Scotch Whisky exports hit a record £4.27 billion in 2012, an increase of 87 percent over the past decade, the Scotch Whisky Association said April 2. But exports only grew 1 percent last year.

SWA said mature and emerging markets contributed to eight consecutive years of growth. These markets also made up for falling Southern European sales. The French market was distorted by excise tax increases in 2012 , SWA said.

Meanwhile, SWA said, the USA remains the top value market for Scotch Whisky with £758 million in 2012.

In the coming years, Scotch drinkers should expect to see growth in India, where the European Union negotiated a Free Trade Agreement to reduce 150-percent tariff.

Scotch is also rapidly growing in Mexico and South America.