Welcome to another installment of our monthly column. August brought major changes to the world of Scotch whisky – from the removal of US tariffs to new awards and limited editions. The market is stabilising and premiumisation continues, but fans can look forward to better availability and transparency.
In This Article
The US scrapped its 10% tariff on Scotch whisky
On 24 July 2026 the removal of the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imported into the United States came into force. It brings immediate relief for exporters and potentially lower prices for American consumers.
It is part of a wider UK–US trade agreement that created a so-called "zero-for-zero" regime – Scotch enters the US duty free, and American whiskey enters the UK on the same terms.
Sources: The Whiskey Wash, BBC
World Whiskies Awards 2026: Bowmore 21 and Ballantine's 23
The World Whiskies Awards 2026 results confirmed the strength of traditional distilleries. Bowmore 21 Year Old took the World's Best Single Malt title, while Ballantine's 23 Year Old was named World's Best Blended.
Other winners included Glasgow 1770 Ruby Port Cask Finish as the best Lowland small-batch whisky and Caol Ila 18 Year Old Jazz Festival Edition.
Source: The Whiskey Wash
SIP Awards 2026: Double Gold for Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
The SIP Awards 2026, judged directly by consumers and announced in July, delivered a notable success for Islay. Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie won Double Gold and Port Charlotte 10 Year Old took Gold.
Gleneffer Blended Scotch, Cutty Sark and Oban 15 Year Old Port Cask Finish also featured among the medal winners.
Sources: The Whiskey Wash, Robb Report India
IWSC 2026: The GlenAllachie 18 and Deanston Orange Wine Cask among the best
The International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026 awarded Scotch whiskies a total of 545 medals. The GlenAllachie 18 Year Old and Deanston Orange Wine Cask 17 Year Old both scored 98 points and earned Spirit Gold Outstanding.
Bowmore 9 Year Old, Glengoyne 17 Year Old Scottish Oak and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old also scored highly.
Source: The Whiskey Wash
The market returns to availability, transparency and core ranges
2026 is a year of correction after a long period of rising prices and collector speculation. Larger stocks and more cautious production are improving bottle availability.
At the same time drinkers increasingly demand age statements and clear information about casks, filtration and provenance. Well-built core ranges and quality blends matter again, not just limited editions.
Source: Forbes
New export conditions: China cut its tariff to 5%
In January 2026 China lowered its whisky import duty to 5%, a move that should help restart exports to a key Asian market.
For distilleries the combination of a more open Chinese market and duty-free access to the US is an important boost after weaker global export volumes in 2025.
Source: Scotch Whisky Association
The Clydeside 2026 Limited Edition: bourbon, rye and tequila casks
Glasgow distillery The Clydeside released a limited Lowland single malt at 46% ABV, matured and finished in a combination of bourbon, rye and tequila casks.
The total outturn is just 580 bottles – a neat example of the current trend where distilleries experiment with wood while still building flavour on the character of the spirit.
Source: The Clydeside Distillery
Fact of the month: sustainability from by-products to net zero
Sustainability in Scotch whisky is moving from statements to operational change. The Scotch Whisky Association aims to fully decarbonise its own operations by 2040 and reach net zero across the value chain by 2045.
One concrete example is Celtic Renewables, which turns whisky production by-products into low-carbon biochemicals, giving distilleries a new use for material that used to be mainly a waste stream.
Source: Scotch Whisky Association
Pavel, The Whisky Game