - Laphroaig 32yo Bourbon Barrel
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Y2K
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg 25 Years Old
Ardbeg Distillery - Ardbeg Seann Chreag 21 Years Old
CVH Spirits - Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Cask Finish
Glen Moray Distillery - Glen Moray 21 Years Port Wood Finish
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy 21 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy Sherry Cask 25 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Aberfeldy Madeira Cask GTR 21 Years Old Highland
John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore 21 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Aultmore Calvados Cask GTR 21 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Craigellachie 23 Years Old Speyside
John Dewar & Sons - Royal Brackla OLOROSO - PALO CORTADO & PERDO XIMENEZ 21 Years Old Highland
The Glenmorangie Company - Glenmorangie Aureum