Saltire Rare Malt is delighted to share that we have been named a finalist at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2026, earning recognition across six finalist spots and four categories. For a young independent bottler founded in 2022 and based in Falkland, Fife, this marks an important milestone in our journey.
In just over two years, Saltire has grown from a shared idea between friends into a collection of single cask and limited‑edition Scotch whiskies shaped by patience, precision and character.
Four Whiskies in the Taste Finals
This year’s awards see four Saltire bottlings shortlisted, including three of the eight finalist places in Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over, a remarkable achievement for an independent bottler still in its early years.
Our finalists include:
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Tamnavulin Cask #1008 - Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over
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Aultmore Cask #301239 - Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over
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Caol Ila Cask #313187 - Single Cask Scotch 13 and Over
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Port Dundas Cask #50092100 -Single Grain & Blended Grain Scotch
These nominations follow Saltire’s win as Newcomer of the Year in 2025 and reflect our continued commitment to thoughtful cask selection and exceptional Scotch whisky.
Branding & Independent Bottler Recognition
Saltire has also been shortlisted for Excellence in Branding and Independent Bottler of the Year, two categories that speak to the care taken not only in the whisky itself, but in the way we present and share it.
Keith Rennie, Co‑Founder, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Saltire recognised across so many different areas at this year’s Scottish Whisky Awards. To have four of our whiskies in the taste finals - including three in the same single cask category - is particularly special, alongside recognition for our branding and a nomination for Independent Bottler of the Year.
To see the whisky, the brand and the team recognised together means a huge amount to us.”
The nominations have also attracted recognition closer to home, with Murdo Fraser MSP, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, submitting a parliamentary motion congratulating Saltire Rare Malt on its success and contribution to Scotland's whisky industry.
We are grateful to the Scottish Whisky Awards for this recognition, and to everyone who has supported Saltire Rare Malt since our earliest days. The best, we believe, is still to come.
