Why Scottish single grain whisky Is gaining momentum in global markets

The world of Scottish single grain whisky holds niche appeal. However, as both brands and consumers begin to recognise its potential, the market for these products is growing. As a result, innovation and NPD from both established and newer brands is becoming evident, albeit from a small base.

This trend was highlighted during the IWSC judging sessions. It was illustrated this year by a small but interesting and varied range of entries, pointing towards increasing investment in the category. We saw new and existing expressions from well-known brands performing well, alongside bottlings from younger distilleries.

Capturing New Scotch Whisky Drinkers
One route to market for single grain whiskies is through distilleries that are using them to reach new consumers. Several are championing single grain whisky for its potential to create sweeter, more approachable drams. These can be enjoyed by those who find single malts too powerful and are also highly effective for mixologists and in simpler mixed drinks.

There is potential for Scottish single grain whisky in many global markets. The strong existing appreciation for Japanese single grain whisky and mixed drinks in Japan, along with the popularity of whisky-based mixed drinks in countries such as France and Spain, provide informed and receptive consumers for Scottish brands. Additionally, brands are seeing success in traditionally neat-drinking Scotch markets such as the UK and China. In these regions, distillers are targeting cocktail bars, hospitality venues and new, younger consumers.

Examples of award-winning single grain whiskies recognised at the IWSC that suit this positioning include Loch Lomond Spearhead Single Grain and The Leith Export Co. Table Whisky Single Grain.

Loch Lomond’s expression is unusual in that it uses 100% barley. It is distilled in a Coffey still and matured in ex-bourbon casks, both of which contribute to a lighter, more approachable whisky. The Leith Export Co. Table Whisky is another excellent example of a contemporary grain whisky from a young company.

Demand for Rare Single Grain Whiskies
A distinct and more established section of the single grain whisky market is the growing interest and demand for rare bottlings from established brands. Curious collectors and enthusiasts, already familiar with the broader Scotch category, are discovering rare single grain whiskies as they seek to expand their knowledge and collections.

These whiskies come from both longstanding and newer market entrants. Examples recognised at this year’s IWSC include Arbikie 1794 Rye & PX Highland Rye, Atom Brands North British 35 YO, and Spiritfilled Mythical Beasts 24 YO Port Dundas. All of these received medals in the competition.
While no single grain whiskies received gold or gold outstanding medals at this year’s IWSC, judge Guy Hodcroft was pleasantly surprised by the quality.

Below is a list of this year’s silver and bronze medal-winning single grain Scotch whiskies. A full list of this year’s award winners can be found on our website.

Score	Producer	Entry Name	Region	Country of Origin
92	Whyte & Mackay	Invergordon 14 YO Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Highland	Scotland
92	Spiritfilled	Mythical Beasts 24 YO Port Dundas Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Lowland	Scotland
91	Label 5	Bourbon Barrel Single Grain Whisky	Not Applicable	Scotland
91	Atom Brands	North British 35 YO Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Lowland	Scotland
90	Fruitful Spirits	30 YO North British Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Lowland	Scotland
90	Loch Lomond Distillery	Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Highland	Scotland
89	Duncan Taylor	Rare Auld Dimensions Invergordon 2009 Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Highland	Scotland
88	Arbikie Distilling	1794 Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Highland	Scotland
88	Arbikie Distilling	1794 The PX Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Highland	Scotland
88	Whyte & Mackay	Invergordon 18 YO Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Highland	Scotland
87	Murray McDavid	Select Grain 13 YO North British Murca Port + Spinola PX Cask Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Lowland	Scotland
87	Ballantine's	Single Distillery Single Grain Scotch Whisky	Not Applicable	Scotland
85	The Leith Export Co.	Table Whisky Single Grain Scotch	Not Applicable	Scotland