Glen Moray has a new temptation with UK launch of Forbidden Fruit

Speyside favourite unveils first Calvados finished single malt whisky

Glen Moray single malt Scotch whisky is inviting the nation’s drinkers to give in to temptation, with the latest addition to its award-winning range of single malt whiskies: Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit.

Inspired by the original story of temptation and the sweet indulgence of the apple, this new whisky is finished in French oak casks which were previously used to mature Calvados  – France’s historic and famously rich apple brandy.

As the third whisky from the Distillery’s playful Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit continues Glen Moray’s journey of cask exploration and follows the acclaimed releases of Phoenix Rising and Twisted Vine – respectively tributes to charred oak and cognac cask maturation.

Intrigued by the subtle fruit notes and warm spices of Calvados, Glen Moray’s distillers took a single malt aged in bourbon casks and laid it down in Calvados casks to explore how the apple brandy would marry with their whisky’s signature, smooth Speyside style.

The resulting dram brims with notes of orchard fruits, sweet French pastries and fresh flowers, introducing an enticing new facet to the Elgin-based distillery’s much loved, easy drinking spirit.

To honour its tempting taste, bold packaging brings the whisky’s story vividly to life. A radiant scarlet apple takes centre stage against Glen Moray’s classic dark blue, and the fabled forbidden fruit is artfully cradled by delicate golden leaves, as a sinuous serpent winds its way through the design.

Glen Moray Global Brand Ambassador Iain Allan said: ‘Cask exploration has been a huge part of the Glen Moray Distillery story for over a century, and Forbidden Fruit is a wonderful new testament to this heritage. It is a sweet, spicy and very morish single malt which we’re sure will be a tempting treat for whisky fans to explore, whether they are connoisseurs or new to single malts.’

Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit is available from specialist whisky retailers throughout the UK and in Morrisons stores across Scotland from April. Bottled in 70cl at 40% ABV, RRP: £32

Tasting Notes

NOSE: Green apples, toffee, apple blossom perfume and sweet pastries.
TASTE: Apple pie, baking spice, vanilla custard, barley sugar, very subtle wood tannins and a slight acidity.
FINISH: long, with an initial spice which subsides to reveal notes of oak with poached pears and cloves.

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The 2026 Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year is Macaloney’s Island Distillery Cath-nah-aven Single Malt Whisky

The ninth edition of national competition showcases the best artisan spirits from across Canada

Vancouver, BC (February 24, 2026) – Following their 2025 Canadian Whisky of the Year award, Macaloney’s Island Distillery has earned the top prize in the 2026 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC) for their Cath-nah-aven Single Malt Whisky, presented by Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC).

Judges noted this whisky brings “a beautiful, burnished copper appearance, leading to a nose suggesting Oloroso sherry, fruitcake, cocoa powder and candied almond, with a palate of toasted hazelnut, baking spice, toffee and fruitcake, all of which sail off into a long, smooth, caramel-tinged finish.”

The CASC judging panel was comprised of 14 independent judges who evaluated hundreds of artisan spirits, plus bitters, submitted by 56 producers from across Canada and entered into 24 different categories. The Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year is awarded to the top-scoring spirit, regardless of category.

“In spite of serious headwinds in this sector, I’m happy to see that there are still amazing spirits produced across Canada,” stated ADC’s founder and executive director, Alex Hamer. He continued, “Canadians who are interested in supporting their local communities and businesses can look to our artisan spirit producers for just about all their needs, including gins, rums, whiskies, and more. CASC continues to be a great place to find some of Canada’s best spirits.”

About Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) and the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC)

Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) operates consumer and industry-focused events and awards programs for Canada’s artisan distilleries and spirits sector. ADC’s goals are to support consumer awareness of artisan distilleries and spirits, to provide education and professional development through conferences focused on best practices in the science and business of distilling, and to foster community. For more information about ADC, visit artisandistillers.ca.

ADC launched the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC) in 2018. Spirits submitted to any of the 24 different CASC award categories are sampled blindly and evaluated by an independent panel of judges from across the country, with the top spirit in each category earning a Best in Class Award. Spirits are also awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals, with the top overall scoring spirit being awarded Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year. CASC is open to any distillery in Canada that meets ADC’s ‘artisan’ classification for distilleries and spirit products. To learn more about Canadian artisan distilleries and spirits, visit artisandistillers.ca/artisan-distillery.

Killowen Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Pinot & Port

Dublin and Cork Airport Irish Whiskey Collection win again
with Killowen Single Cask Exclusive.

The Irish Whiskey Collection at Dublin and Cork Airport has secured another exceptional release with a new exclusive from Killowen Distillery.

We are delighted to announce the Killowen Single Malt Pinot and Port Cask, 9 Year Old, a rare and remarkable single cask whiskey selected exclusively for the Irish Whiskey Collection.

This cask strength whiskey yielded only 146 bottles, making it one of the most limited airport exclusives to date. The whiskey matured for nine years in a Pinot Noir cask before receiving a short finishing period in a fresh Port cask. The result is a beautifully balanced whiskey with layers of rich fruit, gentle spice, and the distinctive character that Killowen is celebrated for. Each bottle captures the influence of the Pinot Noir cask alongside the vibrant sweetness brought by the Port finish, creating a complex and memorable tasting experience.

We only wish there were more than 146 bottles available because the flavour and character of this whiskey make it truly special. For collectors and whiskey enthusiasts alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience another outstanding collaboration between the Irish Whiskey Collection and Killowen Distillery.

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

The Blending House Opens In Kentucky To Help Distilled Spirits Brands Navigate Turbulent Times

New Kentucky facility provides blending, bottling, and barrel storage infrastructure to help spirits brands scale with confidence amid industry change.

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. – February 23, 2026 – The nature of the distilled spirits industry is changing–there is no question. As brands and craft distilleries consider how to pivot, leading Kentucky-based spirits consulting firm The Spirits Group, in partnership with Indiana-based construction company The Koetter Group, is proud to announce the opening of The Blending House. The newly constructed, 30,000-square-foot blending and bottling facility sits on 108 acres in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and is positioned as essential infrastructure for the next era of disciplined growth. Developed after years of working with third-party bottlers, the operation was designed to incorporate industry best practices while addressing critical gaps. With a dedicated focus on vertically integrating post-distillation needs, The Blending House provides state-of-the-art barrel storage, expert blending, precision bottling, and back-office support — all under one roof and staffed by industry veterans with decades of experience.

CEO Monica Wolf Brown explains: “As the distilled spirits industry evolves, the strategies that built brands over the past decade won’t necessarily sustain them in the decade ahead. We built The Blending House to give brands a reliable base of operations, allowing producers to protect quality, operate efficiently, and grow without the capital burden of building and operating their own facility. Currently, there are no other facilities like it in Kentucky or the United States. We were built to bottle, with no competing priorities. When brands work with us, they know their production isn’t an afterthought; it’s our core mission.”

Bottling services are delivered end-to-end, including filtration, proofing, and packaging. The Blending House features a custom-built bottling line supporting formats from 200 mL to 1.75 L–with both automated and artisanal packaging options–as well as a dedicated secondary line for hand-finished and custom products. The facility has the capacity for up to 250,000 cases annually and operates at speeds of 35–40 bottles per minute.

Director of Operations, Matt King, adds: “Our facility layout, equipment, and overall concept allow us to put our customers first, with flexibility to align our operations around their timelines and standards. Our mission is to be a trusted partner, treating every brand with the same level of care as if it were our own.”

The Blending House meets rigorous QA standards and has the ability to provide expert guidance on labeling and regulatory approval. In addition, clients have the option to select from a menu of back-office support options, such as packaging development, logistics, bookkeeping, graphic design, marketing, and domestic product distribution. Brands including Ten Runner find this, and other aspects of the white-glove service, extremely valuable.

“One of the most important things to have when trying to accomplish something big is to surround yourself with a great team. When I decided to create Ten Runner, I turned to Monica, Ashley, and The Blending House to help craft a truly special blend of the highest quality. They have been excellent to work with and have become a key part of our growing success.” – Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Champion & Founder of Ten Runner Bourbon Whiskey.

For brands interested in blending services, operations are conducted in a dedicated sensory lab and are led by Master Blender Ashley Barnes. Having trained under industry legends, she is recognized for her work developing premium spirits brands. Her expertise includes warehouse profiling, flavor projection, product development, and quality control. Blending services are available to both emerging and established brands seeking precision, consistency, and distinctive flavor development.

The Blending House showcases The Koetter Group’s innovative K-RAX® Premium Barrel Storage system across seven state-of-the-art rickhouses, each with a 20,000-barrel capacity. Engineered to support optimal maturation, the system promotes consistent airflow around every barrel, helping whiskey age more evenly and develop balanced flavor profiles. Integrated 3D barrel mapping and digital tracking ensure accurate inventory management, while enhanced structural stability and access to every barrel allow for efficient sampling and quality monitoring throughout the aging process. All seven rickhouses are complete, with over 120,000 barrels currently on site.

Brands seeking a dependable contract bottling partner for sustained growth are encouraged to contact The Blending House to explore long-term production solutions at theblendinghouse.com.

About The Blending House

Spanning 108 acres, The Blending House serves as a centralized production hub designed specifically to optimize operations for spirits brands of all sizes. It is home to a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art blending and bottling facility and seven cutting-edge K-RAX® rickhouses. It represents the next chapter for The Spirits Group, a distilled spirits consulting firm founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2017 by seasoned industry veterans and co-founders Monica Wolf and Ashley Barnes. Their private, hands-on team offers more than a decade of experience across the industry in the service of helping customers define, hone, and execute their goals.

A legacy in motion: two American originals unite on the world’s fastest stage in a cinematic celebration of shared heritage, ambition and connection.

Clermont, Kentucky, March 2, 2026: Jim Beam®, the world’s No.1 bourbon and Official Spirits Partner of the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, today unveiled Raised Together—a new global brand film that explores the authentic and unique history of a relationship that began in Kentucky 90 years ago, and how that legacy comes to life today on the world’s fastest stage.

Timed with the highly anticipated debut of the Cadillac Formula 1® Team at the Australian Grand Prix, Raised Together is the first in a series of campaign films set to roll out throughout the 2026 season.

The film tells the story of the great lengths Jim Beam himself went to safeguard his family recipe nearly a century ago—a legacy in which Cadillac played a pivotal role. The Founder, to protect his proprietary yeast—a living, essential ingredient in Jim Beam’s distinct bourbon recipe—would drive a mason jar of it home each night in his Cadillac, shielding it from the threats of fire and prohibition. This ritual ensured the preservation of the key element that still defines Jim Beam’s unmistakable flavor today.

Now, as the Cadillac Formula 1® Team prepares to make its debut in the 2026 season, the two iconic brands reunite to welcome a fast-growing global fanbase into their storied legacy.

“Raised Together tells the story of our shared heritage and where we’re headed,” said KK Hall, global brand vice president, Jim Beam. “Jim Beam and Cadillac embody a uniquely American spirit—rooted in tradition but never constrained by it. Our partnership is about people—the teams, fans and community that make this sport extraordinary.”

The hero film will premiere in Australia and New Zealand on March 2 ahead of the Australian Grand Prix before rolling out globally across North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, India, Brazil, Mexico and other key markets throughout the 2026 season. The campaign will be supported by integrated activations across broadcast, digital and social channels.

A second version featuring Cadillac Formula 1® Team drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will be coming soon on Jim Beam owned social media channels. The content reflects their unique personalities and sets the tone for the type of storytelling fans can expect to see throughout the partnership.

Beyond the Track
Jim Beam’s presence in Formula 1® extends beyond traditional branding. As the fastest growing sport with a global fanbase of 827 million, and the U.S. representing one of the fastest growth markets—including the next generation of racing fans — Jim Beam aims to capitalize on the momentum building a community of new, legal drinking age fans as they come along for the ride.

Guided by the belief that nothing great happens in isolation, Jim Beam enters the grid as a transformative force, with a desire to help reshape how fans experience the sport.

Throughout 2026, the partnership will come to life with immersive experiences, citywide activations, retail initiatives and on-trade programs. These efforts are designed to deepen fans’ connection to the sport and to one another, building a vibrant community that brings together lifelong motorsport enthusiasts and a new generation discovering the race for the first time. They also create an important platform for Jim Beam to reinforce its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption and to remind consumers never to drink and drive. Responsibility will remain central to all messaging and experiences.

This engagement strategy kicks off at the season opener in Melbourne, where Jim Beam will extend race week beyond the track with dedicated events celebrating sport, culture, and community. By creating inclusive, energetic, and responsibly enjoyed spaces, the brand seeks to help shape a new era for Formula 1®—one that emphasizes not just speed but also shared moments and human connection.

“As we enter the grid for the first time, we want to build a community around this new American team, inviting fans to join us on this journey,” added Hall. “As the people’s bourbon, Jim Beam has always been about the collective and fostering connection. Together with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, we aim to make the sport more accessible—bringing fans closer to the action, beyond the grid, to celebrate the stories and shared experiences that make Formula 1® so compelling. This is about creating connections—on and off the track.”

Best Enjoyed Together. Best Enjoyed Responsibly.
To learn more about Jim Beam and Cadillac F1 Racing, visit www.jimbeam.com or follow @jimbeamofficial on Instagram @cadillacf1

Jim Beam® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2026 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh Generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth Generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, and Jim Beam Flavors, among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Cadillac Formula 1® Team: The Cadillac Formula 1® Team is a specialist motor racing team competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the team has operations in Fishers, Indiana (USA); Charlotte, North Carolina (USA); and Silverstone, Northamptonshire (UK). With the confidence to dream big and the passion to deliver, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is building everything from the ground up – from high-performance race cars to an inclusive, values-driven culture. The team will make its Formula 1® debut in 2026.

About GM: General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

About Suntory Global Spirits As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Heaven Hill Distillery Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation with Bernheim Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

Bardstown, Ky. — (February 23, 2026) Heaven Hill Distillery proudly announces the release of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition, a special bottling commemorating two decades since Bernheim pioneered a new style of American Whiskey and helped usher in the modern whiskey renaissance.

Launched in 2005, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey was the first truly new American Whiskey style introduced since Prohibition, boldly using soft winter wheat as its primary grain. At the time, the category-defining innovation marked a turning point for American Whiskey — one that has since become an enduring legacy.

“This release is both a celebration and a thank you,” said Max L. Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “When we launched Bernheim Wheat Whiskey 20 years ago, we took a chance on a new mashbill and a new idea. The support we received in those early days helped shape not only this brand, but the expansion in popularity of different styles of American Whiskey we continue to see today.”

Crafted from Bernheim’s signature soft winter wheat recipe, the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition features a special selection of barrels aged 10 years and is bottled at 115 proof (57.5% ABV), delivering a rich and complex tasting experience that honors both tradition and innovation. Produced at the historic Bernheim Distillery and aged in rickhouses in Bardstown, Kentucky, this small batch release reflects Heaven Hill’s continued commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Presented in a bright copper hue, the Whiskey opens on the nose with notes of cinnamon and baking spices layered with vanilla and oak. The palate follows with rich flavors of molasses and butterscotch, leading into a peppery finish that lingers with warmth and balance.

The commemorative bottle design underscores the significance of the release, featuring a distinctive copper plate on the front as a visual marker of its limited-edition status and a nod to the heritage and craftsmanship behind the brand. Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition is available in limited quantities nationwide for a suggested retail price of $84.99.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

New York, February – Sotheby’s annual Wine & Spirits sales (auction and private) in 2025 totalled $127.5 million, a rise of nearly 12% on 2024. This marks the fourth-highest annual total for the category since the department’s launch at Sotheby’s in 1970, highlighting the continued strength and international reach of the Wine & Spirits business and positioning Sotheby’s as one of the global leaders in Wine and Spirits auctions.

“Our 2025 results underscore the strength and momentum of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits business. Achieving $127.5 million in sales across auctions and private transactions reflects not only the resilience of the fine wine and spirits market, but also the continued confidence collectors place in Sotheby’s to steward the world’s most important cellars and collections. This success has been driven by a truly international buyer base, strong growth in new collectors, and our depth of expertise in presenting landmark single-owner collections. We are equally proud of the role we continue to play in prestigious charity auctions around the world.

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

Key Takeaways

• Over the last decade total sales have more than doubled from $47 million in 2015 to $127.5 million in 2025
• Total number of auctions: 69 across eight selling centres
• Growth in new buyers: 35% new to Sotheby’s
• Geographic distribution of buyers: 34% EMEA / 33% Americas / 32% Asia – a near-equal split highlighting a uniquely balanced global buyer base, underscoring the resilience of the fine wine and spirits market and Sotheby’s ability to generate demand across all major regions
• The global interest in wine and spirits has reached unprecedented levels, with bidders from a record 63 countries participating in auctions, highlighting the strength and reach of Sotheby’s global collector base and reshaping global market dynamics

By Region

For the second consecutive year, New York outperformed Hong Kong as our top-selling location, achieving its second-highest total sales to date. Alongside this, Sotheby’s reaffirmed its position as the market leader in Europe, which represented our strongest region globally. This performance was driven by robust results across France and the UK.

At the same time, we expanded our sales operations into Japan and Switzerland through the establishment of dedicated, full-time local teams and a permanent physical presence in both markets strengthening our global footprint and client proximity.

Regional breakdown:

• USA: $37.3 million
• Asia: $33.5 million
• Europe: $56.7 million
• UK: $21.3 million
• France: $35.4 million

• Spirits: $21.5 Million (31% of buyers new to Sotheby’s)
  • The most valuable bottle of spirits sold globally was at Sotheby’s
  • Four out of the top five spirits sold globally were at Sotheby’s
  • Seven out of the top ten spirits sold globally were at Sotheby’s
  • For the sixth consecutive year, the top lot globally within Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits division was a spirit

Selection of Valuable Lots Sold

• The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 (1 Bottle 1.5L), $864,825  – Edinburgh, 10 October
• The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948 (1 Bottle 1.5L), $532,200 – Edinburgh, 10 October
• Port Ellen Prism 46 Year Old 1978 (1 Bottle 1.5L + 1 Sample 10cl + EXP), $498,938 – Edinburgh, 10 October
• Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw 58 Year Old 1966 (1 Bottle 70cl), $299,363 – Edinburgh, 10 October

The trusted auction house for prestigious charity and fundraising auctions

• In October, The Distillers One of One® hosted its third biennial Charity Auction in partnership with Sotheby’s, at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh. Comprising a selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, from 35 companies and distilleries across Scotland, the auction brought an outstanding total of £2.9 million / $3.9 million (a hammer total of £2.3 million / $3.1 million), smashing the pre-sale estimate. Since its inaugural event in 2021, The Distillers One of One Auction has cemented its place as the world’s preeminent charity auction dedicated to rare Scotch whisky, with 100% of hammer proceeds donated to charitable causes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors and collectors worldwide, the auctions have now raised £6.6 million to date, principally directed to the Youth Action Fund.

Partnerships with Leading Distilleries

• Sotheby’s x Bowmore (Bowmore Arc-54 The Iridos Edition, sold for £112,500 / $149,715)
• Sotheby’s x The Glenlivet (The Glenlivet 56 Year Old 1 of 1, sold for £62,500 / $81,388)
• Sotheby’s x The Macallan (The Macallan Distil Your World Mexico Single Cask Edition 2005, sold for $81,250)
• Sotheby’s x The Dalmore (The Dalmore 52 Year Old Luminary No.3 – The Rare, sold for HK$500,000 / $64,470)

The result ranks as the fourth-highest annual total for the category since the department’s founding at Sotheby’s in 1970, with higher totals recorded only in 2023 ($159m), 2022 ($150m), and 2021 ($132m).

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 at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

*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.

Heaven Hill Earns Top Honors at 2026 World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky

Bardstown, Ky. – Heaven Hill was recognized with multiple top honors at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards America and Icons of Whisky America ceremony, held February 12 at The Brown Hotel in Louisville.

The awards celebrate the best in American whiskey, recognizing one winner per category along with standout individuals and teams shaping the industry’s future. This year’s results underscore Heaven Hill’s strength across distilling, sustainability, production, public relations, and product excellence.

Icons of Whisky America 2026

Distiller – Winner
Heaven Hill Brands

Sustainable Distillery – Winner
Heaven Hill Distillery

PR Team – Winner
Lauren Cherry Newcomb and Kaitlynn Fish West, Heaven Hill Brands PR Team

Distillery Manager – Highly Commended
Adam Ganoe, Heaven Hill Brands

Production Team – Highly Commended
The Team, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

With this year’s recognition, Heaven Hill has now been named Distiller of the Year three times at the Icons of Whisky America awards, including back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. The 2026 honor further cements the company’s leadership in American whiskey production and reflects sustained excellence across its distilling operations.

Heaven Hill Distillery’s Sustainable Distillery of the Year win marks its second time receiving this distinction, reinforcing a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and operational responsibility. From energy efficiency and water conservation initiatives to thoughtful investment in infrastructure, sustainability is built into the way the company produces whiskey.

Being named PR Team of the Year highlights the integral strategic work behind the scenes. As the largest, independent family owned and led distilled spirits company of brands in the United States, Heaven Hill continues to invest not only in production but also in ensuring its brands remain culturally relevant and visible through earned storytelling.

Adam Ganoe’s Highly Commended recognition as Distillery Manager, along with the Highly Commended honor for the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery Production Team, underscores the expertise driving operations across the company’s growing footprint. Notably, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery has been officially open for just under one year, making this early recognition especially meaningful as the new facility begins shaping the next chapter of the company’s production legacy.

World Whiskies Awards 2026 – America

Heaven Hill brands also earned category wins in the 2026 World Whiskies Awards America competition.

Best American Rye Whiskey – No Age Statement
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye

Category Winner – 13 to 20 Years
Heaven Hill Heritage Collection — 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

These awards reflect both innovation and patience. Coming off the heels of Elijah Craig Rye Barrel Proof being named Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye continues to expand the brand’s rye credentials with layered flavor and a distinctive finishing process. The 19-Year-Old Heritage Collection Wheat Whiskey represents decades of stewardship, showcasing the depth of Heaven Hill’s aging inventory and long-term commitment to American whiskey.

“We’re proud of these wins because they reflect both consistency and range,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll. “From premium, innovative rye to well-aged wheat whiskey, it speaks to the breadth of what our teams are capable of. These awards belong to the people who make the whiskey every day, and they reinforce the long-term mindset we bring to the work. We’re building for today, and we’re building for the next generation.”

As the largest, independent family owned and led distilled spirits company of brands in the United States, Heaven Hill continues to invest in distilling, sustainability initiatives, and aged stock to support the future of its portfolio.

Winners from the America round will advance to compete for World’s Best titles at the World Whiskies Awards Global Dinner in March.

For more information, visit World Drinks Awards.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits company of brands, as well as the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill has been named a Best Managed Company in both 2024 and 2025 by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes the Heaven Hill Whiskey family of brands, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Widow Jane, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; and Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur.

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Scotland’s whisky dynasty returns to distilling and unveils Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aberargie, Scotland, Perthshire-based Aberargie Distillery has unveiled its inaugural single malt Scotch Whisky, marking the Morrison family’s long-awaited return to distilling and introducing a true barley-to-bottle release crafted entirely on its family-owned farm.

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Inaugural release will be available globally at specialist whisky retailers from 3rd March, priced at an RRP of £65. With the first casks filled in 2017, the debut release signals the Morrisons’ return to single malt production after more than three decades, a significant milestone for one of Scotland’s longest-established whisky dynasties.

Aberargie’s packaging and visual identity have been developed in partnership with Kingdom & Sparrow, drawing inspiration from the distillery’s location, its pot stills, and its modus operandi. The result is a timeless design featuring a bespoke glass bottle with embossed lettering and a commemorative leather neck tag created to mark the release. Produced in collaboration with Verallia UK, the bottle reflects the family’s approach to Scotch whisky. A defining horizon line runs across the label and carton in rich verdant green, with gold accents that evoke the surrounding farmland and a strong sense of place. The label also pays tribute to Aberargie’s stillhouse, placing the distillery at the centre of the brand story.

Distilled using barley grown on their own 300-acre farm, the inaugural release embodies Aberargie’s barley-to-bottle philosophy, offering a rare level of control from field to final fill. The whisky is made with a mash bill of 52% Golden Promise and 48% Laureate barley grown on family farms, then matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks, creating what the distillery describes as a house style built from the ground up. Bottled at 48.2% ABV, it is non-chill-filtered and presented without added colour. Tasting notes highlight baked apple and golden pastry, followed by sultanas and prunes, with a lingering herbal finish.

Set on the border between the Highland and Lowland regions, Aberargie is difficult to classify stylistically and is shaped as much by its farm setting as by its stillhouse, which stands tall in front of rolling barley fields. As an independent, family-run operation, the distillery manages every stage of production on-site, from field to bottle, including distilling, warehousing, and bottling.

Niel Hendriksz, Managing Director of Aberargie Distillery, said:

“Our first casks were laid down in 2017, and we’ve been patiently waiting for our whisky to be ready. After nearly a decade, the moment feels right to share Aberargie Single Malt Inaugural with the world. It’s a true barley-to-bottle single malt that honours the Morrison family’s distilling heritage while setting a clear direction for the future.”

Tasting Notes

Rich and layered with notes of baked apple and golden pastry, balanced by succulent sultanas and prunes with a lingering herbal finish

Bottle Non chill filtered 48.2%  ABV

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Inaugural release will be available from specialist whisky retailers from 3rd March 2026 at the RRP of £65. For exclusive first information, sign up to Aberargie Distillery via www.aberargie.com

Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Release: 3rd March 2026
Availability: Specialist whisky retailers worldwide
Early Access Registration: www.aberargie.com
Social: @aberargie on Facebook and Instagram
Vimeo:  https://vimeo.com/1140006339

About Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single malt production, brand development, blending and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

At the heart of MSWD’s operations is Aberargie Distillery, built on a family-owned farm near Perth. From the first fill in 2017, the distillery represents the Morrison family’s return to distilling after the 1994 sale of Morrison Bowmore to Suntory. The first release of Aberargie will launch in March 2026; this is the cornerstone of the business.

About: Golden Promise

Aberargie is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to operate a barley-to-bottle philosophy, using heritage Golden Promise barley grown on the fields in front of the distillery, as well as Laureate barley from the two other family farms.

This approach allows Aberargie to oversee the quality of raw materials from the outset. All barley varieties are grown to the family’s own standards, with full provenance, terroir and traceability embedded across the seed to spirit process.

Central to the distillery’s production philosophy is Golden Promise, the heritage barley variety once favoured by leading Scotch producers throughout the 1960s and 70s. Although lower-yielding than modern strains, Golden Promise is grown at Aberargie for its flavour benefits, producing a full-bodied, malty new-make spirit with notable oiliness and depth.

Morrison Family

Among Scotland’s longest-established whisky families, the Morrisons’ name is woven into the fabric of Scotch, with five generations working as grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers, and distillers. From managing iconic distilleries to creating award-winning brands, their legacy is one of craftsmanship and tradition.