SAZERAC COMPANY CONTINUES INVESTING IN KENTUCKY WITH ACQUISITION OF GARRARD COUNTY DISTILLING

The acquisition builds on Sazerac’s recent investments in Kentucky and expands the company’s distilling footprint across the Commonwealth

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sazerac announced today that it has acquired Garrard County Distilling facility in Lancaster, Kentucky, marking the latest step in the company’s continued growth and long-term investment across the Commonwealth. The facility joins Sazerac’s broader distilling network in the state, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown and The Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro. The acquisition represents an important addition to Sazerac’s production capabilities, providing additional capacity to support continued growth across the company’s portfolio of spirits brands.

The Garrard County Distilling facility, which opened in 2024, sits on approximately 210 acres and includes two column stills and two 20,000-square-foot barrel warehouses. Sazerac will utilize the facility’s existing infrastructure and capabilities to support the company’s broader production needs. The company expects to hire additional team members initially and will grow over time as operations at the facility develop.

“Kentucky has been an important part of Sazerac’s story for many years, and we’re proud to continue investing and growing here,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “Today, nearly 3,000 team members are part of Sazerac’s Kentucky operations, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue growing that team. Even with all the investments we have made to expand, we need more supply to keep up with demand, and the addition of the Lancaster facility gives us valuable distilling capabilities to support that growth. We’re excited to become part of the Garrard County community.”

Sazerac continues to make significant long-term investments in its Kentucky distilleries, strengthening production capabilities, modernizing facilities, and supporting the future of bourbon production in the Commonwealth.

In the past five years, the company has invested approximately $50 million at Barton 1792 Distillery, including a new boiler house, additional fermenters, expanded bottling operations and three new aging warehouses that increased barrel storage capacity by 25%, along with upgrades to existing equipment and facilities.

In January 2025, Sazerac completed a ten-year, $1.2 billion expansion project for Buffalo Trace Distillery, which included a new still house, boiler house, bottling operation, expanded visitor center, 20 additional fermenters, and 19 new aging warehouses.

At The Glenmore Distillery, Sazerac has invested approximately $40 million to enhance processing capabilities and upgrade barrel equipment, distillery controls and bottling lines since 2020. Sazerac is also investing in additional barrel aging capacity throughout Kentucky, including construction of new warehouses in Laurel and Taylor Counties.

“We’re pleased to welcome Sazerac to Garrard County and look forward to what this investment will mean for our community,” said Garrard County Judge Executive Chris Elleman. “Sazerac’s decision to invest here brings new jobs and economic opportunity to our county while positioning this Distillery for continued growth. We’re proud to have Sazerac become part of the Garrard County community and look forward to working together for years to come.”

Kentucky House Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade adds, “Sazerac’s investment in Garrard County is another strong example of the continued confidence companies are placing in Kentucky and our signature bourbon industry. This acquisition brings new opportunity to an impressive facility that already represents a significant investment in our region. Seeing Sazerac put this facility back to work is a positive development for Garrard County and another opportunity to strengthen one of our Commonwealth’s signature industries.”

For more information on Sazerac’s distilleries, please visit www.sazerac.com/our-distilleries.

About Sazerac

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world.

Over 550 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Myers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Hawk’s Rock Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

This year, The Glendronach celebrates two centuries of whisky-making heritage at one of Scotland’s most renowned Highland distilleries. To mark this momentous occasion, The Glendronach has released a limited edition whisky.

THE GLENDRONACH

Boynsmill House Limited Edition

14 Year Old · 70cl · 46.8% ABV

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, The Glendronach released this wonderful limited edition 14 year old single malt. Inspired by Boynsmill House, the historic home associated with distillery founder James Allardice, the whisky was matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, complemented Claret red wine casks. Rich and indulgent, it is a fitting tribute to two centuries of Glendronach craftsmanship and heritage.

£94.95

Nose Rich and inviting, with Highland toffee, juicy bramble fruits, ripe plum and stone fruit, followed by raisins and toasted hazelnuts.
Palate Full-bodied and velvety with plush malt, layers of dried fruit and nuts, developing into creamy chocolate, caramel and gentle spice.
Finish Long, smooth and warming, with lingering cocoa, dark fruits, soft oak spice and a subtle tannic dryness from the Claret casks.

(glen-DRON-akh) Founded in 1826 in the east Highlands of Scotland, The GlenDronach is one of the country’s oldest licensed distilleries. Tucked into the Forgue valley near Huntly, it has built its name on a deep commitment to traditional production and long sherry cask maturation.

SCOTCH WHISKY AUCTIONS

COLLECTIONS

October Collection Schedule

Free UK collection service for customers selling with SWA. Our September collection schedule has now been finalised. If you’re looking to sell whisky with Scotch Whisky Auctions, register your collection request below.

REQUEST A COLLECTION

COLLECTION REQUEST DEADLINE

12 noon, Monday 12th October 2026

Home Collections

Available for customers sending:

10+ bottles

For home collection

OR

£1,000+

Combined bottle value

Lots can be split across the next three auctions.

THIS MONTH

Add any special route, regional collection or one-off location information here. Remove this section if there is nothing special to announce this month.

Important Information

Collections are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Home collection is not available in London. We do, however, have four collection points in London. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed. You can find this under the Selling section on your My SWA page. Please pack bottles securely for uplift and clearly mark your name on the front of the box.

Dropping bottles off?

If you’re also collecting bottles you’ve won, we offer a delivery service to customers dropping bottles off for a future auction. The service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), with optional loss and breakage cover available.

SELL WITH SWA

0% seller commission  •  Free collection available  •  Paid within 14 days of auction close

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Glenallachie Sinteis Series 4 – Mongolian Virgin Oak Finish, 58.5%

THE VIDEO

(Sine-teesh) – Synthesis.

Matured separately in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez casks before then being transferred into fresh Mongolian oak. Mongolian oak itself (Quercus Mongolica) is the same genus as Mizunara. It’s a type of oak that grows throughout all of Asia, providing a rather similar flavour profile without the drawbacks of Mizunara wood.

Mongolian oak is more watertight, less expensive and liquids don’t need to spend as long inside it to take on those mush sought-after flavour profiles. Loaded with classic Glenallachie notes of pastry, butter, candied fruits and ginger – the Mongolian oak influences have provided hazelnuts, fruit syrups, roasted fig, sandalwood, incense and manuka honey.

It may only be ten years old, but as a release and a flavour, it drinks and feels much more mature. The Sinteis releases have been a massively interesting selection of cask influences from Glenallachie, my mind us racing to think what they’ll release next year.

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Nightcap arrives at a moment of significant momentum for Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits business, following a record first half of 2026.

During the first six months of the year, Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits conducted 29 auctions featuring more than 13,000 lots and generating $49.25 million in total auction sales, with a 94% sell-through rate. New York was particularly strong, with 99% of lots sold, 190% achieving results above their low estimates, and the average lot achieving 235% of its low estimate. The first half of the year also saw continued growth in the bidder and buyer base, with 26% of bidders and 34% of buyers new to Sotheby’s New York.

The results also point to a rapidly expanding and increasingly international collector base. Across our global auctions, 25% of bidders were new to Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits, while 28% of buyers were new to the business. Younger collectors are also playing an increasingly important role, with 53% of bidders under the age of 50, including 26% under 40. Among buyers, 47% were under 50 and 22% under 40, highlighting the growing engagement of a new generation of collectors.

Participation was truly global, with bidders from 57 countries across Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Strong demand was reflected in the results, with 50% of lots selling above their high estimates. New York was Sotheby’s leading Wine & Spirits market by sales in the first half of the year, closely followed by Hong Kong, with growth further supported by the continued expansion of Sotheby’s Wine retail business. Notably, New York achieved an unprecedented five consecutive white-glove sales, with 99% of lots sold.

The year began on a high note with The Great American Whiskey Collection, which totaled $2.5 million, setting a record for the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction, including a record for the most valuable bottle of American whiskey ever sold at auction.

Sotheby’s and The Distillers’ Charity also extended their partnership for the biennial Distillers One of One auction through 2033, alongside a series of landmark auctions bringing some of the world’s most sought-after wines and spirits to collectors internationally.

In June, the top lot sold by Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits so far this year was The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection NV (6 BT75), which achieved $446,635.

“Nightcap brings together everything that is driving the Wine & Spirits market today: extraordinary collections, exceptional provenance, global participation and a new generation of collectors who are approaching wine and spirits with fresh curiosity. Following a record first half, it feels particularly fitting to bring this community together in New York for four days of auctions, tastings, dinners and culture. From some of the greatest Burgundy ever assembled to highly sought-after American whiskey, Nightcap reflects both the depth of the market and the incredible breadth of collecting today.”

Nick Pegna, Sotheby’s Global Head of Wine & Spirits

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.

15 YEARS OF GETTING INTO THE GOOD STUFF

This month marks our 15th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our fabulous members and supportive partner retail stores. We raise a glass to you all and invite you to enjoy our 15th anniversary Outturn, which, as you would expect, has some real treats.

With gratitude, Rob & Kelly Carpenter, SMWS Canada founders

We’re continuing with the roll out of the Society’s new flavour profiles. The original twelve flavour profiles have evolved into eight mouthwatering categories – each with a new name, colour and character. This is a refinement and a refocus on flavour based on our historical archive of Tasting Notes and member feedback. Discover more here.

LAZY HAZY SUMMER – 15th anniversary bottling

CASK No. 21.29

AGE:  11 years

PROFILE:  Sweet & zesty

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

BRIGHT, EFFERVESCENT AND FULL OF ENERGY

CASK No. 64.169

AGE:  16 years

PROFILE:  Ripe fruits & honey

CASK:  1st fill PX barrique

BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT

CASK No. 50.122

AGE:  7 years

PROFILE:  Dried fruits & spices

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

REAL PEEL APPEAL

CASK No. G9.9

AGE:  24 years

PROFILE:  Spicy & sweet

CASK:  1st fill HTMC barrel

A NEW LAND FOR SHERRY SCEPTICS

CASK No. 1.305

AGE:  12 years

PROFILE:  Dried fruits & spices

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

THIS ONE IS A MUST

CASK No. 18.69

AGE:  15 years

PROFILE:  Oily & coastal

CASK:  Refill toasted French oak barrique

SEASIDE SAUNA

CASK No. 168.1

AGE:  8 years

PROFILE:  Bold & peaty

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

BROWSE OCTOBER OUTTURN HERE

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More to Learn: Independent Bottlers

You asked, we listened! Thanks in particular to Luc at Belgian Whisky Academy for keeping us on our toes. We’ve just added a brand-new deep dive into independent bottling to the Certificate in Scotch Whisky, exploring everything from how IBs source and mature their whisky to the people shaping the sector today.

Already taken the course? The new content is yours too, simply head back to the course from your dashboard to explore it. Curious what’s new? We’re sharing David Stirk’s fascinating look at the history and evolution of independent bottling on our blog as a taster.

We’re always looking for ways to make our courses bigger and better. And if you’ve been thinking about starting the Certificate? There’s now even more whisky knowledge waiting for you…

📖 Read the Post | 🛒 Buy the Course

We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Our fifth Harvest Series release is now available, only 1,200 bottles.

Matured in ex-maple syrup casks and Spanish oak Oloroso hogsheads, with a subtle hint of peat, Round Hill Harvest delivers malt loaf and salted caramel, layered with sweet herbal notes and candied pecans on the finish. This release comes wrapped in artwork by Oxfordshire-based artist Jeffrey Pratt. Taking inspiration from the Cotswolds landscape, his painting, Past Traitor’s Ford, captures the quiet, timeless character of the countryside, a landscape with layers of time, shaped by centuries of movement, farming and changing seasons. Pratt’s work is expressive and authentic, painted en plein air, direct from life on location, capturing the true essence of the scene. Matured in ex-maple syrup casks and Spanish oak Oloroso hogsheads, with a subtle hint of peat. On the nose, malt loaf, sweet maple aromas and caramelised white chocolate. Soda bread, fudge and salted caramel come through on the palate, finishing with cacao, demerara sugar and sweet herbal peat.

55% ABV │1,200 bottles│ £110 RRP

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ralfy review 1148 – Laphroaig 10yo @52.3%vol: (James Eadie)