Although we’re now eight months into 2026, the middle of summer always feels like the true annual halfway point. This is the part of the year where people might look back and reflect on what their favourite book has been so far, or favourite film (let’s hear some love for Olivia Wilde’s The Invite). It’s now up to the remaining months of the year to try and top what’s been enjoyed already.

Here at Whisky Magazine, we are now halfway through our six issues of 2026, giving me the perfect moment for my own favourite-so-far reflection. Today, I’m looking back to find out which whiskies have been my top scorers in the Whisky Magazine blind tastings so far this year.

Was I surprised by the results? Well, sort of. I have been championing the increasing globality of the whisky industry, and how whiskies made around the world has never been more accessible. So, I was surprised to find that my six best scoring whiskies thus far are all Scots.

My challenge to the rest of the whisky industry is now clear — can these six Scotch delights be toppled? I can’t wait to find out!

Bradley Weir

Whisky Magazine editor