Whisky exports reached nearly £2.5bn last year, according to figures released yesterday.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said 2006 was a record year for sales of the country's national drink.
Exports rose by 4% in value, reaching a high of nearly £2.5bn and beating a previous peak in 1997 of £2.4bn.
The SWA said the outlook for the whisky industry was "brighter than for many years".
Blended whisky accounted for the bulk of global exports at £1.92bn, while malt exports grew 7% to £408m.
Export volume was also at a new record high, with shipments exceeding the equivalent of one billion bottles, up 6% on 2005 levels to 1051 million bottles.
The figure beats the previous record of 1013 million bottles in 2001.
While consumption of whisky has decreased in the UK, demand has soared in new markets across the globe, including Venezuela, which recorded the strongest growth with 106 million bottles imported in the year.
Scotch whisky now makes up a quarter of UK food and drinks exports.
SWA chairman Richard Burrows said: "Building on a record year in 2006, the prospects for Scotch whisky are brighter than they have been for many years.
"I'm greatly encouraged that distillers, large and small, are investing in facilities in Scotland and taking advantage of opportunities worldwide, with markets in Asia, North and South America offering strong potential for growth."
Mr Burrows added: "To support the industry's international competitiveness, the SWA is continuing to press the case for new legislation that will improve both the legal protection of Scotch whisky from unfair competition and help promote the positive reputation of Scotch to consumers around the world."
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