Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, on the rostrum during the sale of Whisky & Whiskey | Featuring The Wax Top Collection

NIGHTCAP TOTALS $14.3 MILLION AT SOTHEBY’S NEW YORK

Led by Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627, “The Prototype,” at $625,000  

One of the Most Valuable Bottles of Japanese Whisky Ever Sold at Auction 

Five Nightcap Sales Achieve Multiple World Records 

NEW YORK, – Sotheby’s New York’s inaugural Nightcap, a landmark new global Wine & Spirits Festival, concluded on Saturday with a combined total of $14.3 million across five dedicated auctions. The combined result surpassed the overall pre-sale estimate of $8.8 – 12.6 million. The programme featured some of the rarest and most sought-after wines and spirits in the world, attracting collectors from more than 27 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The results build on a record first half of 2026 for Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits, which generated $49.25 million in auction sales, up 7% year on year, across 29 auctions, achieving a 94% sell-through rate and attracting bidders from 57 countries. The global collector base continues to expand, with 25% of bidders new to Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits and 28% of buyers new to the business in the first half of the year.

Key Facts & Figures:

• Nightcap: $14.3 million across five dedicated auctions (est. $8.8 – 12.6 million).
• Global participation from collectors in 27 countries.
• 97% sell-through rate.
• 62% of lots sold above their high estimates.
• Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627, “The Prototype”: $625,000 (est. $400,000–600,000), the highest-value lot of the Nightcap programme and one of the most valuable bottles of Japanese whisky ever sold at auction.

Alongside the auctions, Nightcap featured a programme of tastings, dinners and experiences at Sotheby’s Breuer. The Nightcap Wine & Whisky Tasting welcomed more than 250 guests to sample nearly 100 wines and whiskies from leading producers and estates around the world, alongside a dedicated blind tasting experience. The programme brought together collectors, producers and enthusiasts in a new platform for discovery and connoisseurship across the world of fine wine and spirits.

 STANDOUT MOMENTS

Whisky & Whiskey | Featuring The Wax Top Collection

Live Auction | 3–18 September

Whisky & Whiskey | Featuring The Wax Top Collection totalled $2.9 million, with a 100% sell-through rate across more than 500 bottles. The sale represented the largest single collection of Willett Family Estate bottlings ever offered at auction. It also achieved the highest total for a Spirits auction ever held in New York and attracted the highest number of registrants for a Spirits sale globally.

• Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627, “The Prototype” (est. $400,000–600,000), led both the sale and the entire Nightcap programme, realizing $625,000. One of the rarest bottles of Japanese whisky ever offered at auction, it was hand-filled by Osami Uchibori, Karuizawa’s final Master Distiller, on 20 December 2012. It is one of only two bottles known to have been drawn and hand-bottled directly from the cask prior to its commercial release.
• Karuizawa 1970 Cask #6017 “The Last Masterpiece,” realized $68,750 (est. $60,000 – 90,000).
• The Macallan Select Reserve 52 Year Old 1946 (est. $8,000 – 12,000) achieved $27,500, over three times its low estimate.
• The Very Olde St. Nick Estate Reserve Vintage Collection more than doubled its pre-sale estimate to achieve $21,250 (est. $10,000-15,000). The one-of-a-kind lot comprised three large-format bottles of Very Olde St. Nick 17 Year Old, presented in a one-litre format for the first and only time. The bottles were housed in a reclaimed chestnut wood case created exclusively for the auction. Proceeds from the sale will benefit The Big Wave Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Half Moon Bay, California, which provides lifelong housing, day programmes, and a supportive community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For full results and further details, please visit the sale page.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building in New York City, featuring Marcel, 945 Madison Avenue – a new continental restaurant designed by Roman & Williams.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

Whisky Ambassador Certification

Saturday, November 28, 2026

Whether you work in the trade or are simply an enthusiast, join us for a full-day, accredited Scotch Whisky training program designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to talk about Scotland’s national drink like an expert.

What You’ll Learn:

• Scotch whisky history, origins, and economic impact
• Production processes: where and how it’s made
• Guided nosing and tasting techniques
• Sales, customer service, and the “Drink less. Drink better” approach
• Comparative overview of other world whiskies

Details:

• Date & Time: Saturday, November 28 | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Iron Gate Auctions, 72 Six Point Rd in Etobicoke
• Included: Lunch, guided tastings, exam fees, and your official Scotch Whisky Ambassador Certificate & pin upon completion.

About Your Instructor:

Hosted by Chris Brousseau—author of The Glenlivet 200th Anniversary Book, creator of The Whisky Game, and former 16-year archivist and Brand Ambassador for Chivas Brothers at Strathisla Distillery.

Seats are extremely limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Samhain 2026 is here

The Samhain Series is our very own limited-edition collection of seven single cask Scotch whiskies. Matured in a unique selection casks, this unique whisky series celebrates Scotland’s rich history of folklore, tall tales and eerie mythology.

Each label depicts stories steeped in local legend, with hand-drawn pen and ink illustrations by

Edinburgh artist Steven Shand. We worked with Steven to select stories based around the distilleries in this outrun. Steven created the unique artwork and we selected the casks from our portfolio.

The seven releases selected this year are as follows,

• Fionn Slays the Kranna Dubh, Bowmore matured in first fill bourbon barrel for 9 years
• The Eighth Part Measure of a Garle, Laphroaig matured in a refill barrel for 7 years
• The Trows of Orkney, Highland Park matured in a first fill bourbon barrel for 12 years
• The Ghost Train of Dunphail, Glen Elgin finished in a first fill Tawny Port barrique, 14 years old
• The Hidden Gold of Largo Law, Cameronbridge matured in a refill HHD, 23 years old
• The Witches of Delnabo, Aultmore finished in a first fill Rum barrel, 13 years old
• The Devil Tricks the Maid of Bennachie, Glen Garioch matured in a refill HHD, 11 years old

Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns is not being sold through our website. Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage.

Whisky Wednesday – Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel, 50%

THE VIDEO

Aged exclusively in barrels that were toasted for 24 minutes and then quickly flash charred, this is a bottle of Jack Daniel’s that does things a little differently.

Not only that, but its barrel entry proof is 100, rather than 125, and this is aged for anywhere between 7/8 years per release.

Lower entry proof and this longer toasting has produced a sweet, sticky, rich Tennessee Whiskey with notes of buttery popcorn, dark cherry, orange bitters and red vermouth.

Taste wise it leans into a direction of a little intense with some heavily extracted wood sugars, fresh ginger spice, gentian root, more red vermouth and a long, classically Tennessee approach of dry, roasted nuts and some buttery, sweet oak.

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

This article was publication delayed due to Remembrance Day (in Canada) being on a Wednesday this year.

Expanding the Adventure: Roaming Road Spirits Debuts American Whiskey Single Barrel Initiative

Award-winning independent bottler, known for showcasing unique, premium barrel-aged spirits sourced from around the world with a distinctive point of view, expands its domestic single barrel program to include American whiskeys.

PINEDALE, Wyo. — Roaming Road Spirits, a specialized purveyor of unique and rare single barrel selections from around the world presented at cask strength, operates under the philosophy developed by brand owner Mike Gilmore: “We Go Where The Spirit Takes Us.” Having successfully launched extensive single cask offerings globally and Irish whiskey that consumers can order for themselves directly from Roaming Road’s website, the brand is now focused on strengthening its domestic single barrel program in the United States because of popular demand.

Gilmore brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience in bourbon and American whiskey to the program. Over the course of his career, he has selected barrels for exclusive releases at his retail store while steadily acquiring and developing an extensive inventory of barrels of his own.

American bourbon and rye were never intended to be part of the original Roaming Road launch in 2024. Gilmore’s initial vision focused instead on importing exceptional spirits from overseas, including single cask aged rums sourced from diverse origins, and introducing those selections to a growing audience through a commitment to authenticity in everything he selects. As his reputation in barrel selection developed, he also found success exporting American whiskey barrel picks to overseas markets, particularly Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The idea for the domestic American whiskey offering emerged organically when friends, fellow store owners, and other industry contacts began asking whether they could select exclusive barrels from Gilmore’s existing inventory for their own customers and organizations. Those inquiries prompted him to make the opportunity available more broadly in the United States.

“For more than 20 years, I have been tasting and selecting bourbon and American whiskey barrels, initially for exclusive releases at my own retail store and, over time, for the barrel inventory I was building,” said Gilmore. “American whiskey was not part of the original plan for Roaming Road, but friends and store owners kept asking about choosing exclusive barrels from my inventory. 

“This program grew directly from those requests.”

The expanded Roaming Road single barrel program allows specialty whiskey retailers, restaurants, hotels, private spirits clubs, businesses, and private entities alike the chance to experience a curated, cask-by-cask selection from Gilmore’s existing barrel inventory. It can include, depending upon what’s available at the time, the finest Kentucky bourbons and Kentucky rye whiskeys in various mash bills and from diverse distillery sources, rare single cask rums or other distinctive spirits.

The approach Roaming Road takes to clients wanting a single barrel pick is consultative in nature. Gilmore works with each client to narrow down their preferences — such as rye versus bourbon, mash bill style, and flavor profile — before providing personalized samples that can be evaluated prior to committing to a barrel. Final selections can be created for club members, clients, special events, corporate programs, or year-end gift giving.

“A private barrel should reflect the people or business selecting it,” said Gilmore. “My role is to understand what they enjoy, guide them through the available inventory, and help them identify a barrel they will be proud to share with members, customers, clients, or friends.”

Two pathways exist for those wanting to participate in the program. Samples can be shipped directly to the prospective buyer for consideration, or, for those wanting a more immersive adventure, Gilmore personally hosts a hands-on barrel-selection experience at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky, where his barrel inventory is stored. During this on-site visit, subject to scheduling and availability, Gilmore works directly with each client to taste, evaluate, and curate the barrel best suited to their preferences. The experience may also include a walkthrough of the rickhouse, a viewing of his barrel inventory, and the opportunity to sample select non-bourbon or rye barrels for an even more distinctive tasting experience.

Once all the details have been finalized, cases from the selected barrel may be shipped directly to the private individual placing the order, including a club representative or business purchaser, where legally permitted and through Roaming Road’s approved fulfillment channels.

Licensed retail stores, restaurants, and hotels may also obtain selections through the normal three-tier distribution system and their customary licensed distribution channels. Availability, delivery method, and ordering requirements will depend on the buyer’s license status and destination.

For more information on the Roaming Road Spirits single barrel program, please visit the website and submit your information via the private barrel selection form.

 About Roaming Road

Roaming Road Spirits is not just a brand; it’s a philosophy. With a unique and adventurous motto,” We Go Where The Spirit Takes Us,” Founder Mike Gilmore has built a highly-regarded brand that constantly searches for the best single cask spirits, regardless of geographical boundaries. This passion project of Mike’s is not about highlighting every barrel selection out there but about identifying those of the highest quality that fit his mission, both domestically and internationally, to deliver integrity, discovery, and distinctive spirits. This thoughtful point of view gives Roaming Road unparalleled access to an extremely deep and ever-growing catalog of expressions across a range of categories, inviting you to join in the adventure.

HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY 2026 LIMITED EDITION: CHISO COLLABORATION 

The House of Suntory Unveils Hibiki® Japanese Harmony Limited-Edition Designed in Collaboration with Legendary Kimono House Chiso

New collectable bottle celebrates more than 470 years of Japanese artistry through a design inspired by traditional kimono craftsmanship

RRP £125 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky is being presented in a new limited-edition bottle and gift box created with Chiso, the historic Kyoto kimono house founded in 1555.

Inspired by Japan’s changing seasons, Chiso has reimagined Hibiki’s iconic 24-faceted bottle with jewel-toned floral motifs drawn from traditional kimono craftsmanship, including sakura, ume, tsubaki and tachibana.

The release forms part of Hibiki’s 2026 global campaign, The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry, starring Emmy-winning actress Anna Sawai as Hibiki’s first Global Ambassador, with Anna wearing a bespoke kimono created by Chiso for the campaign.

Inside is the classic Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend, with notes of rose, lychee, candied orange peel, white chocolate, sandalwood and Mizunara Japanese oak.

Neil McDonald, Spirits Buyer at Selfridges, says, “The Hibiki Japanese Harmony Chiso Collaboration bottle is a standout choice for gifting this year. The combination of Hibiki’s exceptional Japanese whisky with Chiso’s centuries of kimono craftsmanship creates something that feels genuinely special, both as a bottle to enjoy and as a beautifully designed object. For Selfridges customers looking for a distinctive, luxurious and collectable gift, it is one of my key picks for the festive season.”

Stockists: Selfridges, Harrods, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt

£325.00

Part of the Speymalt from Macallan range by Gordon & MacPhail, this single malt was distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2026. The range showcases Macallan whisky matured in casks selected by Gordon & MacPhail. This release comes from cask #22606608 and was bottled at 59.3% ABV.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

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