Our February 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 22nd February 2026.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenfarclas – 40 Year Old (Millennium)

Mortlach – 30 Year Old (Midnight Malt) 2023 Special Release

Tobermory – 42 Year Old (1973)

Whistlepig – 21 Year Old (The Beholden) 75cl

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

FEBRUARY 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Finally, our first auction of 2026 is underway! We have a small but mighty auction this month and true to form it’s packed with interesting bottles, like this newest offering from Macallan. Diamonds Are Forever was the seventh James Bond film, marking Sean Connery’s return as 007 and his final official appearance in the famous spy franchise. First aired in 1971, the plot follows Bond investigating diamond smuggling to uncover a plot by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Charles Gray) to use the gems in a laser-weapon satellite. Released in early 2026 to mark the 55th anniversary of the film, this bottling was distilled in 2007, a clear nod to the franchise.

Matured in bespoke hybrid Casks of Sherry-seasoned European and American oak and (unusually for Macallan) the addition of American Oak Casks that had previously held red wine. Aged for 18 years then bottled at 45.5% abv with the last two numbers of the abv percentage thought to signify the number of years since the blockbuster James Bond film was first aired. This limited edition expression shows not only an age statement but also the year of distillation and is bound to be a wee gem in this month’s auction.

Distilled at the Mortlach Distillery, aged for 19 years and then bottled at natural Cask strength in 2002, this Manager’s Dram is one of the iconic bottlings made available to the workers of the distilleries in what is now the Diageo portfolio. Annually released from a single distillery, the manager is tasked to choose the finest casks to produce this yearly malt, which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers.

One of only 12,000 produced, this fascinating Bowmore was released in 1999 as a limited edition. Although the distillation date is not indicated, It’s thought that the expression was distilled some time in the 1980’s, matured using a combination of Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Casks then finished for a final period of 18 months in Bordeaux Wine Casks from wineries owned by Suntory.

Dalbeallie Dram was bottled in honour of the local train station situated beside the Tamdhu distillery, nestling in close proximity to the river Spey. The train station actually played an important part in the history of the much loved Speyside distillery, with the trains carrying consignments of Spanish Sherry Casks there. Released in 2018 during the annual Spirit of Speyside Festival, Dalbeallie Dram was completely matured in Sherry Casks and bottled at Cask strength. This is one of only 1,000 bottles produced.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our February auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 22^ndFebruary from 8pm GMT.

Three-Day Event Celebrates America’s Native Spirit; Online Bidding for Auction Available

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2026) — The inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) will convene Feb. 13–15, 2026, bringing bourbon enthusiasts, collectors and philanthropists to Louisville for an unprecedented three-day celebration of America’s native spirit. Timed to President’s Day Weekend and aligned with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the event honors Bourbon’s enduring role in American history while supporting the Bob Woodruff Foundation, benefiting veterans, first responders and their families.

Anchored by one of the most comprehensive and prestigious public bourbon auctions ever assembled, the newly released auction catalogue features once-in-a-lifetime bottles, full barrels and immersive bourbon experiences donated by iconic distilleries, private collectors and industry leaders. Featured lots among the newly announced offerings include:

• The Brown Family Decanter (Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon)
• Parker’s Heritage Collection Blend of Mashbills Bottle
• Willett Family Estate 10 Year Single-Barrel Bottle

“The KBCA was created to honor bourbon’s place in our nation’s story while using its power to do impactful work,” said Andrew Varga, founder of KBCA. “Hosting this inaugural event in Louisville on President’s Day Weekend, during America’s 250th anniversary, allows us to unite extraordinary bourbon, meaningful experiences, and a shared purpose: supporting the veterans, first responders and families served by the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This weekend represents the very best of Bourbon Country.”

The three-day event consists of:

• Friday, Feb. 13 – Grand Reveal Tasting at the Frazier History Museum, celebrating the kickoff of Bourbon Season with rare pours, curated tastings and bottle sales.
• Saturday, Feb. 14 (afternoon) – The Blind Leading the Blind, an interactive tasting brunch at Watch Hill Proper,
• Saturday, Feb. 14 (evening) – The signature Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration Gala at Omni Louisville Downtown, an evening of fine dining, storytelling and the live auction benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
• Sunday, Feb. 15 – The Final Pour, including an exclusive tour of the Louisville Water Tower and a bourbon-forward lunch at Savor at RiverHouse.

Proceeds from the auction support the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which has invested more than $189 million in programs providing mental health care, housing assistance, employment services and long-term support for the military community and first responders.

Tickets for in-person events are limited. Collectors and bourbon enthusiasts unable to attend in Louisville may participate virtually via the official auction platform.

For tickets, event details, and auction catalogue, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow KBCA on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

This months collection schedule and request form is available HERE . Please complete the form to  register your interest in our free collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 9th February 2026.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Well folks, Christmas has been and gone but not to worry for our 176th auction is now live and bursting with thousands of amazing bottles all vying to be the one which helps you drive those winter blues away!  To get your watchlist moving we’ve picked out a few highlights from the plethora of goodies on offer this month.

The Macallan Cask 888 debuted in Hong Kong at the Lalique Lounge to much fanfare, befitting its status as a limited edition single cask release from one of the world’s most collectable distilleries.  Bearing the prized ‘888’ moniker, a number deemed to be highly fortuitous in Chinese culture, only 720 bottles were made, 24 of which were made available in Hong Kong at the time.

Next up is a fantastic little piece of Scottish material culture, this is the Killyloch 1972 22 Year Old Signatory.  Killyloch distillery made a lightly peated Lowland style whisky that was used exclusively in blends for an exceptionally short period of time, production began in 1965 and ended in the early 1970’s.  With only one official single malt release in 2003, if you want to try this amazing little curio then this incredibly rare indie bottling might be your best chance.

Every month there must be the obligatory ‘I want to drink this immediately’ bottle, and this month’s winner is the Longrow 1998 26 Year Old Society Bottling.  Those lads and lassies in the Society sure know how to pick ’em, this absolute corker was distilled in 1968 and spent 26 years ageing in refill Oloroso and fresh PX casks.  One of only 485 bottles produced this is a fantastic bottling, and if sweet and smoky is your favourite flavour profile then this one is most certainly for you.

We started with a sherry bomb from a Scottish heavyweight distillery so let’s finish with one too, this is the GlenDronach 1971 43 Year Old Single Cask #2920.  GlenDronach has come a long way since founder James Allardice’s marketing strategy of offering free drams to Edinburgh’s “ladies of night”, and they now produce some of the finest sherried whisky in Scotland.  This beauty has spent an incredible 43 years ageing to perfection in a single PX sherry puncheon, while still retaining a highly respectable ABV of 48.6%.  Perfection doesn’t exist in whisky but if it did it would probably look something like this.

As always we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Iron Gate Auctions Announces February Canada Spirits Auction Featuring Historical Bottles of Significance

Auction starts Monday February 2, 2026.

There are moments in the auction calendar when a sale becomes something more enduring—a reflection of history, craftsmanship, and the passage of time itself. Our February Spirits Auction in Canada is one such moment.

This auction brings together a collection of bottles that few will ever encounter in person, let alone have the opportunity to acquire. These are spirits shaped by decades—sometimes generations—of patience, foresight, and custodianship. Each bottle tells a story of an era, a philosophy, and a set of decisions that can never be replicated.

At the heart of the sale are landmark Scotch whiskies available for the first time in Canada. From the extraordinary 1949 MacPhail’s aged 68 years, to the cult status of 1964 Black Bowmore aged 42 years, to post-war 1948 Macallan and the singular character of Springbank’s Local Barley distilled in 1965 and bottled in 2001.

Equally compelling are the independent bottlings from distilleries that are now silent. Port Ellen, Brora, Glenugie, and Japan’s legendary Karuizawa represent lost chapters of distilling history—names that resonate deeply with collectors precisely because they can never be repeated. These whiskies are finite by nature, and each year their significance only grows.

This is, above all, a winter auction. One meant to be enjoyed slowly. I invite you cosy up to the fire, take time to browse the lots and to imagine these bottles of history in your home.

On behalf of the entire team at Iron Gate Auctions, thank you for your continued trust and passion. We look forward to welcoming you to what we believe is one of the most beautiful and significant spirits auctions of the season.

Link to Catalogue

If outside Canada, contact Iron Gate to see how you can participate in the upcoming auction.

Ajay Bhardwaj

Vice-President of Spirits

Iron Gate Auctions Canada

KBCA reveals King of Kentucky and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon lot as the next installment in its “12 Lots of Bourbon” series

• “The 13 Colonies” revealed as the next installment in KBCA’s “12 Lots of Bourbon,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary and 13 historic bottles.
• Lot features 12 bottles of King of Kentucky from the highly anticipated 2026 release, paired with a signed bottle of the original 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon.
• Auction proceeds benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and service members, while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year and the enduring values that shaped the nation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2026) — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced another extraordinary luxury lot to be offered during its inaugural event over Presidents Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026. Appropriately titled “The 13 Colonies,” the lot pays tribute to the 13 original colonies that gave rise to the United States, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary with 13 once-in-a-lifetime bottles from Brown-Forman’s historic portfolio.

The lot is comprised of 12 bottles of King of Kentucky from the highly anticipated 2026 release, paired with a donated, signed bottle of the original 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, forming a symbolic union of bourbons that is representative of how the 13 original colonies united under a single banner for a common cause.

“Just as the 13 colonies laid the foundation for a new nation, these 13 bottles represent the historic roots, evolution and enduring legacy of our nation’s native spirit,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of the founding era, rare, resilient and crafted with careful intention.”​

​A Reflection of the Founding of America

The 12 bottles of King of Kentucky reflect unity through individuality, much like the original colonies themselves. Established in 1881 and revived by Brown-Forman in 2018, King of Kentucky offers a rare glimpse into the company’s historic barrel archives, with every bottle filled, wax-dipped, numbered and detailed by hand under the guidance of Master Distiller Chris Morris.

As an annual, limited small-batch release with no defined production volume, King of Kentucky mirrors the colonies’ shared purpose paired with distinct character. Each bottle, like each colony, tells its own story while contributing to a greater whole.

“As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re honored to see these bottles included in the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction,” said Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus from Brown-Forman Corporation. “The story of King of Kentucky and these individual bottles united by purpose, mirrors the founding principles of our nation, and we’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates bourbon heritage and honors such an important cause.”

Completing the 13-bottle collection is a singular piece of bourbon history, a signed bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2002, the inaugural release of the storied annual series from Old Forester. Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2002 to mark the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown, the bottle represents both a beginning and a benchmark in American whiskey.

Donated by Larry Profancik and Henrietta Pepper, the bottle is believed to be the only known example signed by George Garvin Brown IV, the founder’s great-great-grandson. With rich notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, oak spice and aged depth, the 2002 release stands as a cornerstone of modern bourbon collecting. Its inclusion elevates “The 13 Colonies” from a rare assemblage to a historic statement.

Previously Announced Bourbon Lots

The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Four Roses private selection barrel pick
• Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength selection experience

Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Our January 2026 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25th January 2026.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Bowmore – 1972 (Oddbins)

Glendronach – 33 Year Old

Lagavulin – 12 Year Old (White Horse) 75cl

Springbank – 27 Year Old (1967) SMWS 27.29

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

KBCA reveals Old Forester Barrel Selection Experience as the next installment in its “12 Lots of Bourbon” series

• “Revolution” revealed as the next installment in KBCA’s “12 Lots of Bourbon,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the revolutionary spirit behind Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon.
• Lot features an exclusive Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, including a private distillery tour, hands-on barrel selection and a personalized label yielding approximately 160 bottles.
• Auction proceeds benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and service members, while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year and the enduring values that shaped the nation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced the next installment of its “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Titled “Revolution,” the newly revealed lot pays tribute to the American Revolution and the spirit of bold innovation that continues to define the nation as it prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The lot’s title is also representative of Old Forester, a brand whose legacy is rooted in revolutionary firsts that helped shape bourbon, America’s native spirit.​

“Revolution” follows the announcement of previously revealed lots in KBCA’s signature series. The campaign will culminate with the last lot announcement shortly, although additional lots will be unveiled leading up to the February event.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ‘Revolution’ reflects the courage to challenge convention and set new standards, which are values that define both our country and Old Forester’s legacy,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of progress and perseverance that has shaped America for 250 years, while offering the most immersive bourbon experience in the world.”

About the Old Forester Lot

“Revolution” features an Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, offering the winning bidder and up to five guests a private tour and hands-on barrel selection at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Guided by a distillery host, participants will select a single barrel that will be bottled at barrel strength with a personalized label. The selected barrel is expected to yield an average of approximately 160 bottles in 750ml format, with final yield varying by barrel.

“Selecting a single barrel is one of the most personal and exclusive experiences we can offer,” said Campbell Brown, great-great-grandson of Old Forester Founder George Garvin Brown. “It connects people directly to our unique process and innovative history. Including this experience in the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction during America’s 250th anniversary year is a meaningful way to celebrate our shared revolutionary spirit.”

Old Forester’s story is one of industry-defining innovation. First introduced in 1870, the brand became America’s first bottled bourbon, establishing new standards for quality, consistency and consumer trust. It was also the only bourbon brand to remain continuously distilled before, during, and after Prohibition, a testament to resilience and forward-thinking leadership, qualities that mirror the revolutionary ideals upon which the United States was founded.

“Revolution” underscores KBCA’s mission to connect bourbon’s rich heritage with the values that shaped America, using the country’s native spirit to tell stories of independence, innovation and progress.

Previously announced Bourbon Lots

The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Four Roses private selection barrel pick

Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Iron Gate Auctions Celebrates a Landmark Year for Luxury Spirits in 2025

Iron Gate Auctions celebrates 2025 as a milestone for its Fine Spirits division, solidifying its role as Canada’s top auction houses for rare spirits. Successful auctions this year featured standout results in single malt Scotch, American bourbon, Japanese whisky and more, attracting both veteran collectors and new enthusiasts.

Under the leadership of Vice President of Spirits, Ajay Bhardwaj, the division achieved notable growth in both the quality and breadth of offerings, featuring some of the world’s most coveted bottles.

“2025 was a defining year for Iron Gate Spirits.  Our focus has always been on sourcing bottles with true provenance—spirits that represent craftsmanship and rarity. The response from collectors this year confirmed that Canada is not only participating in the global spirits market but helping to shape it.”

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Iron Gate’s 2025 auctions showcased extraordinary depth in rare Scotch, including ultra-aged expressions and closed-distillery releases such as Port Ellen 30-Year-Old and Rosebank 30-Year-Old.  Rare and old bottlings such as Auchentoshan 50-Year-Old (distilled in 1957), drawing strong bidding interest.  The first ever sale of the Macallan Distil Your World: NEW YORK Edition demonstrating the markets appetite for luxury brands in the Canadian market.

American Bourbon & Whiskey

Demand for premium American whiskey remained strong throughout the year, with highly collectible bourbon releases—led by multiple highly collectible Pappy Van Winkle bottlings consistently among the most competitive lots in the category.  The first ever sale of WhistlePig “The Boss Hog – Spice Dancer” in Canada, appealed to collectors seeking rarity beyond traditional bourbon labels.

Japanese Whisky

Iron Gate was proud to feature rare and cult-status Japanese bottles, including celebrated releases like Ichiro’s Malt “The Joker” (Hanyu Playing Cards Series) — a legendary bottling from the closed Hanyu distillery, widely regarded as a crown jewel for Japanese whisky collectors.

According to Bhardwaj, 2025 marked a turning point for Canadian spirits collectors.

“We are seeing a more educated, globally aware Canadian buyer.  Collectors are no longer chasing labels alone—they are seeking bespoke spirits with stories and long-term significance. Canada has matured into a serious collecting market, with clients who understand value of spirits.”

A Commitment to Clients and the Future

Iron Gate’s success in 2025 reflects a continued commitment to its clients—providing trusted expertise, transparent auction experiences, and access to world-class spirits.

“It has been a pleasure to serve our consignors and bidders this year. Their trust is what allows us to present such exceptional collections. We are grateful for the relationships built in 2025 and excited for what lies ahead in 2026.”

Review Previous Auctions and Register for the upcoming auctions here: Iron Gate Auctions

Contact for Spirits
Ajay Bhardwaj
ajay@irongate.wine