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Best Speyside Whiskies 2026: Uncorked
The Number One Spot . . .
A Whisky Shop multi-award winner, the number one spot for 2025 in the Speyside category once again goes to our exclusive bottling with The Macallan - The Macallan 12 year Old 110 Proof European Exclusive!
Introducing one of The Whisky Shop’s most prestigious exclusives 12-year-old single malt from The Macallan, bottled at 110 Proof (55% abv). A truly rare gem, this limited release liquid 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, this exclusive release won’t hang around for long.
Predictions for 2026...
Spectacular Speyside drams for every occasion are coming up this year, and we've collected together the ones that we think you'll love the most! From firm favourites you just can't beat, to a few new comers we recommend getting your hands on before they sell out. . .
1. Mortlach 12 Year Old The Wee Witchie
This single malt from Mortlach distillery in Speyside is named 'The Wee Witchie' after their smallest still. The 12-year-old expression is matured in both American and European oak, and bottled at 43.4% abv.
Meaty and sulphurous, this expression showcases the raw character of the distillery. Expect a rich and deep nose of oak, sandalwood, charred toffee and berries. The palate is sweet and spicy, with notes of demerara sugar, dark chocolate and light tobacco leading to a smooth and dry finish with hints of bitter plum.
2. Benromach 10 Year Old
This 10 year old from Benromach is described as 'the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky'. Bottled at 43% abv, this expression has won multiple gold awards throughout the years. The nose has rich sherry with fruit and nut chocolate and a wisp of peat smoke. The palate brings more light and delicate peat smoke alongside toasted malt and sweet sherry.
3. Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask 2025 Release
The same exquisite taste, experienced in an all-new way – this is The Macallan reimagined for 2025. With refreshed packaging that highlights the American and European oaks used in the creation of this dram through red and white patterning, whilst still retaining the signature style of The Macallan, the new look is bold yet timeless.
Created using liquids exclusively sherry seasoned whisky is matured in a combination of American and European oak for a minimum of 12 years to create this distinctive Speyside Single Malt.
Expect creamy butterscotch and toffee apple on the nose, with vanilla, candied orange and new oak notes. The palate brings honeyed wood spices alongside citrus, raisins and caramel. The finish is warm and sweet with aspects of oak lingering on.
4. Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask 2025 Release
The same exquisite taste, experienced in an all-new way – this is The Macallan reimagined for 2025. With refreshed packaging that highlights the American and European oaks used in the creation of this dram through red and white patterning, whilst still retaining the signature style of The Macallan, the new look is bold yet timeless.
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.
5. GlenAllachie 12 Year Old
Distilled at The GlenAllachie in Speyside, this single malt is crafted in a combination of first fill bourbon, sherry and virgin oak casks, each one selected by Master Distiller, Billy Walker. Matured for at least 12 years before bottling, this flagship expression from The GlenAllachie is presented at 46% abv.
The nose is sweet with butterscotch and honey, with rich raisins and mocha notes. The palate brings lashings of butterscotch and honey with banana and marzipan, before a lingering raisin and mocha finish.
6. Benriach The Original Ten
The Original Ten is the flagship expression of Benriach Speyside single malt. Matured in sherry casks, bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks, this expression is married together under the expert care of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Inspired by the very first single malt released by Benriach in 1994, this 10-year-old has a smooth and multi-layered profile that is the perfect introduction to the Benriach range.
The nose is rich in orchard fruits, with honey and warm toasted oak notes. The fruits continue in the palate with pear and nectarine atop a malty sweetness. The finish has almonds and spiced vanilla lingering on.
7. Benriach The Twelve
This 12-year-old Speyside 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.
