Slàinte mhath as we review the last 12 months for Scotch whisky

In this year’s report we take a deep dive into a range of topics around Scotch whisky which we hope you’ll find both interesting and informative.

Scottish Whisky Awards 2025 winners | Supplied

I examine the whisky export market, investment in the industry, and look at some distilleries celebrating landmark birthdays.

Scotch whisky is having a relatively turbulent time at the moment due to a combination of domestic and global economic and political headwinds. We can’t ignore the fact that the value of whisky exports has fallen and the US market is proving difficult due to import tariffs on a range of products, including Scotch.

But we need to remember that Scotch is still very much an international success, loved in countries across the world, and is vital to the Scottish and UK economies.

And there was major good news earlier this year with the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been described as “transformational” for Scotch and its thousands of workers. The success of Scotch has to be protected and I examine the ongoing and innovative approaches being taken to tackle the issues of fakes and counterfeits in the market. This includes the “zero tolerance” attitude adopted by the Scotch Whisky Association over many years.

I also delve into initiatives from producers themselves to protect their brands and their intellectual property. And technology is playing a bigger role in fighting fakes by enabling whisky makers and the supply chain to track products from “field to glass” and prove their provenance.

The Scotsman’s food and drink editor Rosalind Erskine explains the rise of “experiential tourism”, with many distilleries now offering a lot more than a tour and a dram. Many have developed unique, high-end tasting events, food and drink pairings, and some now provide luxury accommodation for visitors who want to linger a wee while longer near their favourite distillery.

You can also read what Dafydd Pugh Williams, MD of Diageo Scotland Brand Homes, has to say about whisky being for everyone and how cocktails are an excellent way in.

Meanwhile, Annandale Distillery explains how cask ownership works and how its programme stands out. And you can find out more about Fife-based whisky cask dealership company Spiritifilled and its independent bottling arm, Mythical Beasts.The report also includes additional expert industry comment on such topics as cask investment and the need for more diversity in the whisky sector.

We hope you enjoy perusing this wealth of rich whisky content. Slàinte mhath!