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9 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in 2026
Up first is Single Malt Scotch - the best seller of 2025 being this, The Macallan 12 Year Old 110 Proof European Exclusive.
One of The Whisky Shop’s most prestigious exclusives 12-year-old single malt from The Macallan, bottled at 110 Proof (55% abv), this is a truly rare gem. A limited release liquid this was crafted with care and matured predominantly in European sherry oak casks, with just a hint of influence from American sherry-seasoned oak. It is not only a classic example of the depth and elegance that The Macallan is famed for but also showcases The Macallan’s bolder edge, with its higher abv offering a richer and more intense experience than the classic 12 Year Old Sherry Oak (which sits at 40%).
On the nose, it greets you with the warm, comforting aroma of baked figs, plum jam, nutmeg and a twist of orange peel. The palate unfolds in layers of toffee apple, Christmas cake, dark honey and clove, with the sweetness deepened by roasted hazelnut and a touch of cocoa. The finish lingers beautifully, carrying notes of treacle, rich sherried sweetness and gentle oak spice, leaving a lasting warmth that invites another sip.
It’s a dram that captures everything The Macallan does best with rich sherry influence, impeccable balance, and sheer indulgence - just only turned up a notch! A must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Predictions for 2026...
Moving into the next year, our team of brilliant managers, industry experts, and whisky connoisseurs have put their heads together to make predictions for the rising stars of 2026. The below bottles began their ascent up the charts last year but we think that they'll prove even more popular this year!
1. Macallan 15 Year Old Double Cask
Distilled at The Macallan in Speyside, The Macallan 15 Year Old Double Cask is matured in a combination of American and European oak casks. The Macallan brings American oak to Spain, where their bespoke casks are hand-crafted and filled with dry Oloroso sherry. Once seasoned, these casks are shipped to Scotland to be filled with new make spirit from The Macallan stills. After 15 years, the Whisky Mastery Team set about combining spirit from both types of cask to create a balanced, warm, and sweet single malt. The result is The Macallan 15 Year Old Double Cask, bottled at 43% abv and presented at natural colour, with all of its golden butterscotch hue coming from the oak casks.
The influence of both casks is immediately noticeable on the nose, with dried fruits and baked apple from the Spanish oak and vanilla and toffee from the American oak. The palate brings sweet raisins and sultanas, growing in intensity with undercurrents of vanilla, oak spice and citrus. The finish is warm and creamy with ginger and caramel lingering on.
2. Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Lagavulin 16 is a flagship expression from one of Scotland's 'essential' distilleries, on a cramped, chaotic and wildly romantic Islay. Demand heavily exceeds supply, as it is highly regarded as being one of the best whiskies in the world - with a substantial fanbase. The intense character comes from their own richly peaty water supply; the heavily peated barley; the unusually long fermentation - up to 75 hours; and the slowest distillation of any Islay malt.
A classic Lagavulin with elements of smoke, peat and spice. The nose opens with punchy Islay smoke, with hints of iodine, sweet spice and vanilla, leading to a rich palate bursting with malt, dried fruit, oak and earthy peat. The finish is long and spicy, with more peat smoke and vanilla.
3. Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak
A deliciously smooth Macallan single malt - this rich and well rounded whisky is easy to drink and will not disappoint. Described as refined, rich, and rounded with plenty of sherry cask influence and perfectly balanced with woodsmoke and spice. It has often been dubbed 'simply the best 12 Year Old single malt around'.
Crisp sweet and floral on the nose, with beautiful Sherry notes - calvados emerges with a tropical fruit note and golden syrup. The taste brings medium-body with plenty of fruits and marmalade, leading to a long finish with a whisper of oak.
4. Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
An absolute classic single malt, Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is a staple on many whisky shelves around the world. Meaning 'mouth of the river' in Scots Gaelic, Bunnahabhain is tucked away on the North Coast of Islay drawing their water from a natural spring. Matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, the original member of the distillery's core range has a signature sweet, fruity and nutty characteristic whilst maintaining natural colour and non-chill filtered.
5. 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.
6. Benriach The Twelve
Benriach The Twelve single malt is matured in a combination of sherry casks, bourbon barrels and port pipes, all married together under the expert care of Master Blender Rachel Barrie. Part of the refreshed core line-up from Benriach, this new recipe for the 12-year-old expression brings intensified notes of baked fruits and a rich smoothness.
The nose has rich notes of maple honey and cocoa. The palate brings baked fruits, maraschino cherries, orange oil and hazelnuts before sultanas and spiced mocha in the long lasting finish.
7. Dalmore 12 Year Old
The Dalmore 12 Year Old is a muscular Highland whisky with plenty of evidence of sherry wood maturation in most expressions.
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. A former winner of The Whisky Shop Malt of the Year!
8. Ardnahoe Bholsa
Ardnahoe Bholsa is an exceptional whisky is predominantly matured in Oloroso sherry casks and is bottled with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration, ensuring a pure and authentic experience. With an ABV of 50% and presented in a 70cl bottle, this whisky delivers a full-bodied, memorable flavour profile.
On the nose, it offers a rich blend of smoky peat, raisins, and the sweet influence of Oloroso sherry, complemented by vibrant notes of orange zest and walnuts. The palate is indulgent, with luscious ripe plums and dates, balanced by the distinctive warmth of Islay peat. The finish is long and peppery, leaving a lingering sherried character.
9. Arran 10 Year Old
The classic expression of the Arran Malt, this 10 year old captures the fresh and unique island style of the western isle's eponymous distillery.
Rich vanilla sweetness gives way to cinnamon on the nose, the soft and sweet texture taking on a spicy edge. The palate is sweet with apple and citrus against a background of oak.
