7th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards Now Open for Entries
Scotland’s national celebration of its greatest global export — Scotch Whisky — returns as the 7th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards officially opens for entries.
This year’s competition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with the introduction of the very first In Whisky Conference — a new daytime event dedicated to industry insight, innovation, and networking. On the day of the awards dinner, it offers delegates a full day of learning and connection at the heart of Scotland’s vibrant Scotch Whisky sector.
The awards continue to champion excellence across the industry, with the highly respected blind tasting competition at its core. Judging will occur across the four major Scotch whisky categories: Single Malt, Blended Malt, Blends, and Single Cask & Speciality (including Single Grain). Products will be judged solely on quality and character, with branding and distillery information hidden to ensure true impartiality.
A new business category also launches this year: Scotch Whisky Bar of the Year. This award will celebrate a standout bar or venue that goes the extra mile in championing Scotch Whisky, offering an exceptional selection, expert service, and an outstanding experience for Scotch Whisky lovers.
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards will be revealed at a prestigious black-tie dinner on Thursday 27th November 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Glasgow Central.
This year, the awards are proud to support The MacLean Foundation, a charity founded in 2022 by whisky legend Charlie Maclean and his three sons, Lachlan, Jamie, and Ewan. This family charity has a mission to create positive change in the world through compassion and the spirit of adventure.
Download our entry guide here.
For guidance on the entry process, please contact info@kdmedia.co.uk
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact john@kdmedia.co.uk
The Business Categories
Scottish Whisky Distiller of the Year, sponsored by Howden
Newcomer of the Year
Independent Bottler of the Year, sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons
Product Launch of the Year, sponsored by H&A Barrel Management
Tourism Destination of the Year
Excellence in Branding, sponsored by MacFarlane Labels Ltd
Scotch Whisky Bar of the Year (NEW)
The Taste Categories
Blended Scotch, sponsored by Close Brothers
Blended Malt Scotch
Single Malt - No Age Statement (Unpeated), sponsored by Independent Stave Company
Single Malt - No Age Statement (Peated)
Single Cask Scotch 12 and Under, sponsored by Scott Pallets
Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over, sponsored by Hillebrand Gori
Single Malt Scotch 12 and Under, sponsored by Speyside Capital
Single Malt Scotch Aged 13-16, sponsored by Catalyst ERP
Single Malt Scotch Aged 17-20, sponsored by VCL Vintners
Single Malt Scotch 21 and Over, sponsored by Sanderson Weatherall
Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch – Grain, Single Grain, Speciality Cask or other Innovative Expressions
Product Delivery Details:
Taste Categories: Please deliver 2 x 70cl or 3 x 50cl bottles of each entered whisky to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange between Friday 15th or Monday 18th August 2025, during the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm.
An event manager will meet you and confirm receipt.
Business Categories - Newcomer of The Year & Product Launch of the Year:
Please deliver 1 x 70cl bottle of each entered whisky to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange between Friday 15th or
Monday 18th August 2025, during the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. Please let it be known and label the
bottle with the business category it is being entered into.