The Scotch whisky industry enters 2026 with a series of significant milestones on the horizon. Several distilleries are marking major anniversaries, while others are gearing up for long‑anticipated first releases that will define their next chapter.
Here are some distilleries to look out for this year.
Aberargie Distillery
After years of patience (nine to be precise), the distillery is ready to release its first ever single malt whisky. Carefully selected from its earliest casks, although it is unsure what the age of the release will be. It certainly marks a big milestone for the Perthshire distillery. Available in March 2026.
InchDairnie Distillery
InchDairnie is gearing up to open its distillery doors to visitors. The plan is to launch this summer, starting with at least four intimate daily tours for six to eight guests each.
The Fife-based distillery was founded in 2011 and has been distilling since 2015. Its focus is on extracting maximum flavour through innovative methods. The distillery was literally built around its mash filter, which was installed before the walls and roof went up. This unusual system allows for greater flavour extraction, higher sugar yield, and the ability to handle a wider range of grain types.
The Dalmore
The Dalmore Distillery is finally opening the doors to its new, expanded site in 2026. The investment (around £40m) was used to create a new visitor centre (no doubt a high-end experience) and a new production facility, which will transition the distillery to greener solutions. The plan has been to retain the character of the distillery, old buildings have been repurposed and the Old Dalmore Kiln pagoda will be at the heart of the new distillery.
Let’s keep an eye on their socials for the exact opening date and what’s to come…
Old Pulteney
The seaside distillery is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year with an exciting calendar of celebrations planned to mark milestone, including some of the Maritime Malt’s most remarkable and exclusive releases to date. So it’s worth keeping tabs on them this year!
The Glendronach Distillery
Another distillery celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The Glendronach Distillery was founded in 1826 by James Allardice in the valley of Forgue, in the east Highland hills.
This year the distillery is hosting many special events and experiences to celebrate the milestone. Experiences will be available for booking from the 27th of January through their website.
Tamnavulin Distillery
Tamnavulin, the mill on the hill, turns 60 this year and it is releasing a very special whisky to celebrate. There will be less than 300 bottles available, so you might want to keep an eye on the distillery’s socials for the launch date, possibly towards the end of February/early March. The team was very reluctant to give much information at this point. Some tasters can also be found in selected venues across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
As the distillery is not open for visitors (yet!), you might want to look out for the special tickets to visit it during the Spirit of Speyside. These should be on sale in February. Act fast as these tend to sell out fast.
Galloway Distillery
Last autumn, Sam Heughan, best known for his role in the Outlander series, acquired Crafty Distillery, which has now been renamed the Galloway Distillery. There are plans to expand the premises to increase production and make more room for whisky making.
I’m sure we can expect their visitor numbers to grow this year with everyone hoping for a glimpse of Sam… They have two tour experiences, one with a tasting of a range of spirits and another focused solely on whisky.
Luss Distillery
The brand-new distillery only opened last year and offers magnificent views of Loch Lomond, making it a great place to visit whether you are a gin drinker or a whisky enthusiast. Luss Distillery is owned by Loch Lomond Group and is the home of their Ben Lomond Gin.
But as we are talking about whisky here, you’ll be happy to know that the distillery also offers guided tastings of Loch Lomond whiskies. In fact, you can get access to more exclusive limited-edition releases or distillery-only releases there. Unfortunately, a visit to Loch Lomond Distillery itself (located 10 minutes away) is not included, but the tasting can offer a great insight into their whiskies.
The distillery has a licensed café if you would like some breakfast, lunch or a cocktail. And the distillery’s specialist shop is not to be missed as it offers bottles from Loch Lomond Distillery, Glen Scotia and even rare finds from the now-closed Littlemill Distillery.
Glencadam Distillery
The Highland distillery celebrated its 200th anniversary last year and to mark the moment they built a multi-million-pound visitor centre in Brechin, initially planned for the summer but eventually opening its doors in November. I’m expecting Glencadam Distillery to see many visitors this year at their shiny new home.
You can enjoy guided tours, tutored tastings and an interactive exhibition showing the distillery’s journey from its 1825 beginning. And it wouldn’t be a proper visitor centre without a whisky lounge, café and retail shop. They have even added a function suite so perhaps some events are also on the horizon.
Tobermory Distillery
The Isle of Mull’s only single malt distillery is hosting a whisky festival this summer. Tobermory Whisky Festival is a day-long celebration taking place on Saturday 20th of June. It will give visitors a chance to learn more about their peated and unpeated spirits as well as their gins. Expect live music, exclusive releases, special masterclasses, warehouse tours, boat trips, a market selling local produce and much more. Book your visit online through the distillery’s website.
Also, keep an eye on Tobermory Distillery’s channels for the next whiskies from the ‘Lores of Mull’ series. This is an evolving series inspired by the myths and legends of the island, with new editions brought out annually. The first two bottles were released at the end of last year and included Tobermory 11-Year-Old Tawny Port & Oloroso Cask and a peated Ledaig 5-Year-Old Madeira Cask.
Lochlea Distillery
This month Lochlea is bringing out its oldest whisky to date, a 7-Year-Old Single Malt, bottled at 50% ABV.
The final spirit is shaped by seven hand‑selected first‑fill Bourbon casks, each bringing its own depth, brightness, and character to the finished whisky. Available from the 23rd of January.
Glenfiddich Distillery
Glenfiddich is celebrating its 140th anniversary but unfortunately at the time of posting this blog post, they couldn’t reveal anything about their plans. So, let’s keep an eye out for announcements.
Which scotch whisky distillery are you most excited about this year? Do you have your own list of scotch whisky distilleries to keep an eye on in 2026?
