While individual bottles often steal the spotlight, I believe it is equally important to step back and examine the bigger picture. This past year, I have been most impressed by the distilleries that are consistently smashing it, pushing innovation, and pouring so much passion into their work that you can taste it in every bottle. These are the brands that are doing something right, and ones that I will be keeping a close eye on in 2026.
A huge part of this year’s story has been the rise of newer, field-to-bottle producers. Take Lochlea, for instance. This is a proper farm distillery, growing its own barley and handling the entire process on site. Despite its youth, it has already established a fantastic core range that feels grounded, unpretentious, and genuinely exciting.
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Similarly, Wylye Distillery in Wiltshire has been a revelation. It is a small, focused brand with a real sense of place, run by an owner who is a whisky enthusiast just like us. Their liquid is phenomenal, and they represent the incredible potential emerging from English whisky.
It is not just the newcomers making waves. Several established distilleries have had a standout year by respecting tradition without being trapped by it. Edradour, celebrating its 200th anniversary, came back stronger than ever with a new distillery edition bottled at 46%, giving a clear nod to us nerds who appreciate those details. And after a recent visit, I was simply blown away by the people and the process at Benromach. Their dedication to craft is second to none, and their community engagement through programs like the Benromach Champions is a brilliant way to connect with enthusiasts.
For me, however, one distillery truly earned the top spot this year: Glasgow Distillery. I have talked about their liquid a lot, and for good reason. They have successfully transitioned from being known as a ‘good new distillery’ into a ‘great Scotch distillery,’ period. Through fantastic special releases and collaborations that just touch the soul, they have connected with the wider whisky world on a new level. With an authentic social media presence and the distillery now open for tours, they are a brand going from strength to strength.
From new farm distilleries to resurgent heritage brands, it is an incredible time to be a whisky fan. All of these producers are well worth keeping an eye on as they continue to shape the industry. But what about you, what was your distillery of the year?
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For my full list of distilleries to watch in 2026, watch my YouTube video.
