Every whisky bottle is different in some way or the other, from taste, smell to even looks. And that means judging them becomes a tough, but not impossible job. So, somewhere between a warehouse in Speyside and a blind tasting room in London, 10 Scotch whiskies quietly earned bragging rights in 2026. These award-winning Scotch whiskies at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2026 range from Glenfarclas's fierce, sherry-soaked 105 Cask Strength, which walked away with Gold, to the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition, the whisky that did not just win a Master medal but claimed the competition's overall Taste Master title. Add a Sam Heughan-backed blend, a peaty Islay dram grown on its own farm, and Diageo's centuries-old Grand Old Parr, and this year's winners prove Scotch's biggest names and its smaller family distilleries can share the same podium. Here are all ten whiskies, from Glenfarclas 105, Kilchoman Rockside 11 to Glen Scotia Campbeltown whisky that earned medals this year, and what made the judges take notice.
Glenfarclas 105 is a bold Speyside Scotch whisky from the family-run Glenfarclas Distillery. Bottled at 60% ABV, it brings rich Sherry character with apple, pear and peach notes, followed by gentle peat. A little water reveals hints of candied lime and sourdough.
Award: Gold medal
Co-founded by Outlander actor Sam Heughan, The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky comes in at 46% ABV. The judges picked out dried fruit, winter spice and a rich, smooth palate, making it an easy choice for slow sipping.
Award: Master medal
Made with barley grown on Kilchoman's own Islay farm, this 46% ABV whisky brings a softer side of the distillery's smoky style. Nectarine, barbecue and smoked fish notes give it a savoury edge without overpowering the fruit.
Award: Master medal
At 53.9% ABV, this seven-year-old Glen Scotia expression was the competition's biggest standout, taking both a Master medal and the overall Taste Master title. Fruit, gentle smoke, dark chocolate and leather shape its rich coastal profile.
Award: Master medal and overall Taste Master title
This small-batch Islay whisky is bottled at 50.5% ABV, with Spanish Sherry casks adding richness to its smoky character. Sweet smoke, barbecue, dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate give the expression plenty of depth.
Award: Gold medal
Bottled at 40% ABV, Borders Right As Rain blends malt and grain whiskies, including rye whisky matured in Cognac casks. The result is soft and fruity, with orchard fruit, gentle smoke and rich malt leading into an easy finish.
Award: Gold medal
Tomintoul's 10 Year Old is a 40% ABV Speyside single malt with a notably gentle character. American oak Bourbon casks bring forward honey, vanilla, peach, pear and toasted almond, followed by a soft, lightly spiced finish.
Award: Master medal
A 43% ABV luxury blend, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute The Original Reserve opens with sweet orange, plum and vanilla before moving towards dark chocolate, cinnamon and oak. A subtle smoky note rounds out its silky palate.
Award: Master medal
This 40% ABV blend impressed judges with a layered profile that moves from lavender and toffee apple to spice and vanilla custard. The flavours continue to build, giving the 18-year-old Scotch a rich, rounded finish.
Award: Master medal
Loch Lomond Signature is a 40% ABV blend made entirely at the same Highland distillery. Light smoke, gentle sweetness and a savoury edge give it a smooth, understated style that earned a Silver medal.
Award: Silver medal
From Glen Scotia's seven-year-old Taste Master to the rich depth of Glenfarclas and Royal Salute, these winners prove that great Scotch is not defined by age alone. It is the character in the glass that stays with you.