6 Best Whiskies Of 2026: Bunnahabhain 35, Bowmore 9, Royal Salute 21 To Mongolian Oak Cask Whisky

The International Wine and Spirits Competition has announced its 2026 whisky winners, and the results cover a remarkably broad range of styles and origins. The top honours went to the Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old Manta Ray Genesis, Bowmore 9 year old to Royal Salute 21 Year Old, 20 Year Old Mongolian Oak Cask to Old Bardstown 4 Year Old Bottled in Bond whisky and Dawu Malt Blended Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Taiwan. Rather than simply rewarding age or reputation, the IWSC 2026 results highlight whisky bottles that stood out in their respective categories for character and quality. Here are 6 best whiskies of 2026, with their price, ABV and tasting notes.

6 Best Whiskies of 2026 At IWSC

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

The standout among the older single malts, 35 Year Old Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky won the IWSC 2026 Single Malt Scotch Whisky Over 20 Year Old Trophy with 98 points and Gold Outstanding medal. The Islay expression offers lemon biscuit, chamomile, creamy pastry, floral notes and tropical fruit, with a long, polished finish. It is bottled at 49.3% ABV.

• Bunnahabhain 35 YO Manta Ray Genesis Whisky Price: Around US$1,561 internationally.

Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky took the IWSC Single Malt Scotch Whisky Under 20 Year Old Trophy with 98 points and Gold Outstanding. Its profile combines sea salt, creme caramel and light peat smoke with roasted peach, oats, rhubarb and gentle bonfire notes. The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV.

• Bowmore 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Price: Around US$50 internationally

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky won the 2026 IWSC Blended Scotch Whisky Trophy with 96 points. The blend opens with tropical fruit and polished oak before moving into citrus, biscuit, subtle spice and a restrained smoky note. It comes at 40% ABV and remains one of the more recognisable luxury names among the winners.

• Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky Price: Around Rs 14,000 for 700ml in Gurgaon.

Distillery Exclusive 20 Year Old Mongolian Oak Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Distillery Exclusive 20 Year Old Mongolian Oak Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey claimed the IWSC Irish Whiskey Trophy and Gold Outstanding. Its tasting profile brings mango and pineapple alongside citrus and nutty notes, followed by a sweet finish, while the Mongolian oak cask adds further depth. It is bottled at 45.9% ABV.

• 20 Year Old Mongolian Oak Cask Irish Whiskey Price: Limited distillery-exclusive release

Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond 4 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

At just four years old, Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond 4 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey won the IWSC Bourbon Trophy with 98 points. The bourbon shows grain and floral aromas, followed by marmalade, brioche and oak on the palate, ending with a dry, lingering finish. It is bottled at 50% ABV.

• Old Bardstown 4 Year Old Bottled in Bond Whiskey Price: Under US$30 in parts of the US

Dawu Malt Blended Whiskey

Dawu Malt Blended Whiskey from Wan Ja Shan Distillery, Taiwan won the 2026 Worldwide Whiskey Trophy and Gold Outstanding. The IWSC notes tropical and orchard fruit, toffee and woody spice, followed by baked apple, cherries and a sweet finish. At 54.9% ABV, it is one of the highest-strength whiskies in this year's selection.

• Dawu Malt Blended Whiskey Price: Limited international release

Note: Whisky prices may vary by retailer and location, and availability may differ across markets.