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We need to talk about scotch whisky – Category Intel

Jessica Broadbent
Last updated: 05/05/2026 at 6:08 PM
By Jessica Broadbent
23 April 2026
17 Min Read

Despite what feels like a never-ending stream of bad news, the scotch whisky industry is chugging away to keep the category evolving and relevant. Could its problems be more medium term than structural?


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Credit: ELEVATE/Pexels
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Oversupply continues to dog the scotch industry, but some are hopeful the end is in sightDiscounting may allow for trial and feel helpful for consumers, but producers warn the approach could damage brand equity in the longer termTo appeal to wider audiences, brands are increasingly exploring lower-ABV scotch expressions, cheaper and slightly sweeter profiles, and whiskies designed specifically for mixingExports are declining in volume and value, but industry figures maintain this is a post-Covid pandemic ‘normalisation’Domestically, issues with duty continue, as does added financial press

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Jessica Broadbent
ByJessica Broadbent
Jess joined Global Drinks Intel as deputy editor in January 2026 following a stint as a freelance journalist in Panama. She was previously deputy editor at Just Drinks. She has bylines in other industry titles including The Buyer, Fine Lees and Just Food, and has been a sub-editor at The Daily Mail.
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