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Best Highland Whiskies of 2026 - Uncorked
The Number One Spot . . .
Up next on our list of top Highland Single Malt Whiskies in 2025 - Dalmore 12 Year Old.
So why is The Dalmore 12 Year Old our customer favourite of 2025? What makes this dram such a best-selling sensation? Well, it's an excellent example of a smooth 40% abv, sherry wood matured liquid that's full-bodied, and award-winning to boot!
The attractively perfumed nose offers sweet malt, thick cut orange marmalade, sherry and a hint of leather. It’s full-bodied, with sweetening sherry in the mouth, along with spice and balance, delicate, citrus notes. The finish is as long as your arm, with spice, ginger, lingering Seville oranges and even a suggestion of vanilla.
Predictions for 2026...
So who's going to be the next Highland phenomenon? Which whiskies will be top of the leader board in 2026's best Highland single malts? Let our industry experts gaze into the future and tell you our predictions. . .
1. Glendronach 12 Year Old
Freshly redesigned, this superb richly sherried single malt is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 43%, The Glendronach 12 year old is a sweet, creamy dram.
Sherried autumn fruits meld with smooth chocolate praline, gingerbread and sun-dried raisin on the nose. Caramelised bramble, silky orange and sultana envelope the palate with warming spice, before a long and satisfying finish.
2. Dalmore 15 Year Old
Dalmore 15 year old single malt whisky was launched in 2007, and is one of the most popular expressions in the core Dalmore range. It spends twelve years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then a three year finish in three different sherry woods - Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso.
A robust, yet elegant spirit, it has a terrific chocolate orange nose with some winter spices and a hint of sherry. Orange zest and chocolate on the palate, with a gentle spice and a malty and coffee flavoured finish.
3. Glendronach 15 Year Old
With an updated look for 2024, Glendronach 15 Year Old is aged in exceptional Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía. This much-loved classic develops its character in the quiet of Glendronach's dunnage warehouses, before being bottled at 46% abv.
An intoxicating burst of maraschino cherry, ripe bramble and dark chocolate on the nose, with hints of orange bitters and walnut liqueur. The palate brings flavours of honey-glazed apricot and ripe fig with a crescendo of black cherry, angelica, and muscovado on the finish.
4. anCnoc 12 Year Old
The anCnoc 12 year old is an award-winning single malt. Perfect for every occasion, this versatile Highland whisky represents a traditional distillery using modern methods. Matured in a combination of second fill American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, this whisky boasts a light, yet complex character.
The nose is gentle and fresh with citrus fruits and sweet notes of honeycomb. A creamy, velvety butter mouthfeel warms the palate and makes for a long and fruity finish. A trace of sea-salt spray reflects the distinctive house-style of anCnoc.
5. Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old Single Malt
Glenglassaugh is a whisky shaped by land and sea. Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old Single Malt is matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry and red wine casks to introduce ripe fruit flavour to their coastal spirit, bringing elemental balance. Bottled at 45% in a stunning rippled bottle.
On the nose, expect sweet coastal waves of ripe apricot, toasted vanilla and tropical flora, all carried on a warm ocean breeze. The palate brings flavours of candied pistachio, date and sweet fig which develop into waves of morello cherry and whipped cream with fresh coastal air on the close.
6. Fettercairn 12 Year Old
Fettercairn distillery is located in the village of Fettercairn, near the Cairngorm mountains in the Scottish Highlands. Fettercairn 12 expression from the distillery is matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks for its full maturation, before bottling at 40% abv.
The nose is light and fruity with notes of vanilla, pear and soft spice. The palate has juicy nectarines and tropical fruits, with subtle coffee and clove aspects before a rich finish with sultanas and black toffee.
7. Balblair 12 Year Old
A core expression from Balblair, this 12 year old whisky is matured in American oak, ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, bringing elegant complexity and warmth to the signature Balblair style. The nose combines bright lemon peel with crisp green apple. Balance is found in the palette between ground spice and intense set honey sweetness, before leading to a creamy, sweet vanilla finish.
8. Glengoyne 12 Year Old
Glengoyne 12 Year Old is a fruity and easy-drinking Highland single malt that has been matured in hand-selected sherry casks crafted from European and American oak. This expression comes at 43% abv.
The nose has lemon zest, honey and coconut. The palate is rich with toffee fudge, orange, ginger and warming cinnamon being a long and oily finish, with hints of shortbread lingering.
9. Loch Lomond 16 Year Old Waypoint Series Falls of Falloch
In the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park lies the Falls of Falloch. A truly remarkable natural landmark of serene beauty that rewards those willing to go off the beaten track.
This release is the first in Loch Lomond's Waypoint Series, which pays tribute to beauty spots nearby to the distillery. Matured in three kinds of bourbon casks for 15 years, before being finished for 12 months in Cognac barrels, this whisky captures exploration and depth in every drop.
Lime zest and honey blossom on the nose, with gorgeous notes of stewed apple, honey suckle and more honey blossoms in the mouth. The finish brings a final, delightful hit of citrus.
