Why Scottish single grain whisky Is gaining momentum in global markets

Spirit news

Tue 24 Jun 2025

By Rebecca Fraser

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.

ScoreProducerEntry NameRegionCountry of Origin
92Whyte & MackayInvergordon 14 YO Single Grain Scotch WhiskyHighlandScotland
92SpiritfilledMythical Beasts 24 YO Port Dundas Single Grain Scotch WhiskyLowlandScotland
91Label 5Bourbon Barrel Single Grain WhiskyNot ApplicableScotland
91Atom BrandsNorth British 35 YO Single Grain Scotch WhiskyLowlandScotland
90Fruitful Spirits30 YO North British Single Grain Scotch WhiskyLowlandScotland
90Loch Lomond DistillerySpearhead Single Grain Scotch WhiskyHighlandScotland
89Duncan TaylorRare Auld Dimensions Invergordon 2009 Single Grain Scotch WhiskyHighlandScotland
88Arbikie Distilling1794 Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch WhiskyHighlandScotland
88Arbikie Distilling1794 The PX Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch WhiskyHighlandScotland
88Whyte & MackayInvergordon 18 YO Single Grain Scotch WhiskyHighlandScotland
87Murray McDavidSelect Grain 13 YO North British Murca Port + Spinola PX Cask Single Grain Scotch WhiskyLowlandScotland
87Ballantine'sSingle Distillery Single Grain Scotch WhiskyNot ApplicableScotland
85The Leith Export Co.Table Whisky Single Grain ScotchNot ApplicableScotland