The ASCOT Awards just released its Best In Class bottles for 2026, and we scored an exclusive first look at all of the big winners. We’re about to take a closer look at the scotch category, specifically, but first here’s a little background on why you should care about the results of this annual competition to begin with.

The ASCOTs were launched in 2021 by award-winning author and whiskey expert Fred Minnick . Although the award’s title stands for, “American Spirits Council of Tasters” – and initially included a panel of 27 expert palates on those particular styles – it has since expanded to include categories of spirit from across the globe.

Top-rated expressions are entered into a playoff style system with Double Platinums facing off against one other in respective categories until a Best In Class is winnowed down from each.

Eventually, all of those Best In Class winners will compete to earn the grand title of “ Best In Show .” The top-rated scotch we’re uncorking here might just get that honor. We’ll know in a few short weeks. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s time for the big reveal. And the ASCOT goes to: Aberlour A’bunadh.

For fans of sherried scotch, this luscious liquid will certainly need no introduction. The non-age-stated single malt has been on the market since 1997 and is now regarded as something of a cult classic. The name comes from a Gaelic phrase loosely translating to, “the origin.” It is pronounced ah-BOON-ah, and though it changes slightly from batch to batch, it is always presented at cask strength and relies exclusively on maturation in first fill sherry casks for its signature dark fruit finesse.

Speaking of signature flavors, here are the official tasting notes from the initial round of judging at the 2026 ASCOTs:

“Fruit pulls out ahead, and the high ABV remains in check. The fruits dry out and become a trail mix with surprising nutty flavors and even some dried cranberries. The alcohol remains elusive and has me concerned at this abv A very easy drinking 120 proof, and with water even more so, highlighting a well-structured oak and well-behaved nougat. Light nose for the proof: floral, some honey, light nectarine. Much more oomph on the palate -- the proof arrives in 4-part harmony, 100 voices -- all that repeats, and roars on into a bravura finish. I've found my post-judging dram...with maybe a bit of water.”

Subsequent rounds of judging made notes of delicate smoke, dark chocolate and tobacco tonalities. The most recent offering of A’Bunadh that I’ve encountered in the wild clocked in at a sturdy 61.2%-ABV. As a fan of unapologetic sherry bombs, it never fails to impress my palate regardless of slight variations from year-to-year. But the underlying dark notes in this most recent release were accentuated and elongated by threads of candied coated ginger in the slow-rolling finish. Though seasoned sippers will be eager to enjoy this one neat, there is some added softness to appreciate should you choose to dilute it with a few drops of room temperature mineral water.

Hauling home a bottle will typically set you back around $100 . Given the quality of the liquid – and the stature of the historic 146-year-old distillery responsible for crafting it – it’s a fairly reasonable asking price. Want to see if it takes home the grand honor of Best Whisky of the Year at the 2026 ASCOTs? Check back in here as I keep you updated with all the exclusive competition results, as always.