Tasting of scotch single malt whisky from Islay island, most intensely flavoured of all Scotch whiskies.gettyAlthough Campbeltown and Islay account for only a small proportion of Scotland’s whisky output, they consistently produce some of the industry’s most distinctive and highly regarded single malts. At the 2026 Global Spirits Masters, sponsored by The Spirits Business, both regions reinforced their reputations for character, complexity and outstanding craftsmanship.Campbeltown's Glen Scotia, a perennial winner in international whisky competitions, impressed across its core range and limited editions with elegant maritime whiskies. At the same time, Islay's Kilchoman and the iconic Lagavulin demonstrated the continuing appeal of expertly balanced peat smoke, coastal influence and long maturation. Together, these Master medal winners highlight the individuality and world-class quality that continue to define Scotland's western whisky regions. Below are brief backgrounds along with my tasting notes on these top-ranked single malt Scotch whiskies.Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2026, NAS, 54.3% ABV, 700 ml. Tastemaster AwardReleased to celebrate the annual Campbeltown Malts Festival, this limited edition showcases Glen Scotia's signature coastal style through a distinctive cask selection bottled at natural strength. It was selected as the top-ranked single malt Scotch whisky at the 2026 Global Spirits Masters.The whisky features aromas of citrus peel, vanilla fudge, sea salt and toasted oak, along with hints of tropical fruit and gentle smoke. It’s full-bodied and oily on the palate, delivering layers of caramel, orchard fruits, warming spices and a distinct, savory, maritime minerality balanced by sweet malt. The finish is long, complex and lightly smoky, with lingering oak spice and coastal freshness.Glen Scotia Harbor Single Malt Scotch Whisky, NAS, 40% ABV, 700 ml. Master MedalProduced exclusively for Coles, an Australian retailer, this Campbeltown single malt captures Glen Scotia's distinctive maritime character, combining gentle coastal influence with sweet vanilla oak and bright orchard fruit.The whisky features aromas of green apple, vanilla and honey, complemented by subtle notes of sea breeze and seasoned oak. It’s smooth and creamy on the palate, revealing ripe orchard fruits, toffee, malt and a delicate saline note that adds freshness and balance. The finish is medium-length, clean and gently warming, with lingering notes of vanilla, subtle wood spices and a savory touch of maritime salinity.Lagavulin distillery on the Isle of Islay, (Photo by David Lefranc/Kipa/Sygma via Getty Images)Sygma via Getty ImagesGlen Scotia 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 700 ml. Master MedalThis well-balanced Campbeltown malt combines bourbon and sherry cask maturation to highlight the distillery's elegant maritime character with added richness and depth.The whisky features aromas of baked apples, honey, seasoned oak and vanilla, along with classic Sherry-inspired notes of dried fruit and toasted nuts. It’s creamy on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, ripe pear, toasted almonds and subtle wood spices, underpinned by a subtle coastal note. The finish is long, smooth and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of sweet malt, seasoned oak and a delicate salinity.Glen Scotia 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV, 700 ml. Master MedalMatured exclusively in ex-bourbon oak casks of American oak, this refined Campbeltown single malt showcases Glen Scotia's signature balance of fruit, seasoned oak and maritime influences.The whisky features aromas of vanilla, ripe peaches, honey and citrus, layered with hints of sea air and toasted oak. It’s rich and silky on the palate, offering flavors of toffee, orchard fruits, crème brûlée and gentle spice wrapped around a subtle coastal character. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of vanilla, oak and subtle maritime elements.Kilchoman Rockside 11 Years Old, 50% ABV, 700 ml. Master MedalNamed after the fields surrounding the distillery, Rockside is a limited-edition whisky matured to showcase Kilchoman's distinctive farm-to-bottle style, balancing vibrant peat smoke with distinctive flavors of fruit and seasoned oak.The whisky features aromas of campfire smoke, lemon zest and vanilla, combined with ripe orchard fruits and sweet malt. It’s rich, creamy and mouth-filling on the palate, delivering layers of smoky peat, caramel, citrus, dark honey and warming spices. The finish is long, smoky and beautifully balanced, leaving lingering notes of sweet oak and coastal peat smoke.Lagavulin 16-Year-Old, 43% ABV, 700 ml. Master MedalOne of Islay's most celebrated single malts, Lagavulin 16 YO is noted for its extraordinary balance of rich peat smoke, maritime character and remarkable elegance developed through extended maturation.The whisky features powerful aromas of peat smoke, iodine, seaweed and dried fruit, complemented by leather, vanilla and seasoned oak notes. It’s rich, oily and exceptionally smooth on the palate, showcasing flavors of smoky malt, dark chocolate, sweet dried fruit, sea salt and warming spices. The finish is long, semi-sweet, powerful and complex, with lingering notes of peat smoke, seasoned oak and maritime freshness.This year's Master medal winners demonstrate that Campbeltown and Islay continue to punch well above their weight in the Scotch whisky world. Glen Scotia's impressive showing confirms the distillery's growing reputation for producing refined maritime-seasoned malts with exceptional balance. Kilchoman and Lagavulin, on the other hand, reinforce Islay's status as the home of some of Scotland's most expressive peated whiskies. Whether driven by elegant coastal influence, bold smoke or careful cask maturation, these award-winning expressions showcase the distinctive identities of two regions that remain among the most exciting and characterful in the Scotch whisky landscape.