Spirits

3 Best Scotch Whiskies of 2026: Bowmore 9, Manta Ray Genesis 35, Royal Salute 21 Whisky Win Gold At IWSC

Here are 3 Best Scotch Whiskies of 2026 recognised at the IWSC including Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Manta Ray Genesis 35 Year Old Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky. From medals, prices, ABV to tasting notes, here is all you need to know about how well these whiskies did at IWSC.
3 Best Scotch Whiskies of 2026
We feature here 3 best Scotch whiskies of 2026 including Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, East Asia Whisky Company's Manta Ray Genesis 35 Year Old Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Chivas Brothers' Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky, which won gold at IWSC.Bowmore, East Asia Whisky, Royal Salute
Manisha Sharma
Updated on: 

When it comes to whisky, can a competition decide which one is best? At the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2026 held recently, that is exactly what was done. And three very different whiskies took home the coveted Scotch whisky trophies. Here are the 3 best Scotch whiskies of 2026, from Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, East Asia Whisky Company's 35 Year Old Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Chivas Brothers' Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky. These whiskies showcase three distinct approaches to whisky-making, with their tasting notes, and ABV. We also list their prices.

3 Best Scotch Whiskies at the IWSC 2026

Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A nine-year-old single malt taking home an international trophy is a reminder that age is not everything when it comes to Scotch whisky. Bowmore 9 Year Old whisky won the IWSC 2026 Single Malt Scotch Whisky Under 20 Year Old Trophy with 98 points and a Gold Outstanding medal. Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak Oloroso sherry butts, it brings together delicate sea salt, creme caramel and light peat smoke. What you taste are roasted peaches, soft bonfire smoke, oats and rhubarb.

Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky price: Approximately US$50 internationally.

ABV: 40%.

Manta Ray Genesis 35 Year Old Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky

For those who enjoy older single malts, the Manta Ray Genesis 35 Year Old whisky is a particularly interesting winner. Bottled at 49.3% ABV, the Islay expression claimed the IWSC Single Malt Scotch Whisky Over 20 Year Old Trophy, earning 98 points and Gold Outstanding recognition. Its tasting notes begin with fragrant lemon biscuits and chamomile, followed by a sweet, creamy palate featuring floral nuances and hints of Danish pastry. The finish is composed of tropical fruit.

Manta Ray Genesis 35 Year Old price: Approximately US$1,561 internationally.

ABV: 49.3%

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky

Created in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch whisky has a royal story behind its sapphire-blue flagon. The blend, made using Scotch whiskies aged for at least 21 years, won the IWSC 2026 Blended Scotch Whisky Trophy. Its tasting profile opens with bright tropical fruits and polished oak, followed by oatcakes, digestive biscuits, subtle spice and refreshing citrus. The finish gets a gentle wisp of smoke.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky price: Approximately ₹14,000 in India.

ABV: 40%.

These three IWSC Trophy winners demonstrate the range of Scotch whisky. Whether you prefer a smoky single malt, a mature Islay expression or a polished blend, Bowmore 9, Manta Ray Genesis 35 and Royal Salute 21 whisky offer a compelling reason to explore Scotland's whisky-making heritage.

Whisky