Scotland’s national celebration of its greatest global export — Scotch whisky — returns as the 8th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards officially launch for 2026.
Recognised as one of the industry’s most respected competitions, the Scottish Whisky Awards continue to champion excellence across Scotland’s whisky sector, celebrating both outstanding products and the businesses that help bring Scotland’s national drink to audiences around the world.
At the heart of the awards is the highly regarded blind tasting competition, ensuring that every whisky is judged solely on its quality, character and craftsmanship. All entries are assessed without branding or distillery information visible, guaranteeing a fair and impartial process led by an expert panel of judges.
The blind tasting will once again cover the major Scotch whisky categories including Single Malt, Blended Malt, Blends, and Single Cask & Speciality, which also includes Single Grain. Each whisky will be carefully evaluated on flavour profile, balance, complexity and overall character, recognising the exceptional skill and dedication that defines Scotland’s whisky industry.
Alongside the tasting competition, the awards also recognise excellence across the wider whisky sector, including retailers and businesses that play a vital role in promoting and presenting Scotch whisky to consumers.
A highlight of the business awards is Scotch Whisky Retailer of the Year, which celebrates an outstanding retailer offering an exceptional whisky selection, knowledgeable service and an elevated customer experience. Judges will be looking for evidence of a strong whisky range that showcases the diversity of Scotland’s national drink, a genuine passion for whisky within the team, and a clear commitment to delivering memorable experiences for customers. The award is open to shopfront retailers of all sizes, including specialist whisky shops and high-end spirits merchants.
Entries for the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards open on Wednesday 11 March 2026, with the entry deadline set for Thursday 21 May 2026. Finalists will be announced in September 2026.
The winners of the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards will be revealed at a prestigious black-tie awards ceremony on Thursday 26 November 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, bringing together distillers, retailers and whisky professionals from across Scotland for an evening celebrating the very best of the industry.
As the awards enter their eighth year, the Scottish Whisky Awards continue to provide a respected platform to recognise innovation, craftsmanship and excellence in Scotch whisky, highlighting the people, products and businesses that keep Scotland’s national drink thriving on the global stage.
Download our entry guide here.
For guidance on the entry process, please contact john@kdmedia.co.uk
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact john@kdmedia.co.uk
The Business Categories
Scottish Whisky Distiller of the Year, sponsored by Howden
Newcomer of the Year
Independent Bottler of the Year, sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons
Product Launch of the Year
Tourism Destination of the Year
Excellence in Branding, sponsored by MacFarlane Labels Ltd
Scotch Whisky Retailer of the Year'
The Taste Categories
Blended Scotch, sponsored by Close Brothers
Blended Malt Scotch
Single Malt - No Age Statement (Unpeated)
Single Malt - No Age Statement (Peated)
Single Cask Scotch 12 and Under, sponsored by Distillery Supplies
Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over, sponsored by Hillebrand Gori
Single Malt Scotch 12 and Under, sponsored by Speyside Capital
Single Malt Scotch Aged 13-16, sponsored by Catalyst ERP
Single Malt Scotch Aged 17-20, sponsored by VCL Vintners
Single Malt Scotch 21 and Over, sponsored by Sanderson Weatherall
Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch – Grain, Single Grain, Speciality Cask or other Innovative Expressions
Product Delivery Details:
Taste Categories: Please deliver 2 x 70cl or 3 x 50cl bottles of each entered whisky to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange between Thursday 20th or Friday 21st August 2026, during the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm.
An event manager will meet you and confirm receipt.
Business Categories - Newcomer of The Year & Product Launch of the Year:
Please deliver 1 x 70cl bottle of each entered whisky to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange between Thursday 20th or Friday 21st August 2026, during the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. Please let it be known and label the
bottle with the business category it is being entered into.