Top 5 Whiskies in 2026 so far

In this latest video I count down my five favourite Scotch whiskies I have had this year and why each bottle deserves a place on your shelf. From incredible value blended Scotch whisky to limited edition single cask releases and outstanding independent bottlings. These are my Whiskies of the year… so far.

Despite a few challenges for some of the biggest whisky brands, 2026 has already been an excellent year for Scotch whisky. Distilleries and independent bottlers continue to release exciting new expressions packed with flavour, character and value.

Beginning with the outstanding Symington 10 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky from Signatory. Bottled at 46% ABV with natural colour and non chill filtration, this whisky delivers exceptional quality for around £30. With a combination of sherry and bourbon casks and a high malt content, it offers rich honey, vanilla, fruit and cereal flavours that make it one of the best value whiskies available today.

Next is the Signatory 100 Proof Clynelish 10 Year Old. Matured in refill Oloroso sherry and new oak hogsheads, this cask strength whisky delivers oily texture, citrus fruit, waxy character and incredible depth of flavour. It is another fantastic example of why Signatory continues to produce some of the most exciting independent Scotch whisky releases on the market.

I also need to highlight the Benromach Champions Edition 2, a special Friends of Benromach exclusive that I helped select as one of the 2025 Benromach Champions. This organic single cask whisky is bottled at cask strength with natural colour and non chill filtration. Matured in virgin oak, it delivers tropical fruit, vanilla, spice and citrus flavours in a complex and rewarding dram that represents one of my proudest achievements in whisky.

Limited edition fans will also enjoy Loch Lomond Distillery Edition 11. With only 400 bottles released, this unique single grain Scotch whisky experiments with malted and unmalted barley to create a vibrant whisky full of apple, kiwi, mango and sweet confectionery notes.

Finally the Woodrow’s of Edinburgh Jane Street Collection Smokey One. This mystery Islay single malt combines balanced peat smoke with juicy fruit, blackberries and warming campfire notes. Whether it is Lagavulin, Caol Ila or another famous Islay distillery, it proves why Woodrow’s of Edinburgh is quickly becoming one of the most exciting independent bottlers in Scotland.

Watch the full video for detailed tasting notes, whisky reviews, buying advice, value for money opinions and my current favourites for Whisky of the Year 2026. Whether you enjoy single malt Scotch whisky, blended Scotch whisky, independent bottlers, cask strength whisky, natural colour whisky or non chill filtered releases, this countdown is packed with recommendations for every whisky lover.