Great news came for the Scotch whisky category in July as the US officially lifted tariffs on exports of Scotland’s national spirit. Gold winners included Sir Edward’s Smoky Blended Scotch Whisky, which had “raisins, apricot, and a little cocoa powder towards the finish”. With the age statements behind them, the panels moved on to consider the quality of Scotch whisky according to price points. But which whisky most deserved to be top of the Scotch whisky leaderboard in 2026? After retasting the Master winners, the judges cast their votes and chose Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2026 Single Malt Scotch Whisky as this year’s Scotch Whisky Taste Master.