ABD Maestro and Speyside Capital Debut Ultra-Rare 34 Year-Old Single Malt with ‘The Collective’ in India

Superstar Ranveer Singh, co-founder of ABD Maestro, unveils a landmark 60-bottle release priced at £9,100 each

Speyside Capital, the Scotland-based whisky asset manager, has played a pivotal role in a historic ultra-rare independent bottling of a single malt Scotch whisky, in collaboration with ABD Maestro, the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), the third largest spirits organisation in India.

The release marks a defining moment in the spirits landscape, blending Scottish heritage with the vibrant, high-growth luxury market of India.

This inaugural limited edition release under ABD Maestro’s new ultra-grand ‘The Collective’ service brings together Scottish whisky heritage and India’s growing appetite for the world’s rarest spirits. It reflects Speyside Capital’s growing role as a trusted partner for international brand owners seeking to create bespoke, ultra-premium Scotch whisky releases for emerging high-growth luxury markets.

Distilled at Macallan Distillery in 1991 and matured for over three decades, this 34-year-old single malt whisky balances delicate florals, soft citrus and malty notes with added depth and sherry-led richness, reflecting both time and careful stewardship.

Limited to just 60 hand-filled decanters, each individually numbered, engraved and manually gold-lettered in Scotland, the release is crafted to appeal to seasoned collectors and enthusiasts, with each bottle accompanied by a personally signed letter from Ranveer Singh, Bollywood superstar and co-founder of ABD Maestro.

‘The Collective’ has been custom-created for ABD Maestro with Speyside Capital acting as brand and project partner, supporting the release through cask sourcing, long-term maturation stewardship, and end-to-end advisory across the structuring and delivery of this ultra-rare bottling.

Paul Kopec, CEO of Speyside Capital, said: “This is a landmark project for Speyside Capital, and we are incredibly proud to support such a prestigious and culturally significant release. It demonstrates how far the Indian luxury market has evolved and the growing appetite for ultra-rare Scotch whisky among sophisticated collectors and investors.

“We see this as a major step forward in Scotch whisky establishing a stronger foothold at the very top end of the Indian premium spirits market. Through years of partnership development and strategic groundwork in the region, Speyside Capital is ideally positioned to support this growth, and we expect India to become a key pillar of our international business in the years ahead.”

India is one of the fastest-growing markets globally for luxury consumption, and the upcoming UK- India FTA is expected to further enhance accessibility and competitiveness at the ultra-high-end of the category.

The Collective Limited Edition 34-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is priced at a consumer retail price of ₹11 Lakhs or £9100 (700ml) in Mumbai and will be available via Travel Retail and select major Indian cities, with access strictly limited and offered exclusively on a pre-order.

About Speyside Capital

Speyside Capital is a Scotland-based whisky asset management firm specialising in rare Scotch whisky casks, bespoke private client bottlings, and ultra-premium whisky ownership strategies. Working with collectors, family offices, and international partners, the firm provides sourcing, maturation strategy, portfolio management, and global exit solutions across the luxury spirits sector.

Macallan is a registered trademark of The Macallan Distillers Ltd. This release is an independent bottling and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the distillery.

ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST WHISKY FESTIVALS

LAUNCHES THEIR 2026 PREVIEW

Craigellachie Distillery of the Chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Henry Angus and Steven Dalgarno, Distillery Manager of Craigellachie Distillery who are hosting the opening dinner and this year’s ceilidh.

Now in its 27^th year, the annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival since 1999.

Contributing over £2.2million annually to the local economy, there is a vast array of over 600 events, over 6-days.  Kicking off on Wednesday, 29^th April 2026, it takes visitors right through the first May bank holiday weekend.

The festival is renowned for attracting visitors who want to discover more about whisky, in an area that boasts the greatest concentration of beloved brands.  With 51 working distilleries, they make up more than a third of Scotland’s total number in Speyside alone.  Peppering towns including Elgin, Forres, Keith, Aberlour, Dufftown and Rothes, the festival continues to build on its reputation as a globally recognised event, providing high-quality experiences for visitors.

So, what to expect from the line-up this year?  Attendees from over 40 countries who descend on Speyside, will find immersive tours and tastings as well as coopering masterclasses and chefs creating whisky-paired dinners.  There is the chance to meet Master Blenders and get tours behind the closed doors of dunnage warehouses where festival goers can draw samples from the casks themselves.  Visitors can enjoy fireside drams or sipping whisky on Findhorn beach.  Plus, the Dram Tram returns, where passengers can soak in the scenery in their Gold Carriage from Dufftown to Keith whilst savouring a special whisky enroute.  Of course, it wouldn’t be a Scottish whisky celebration without the Friday night ceilidh which will be held at Craigellachie Distillery and is a highlight of the 6-day calendar.

Henry Angus, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival commented; “The festival is the perfect way to launch World Whisky Month and is all about showcasing the very best of what’s in this area.  Whilst we have an amazing quantity of events, the quality of them is what really shines through.  It’s wonderful to see the whole of the Speyside community getting behind it as a highlight on the calendar.  We’ve seen a great increase in visitor numbers and ticket sales in the last couple of years, which tells us that we are continuing to build on how successful this international festival has become to the area.”

Speyside also boasts incredible scenery.  A chance to embrace the country air with aromas from barley malted to make the whisky.  There is a plethora of cosy chic hotels, self-catering pads and B&Bs to choose from. Plus, Stagecoach is extending its local bus service from Aberdeen and Inverness for day trippers.

SSWF 2025 Event Listing Imagery – Dallas Dhu Distillery: Drams from the Archives

The festival will launch with almost 80 events lined up on Wednesday 29^th April, including an industry dinner, co-hosted for the first time by Craigellachie Distillery, as part of their 135^th anniversary celebrations this year.

For those wanting to take a deep dive into whisky making, the 4-day Whisky School is back for its 10^th year.  Providing an incredible insight into the industry from a doyen of industry experts, it starts just a few days before the festival kicks off.   A limited number of spaces are still available on the website.

TICKET INFORMATION

Previews for ticket sales go live at 12noon on 18^th February

Launch of ticket sales is live at 12noon on 24^th February

WEBSITE – https://www.spiritofspeyside.com/

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled, exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. This year it will celebrate its 27^th anniversary with a programme of around 500+ whisky-inspired events over 6 days.  The Festival is a true mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky-producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the festival a truly unforgettable experience.

London Distillery Company unveils London’s first 10-Year-Old single malt whisky

The London Distillery Company (TLDC) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Ten Times Around the Sun, London’s first 10-year-old single malt whisky and a landmark release that marks a major milestone in the capital’s modern whisky revival.

Distilled from Quench spring barley and laid down on 20th October 2015 in single ex-bourbon barrel #007, Ten Times Around the Sun has been bottled at 51.4% ABV and is presented non chill-filtered and with natural colour, reflecting TLDC’s long-standing commitment to authenticity of flavour. The release is accompanied by striking artwork inspired by the single malt’s decade of maturation, visually capturing ten full orbits around the sun and the passage of time that has shaped the spirit.

Ten Times Around the Sun is limited to 220 bottles, priced at £89.95, and will launch on Friday 27th February via www.londondistillery.co.uk

TLDC was established in 2011, creating the first new whisky distillery in the capital since Lea Valley Distillery closed in 1903. Founded and inspired by the city’s lost distilling heritage, this iteration of the Company operated from a small, but ambitious site in Battersea. It quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach – combining traditional production methods with a fresh, contemporary vision.

Following the company’s revival in 2025, the past year has seen TLDC re-establish its place in the capital’s whisky landscape, laying the foundations for future releases and building a bridge between London’s historic distilling past and its contemporary, forward-looking ambitions. Ten Times Around the Sun is a tangible expression of that journey – a whisky that preserves an important piece of London distilling history while pointing confidently to the future.

As one of the earliest casks laid down by the distillery, ex-bourbon barrel #007 has matured over the past decade, witnessing the growth of England’s whisky sector and the rise of a new generation of London-based distilleries. Surviving TLDC’s closure in 2019, the cask now stands as a symbol of the company’s resilience, while reinforcing the capital’s position as a serious and credible whisky-producing region.

Speaking of the launch, Matt McKay, TLDC Managing Director and Whisky Maker said: “Ten Times Around the Sun marks a defining moment for The London Distillery Company. It honours one of our earliest casks, capturing the original spirit that began our journey. This release is a tangible piece of London’s whisky history, surviving the distillery’s closure in 2019 and now emerging as a symbol of our return. This is a whisky born of our past, shaped by our revival, and confidently demonstrating our bold, bright future.”

Ten Times Around the Sun

10-year-old, London Single Malt Whisky

Fully matured in single ex-bourbon cask #007

51.4%, 70cl

£89.95

Available from www.londondistillery.co.uk from Friday 27th February 2026

Nose: Bright and inviting with tinned peaches and sliced mango, layered with soft nougat, earthy dunnage floors, and dusty oak spices.

Palate: Bold and fruit-forward, offering a syrupy sweetness alongside piquantly spiced tinned fruits. Notes of milk chocolate and creamy cereal add depth and texture, whilst cask pepperiness provides warmth and lift.

Finish: Long and lingering, marked by the persistence of ripe fruit, fading gently into tingling Szechuan pepper spice.

About The London Distillery Company

The London Distillery Company was established in 2011 as London’s first new whisky distillery for over a century. Trailblazing the revival of the capital’s distilling heritage, the company crafts exceptional spirits that reflect both tradition and modernity.

Committed to using only the finest ingredients and time-honoured methods, every bottle produced by The London Distillery Company expresses a dedication to craftmanship, blending expertise and a relentless pursuit of character and flavour.

www.londondistillery.co.uk/

Talnua Distillery Unveils Olde Saint’s Keep 2026

A unique expression celebrating both gaelic distilling tradition and collaboration within the Colorado craft distilling community.

Arvada, Colorado — Talnua Distillery proudly announces the release of Olde Saint’s Keep 2026, an American Single Pot Still Whiskey special release. This year’s expression was created to honor the high-quality and collaborative spirit of Colorado distilling. Rooted in tradition and elevated by community, this limited-edition whiskey stands as a celebration of shared craft, timed fittingly with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday long defined by gathering and connection. At its core, this release is a tribute to the state’s esteemed distilling community, award winning producers whose commitment to quality continues to elevate Colorado spirits on the world stage.

A True Colorado Finish

The whiskey for this year’s expression was aged for a minimum of three years in Char #2 American White Oak barrels, then finished for 6-9 months in unique casks sourced from six Colorado distilleries, each contributing a distinct layer of character and complexity. These finishing casks include, listed alphabetically by distillery:

Bear Creek Distillery — Rum cask
Deerhammer Distilling Co. — Apple Brandy cask
The Family Jones Distillery — Rye Whiskey cask
Laws Whiskey House — Wheat Whiskey cask
Spirit Hound Distillers — Single Malt Whiskey cask
Storm King Distilling Co. — Bourbon Whiskey cask

Production Details

Mashbill: 50% malted barley / 50% unmalted barley
Distillation: Triple distilled
Age Statement: Minimum 4 years
ABV: 50% | Proof: 100
Bottles Released: 1,200
MSRP: $110.00

“At Talnua, tradition isn’t static, it’s built together,” said Founder/Master Distiller Patrick Miller. “Olde Saint’s Keep 2026 is our way of honoring the people, places, and producers who make Colorado distilling what it is today. St. Patrick’s Day has always been about community, and this release is a reflection of that spirit.”

Olde Saint’s Keep 2026 will be available in limited quantities beginning March 13, 2026 at Talnua’s annual St. Patrick’s Day event and for pre-order here

Talnua Distillery – The American Spirit with an Irish Soul

Dumbarton
25 Years, Unicorn

The Whisky Barrel Launches Fifth Unicorn Series Release

Limited to 264 bottles · £79 GBP inc VAT | Available now HERE

25 Year Old Dumbarton Single Grain Celebrates the Legendary “Scotch Watch” Geese

The Whisky Barrel is proud to announce the launch of the fifth release in its acclaimed Unicorn Series: a rare Dumbarton 25 Year Old 2000, matured in a single first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength.

Distilled in 2000 at the now-closed Dumbarton distillery, this Lowland single grain Scotch whisky has spent 25 years maturing in first-fill PX sherry hogshead #TWB1040, developing remarkable depth and richness. Bottled in February 2026 at a powerful 56.6% ABV, the cask yielded just 264 bottles, available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel.

Dumbarton distillery, once owned by Ballantine’s, closed in 2002 and has since become increasingly sought after by collectors of lost Scotch whisky distilleries. Known for its creamy, vanilla-forward grain character, Dumbarton’s spirit lends itself beautifully to long sherry maturation — a style exemplified in this indulgent release.

A Tribute to the “Scotch Watch”

The Unicorn Series is renowned for pairing distinctive whisky with striking storytelling, and this release is no exception. The label pays homage to Dumbarton’s legendary Chinese white geese — affectionately known as the “Scotch Watch.”

From 1959 until 2012, these geese were employed to guard Ballantine’s bonded warehouses, forming a noisy and highly effective security force that grew to over 100 birds. Their iconic presence became part of Scotch whisky folklore before their retirement to Glasgow Green. The Unicorn label brings this unique chapter of whisky history together with Scotland’s mythical national emblem.

Tasting Profile

The 25 Year Old Dumbarton delivers waves of raisin syrup, dark chocolate and treacle on the nose, leading into a full-bodied palate of PX-soaked fruitcake, caramelised sugar and creamy vanilla. The finish is long, warming and luxuriously sherried, balanced by soft oak spice.

Limited Availability

With only 264 bottles produced, this is a rare opportunity to secure a cask-strength release from a closed Lowland distillery, presented under The Whisky Barrel’s celebrated Unicorn banner.

“Dumbarton is a distillery that quietly built a remarkable reputation after its closure. When we discovered this PX hogshead, it had the depth, richness and personality we look for in a Unicorn release. Pairing that whisky with the story of the Scotch Watch felt entirely fitting — it’s a tribute not just to the spirit, but to the character and history surrounding it” Alastair Brown, Managing Director, The Whisky Barrel

The Dumbarton 25 Year Old 200 Unicorn is available exclusively from:  The Whisky Barrel – Dumbarton 25 Year Old Unicorn

• Distillery: Closed Dumbarton distillery
• Age: 25 Years (Distilled 2000, Bottled 2026)
• Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (#TWB1040)
• ABV: 56.6% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Bottles: 264
• Price: £79 GBP (inc. VAT)
• Exclusive to: The Whisky Barrel, Fife, Scotland

*N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

The Whisky Barrel    E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com| Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com |Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Instagram

From first casks: Final allocations open of Lancaster Spirits Co. Founders Reserve Whisky Club

Owning a cask of single malt whisky can be an exciting but costly commitment. Lancaster Spirits Co. (LSCo) created its Founders Reserve whisky club in 2024 to offer a more accessible route, giving members the rare opportunity to follow the evolution of its single malt from the very first casks.

With just 500 Gold and 500 Platinum memberships ever released, availability is now extremely limited. The final places are being claimed quickly, and whisky enthusiasts are urged to secure their membership now to avoid missing out on this once-only opportunity to receive bottles of LSCo’s maturing single malt, alongside exclusive benefits that bring members closer to the distillery and its makers.

All Founders Reserve members receive a welcome pack featuring a 50cl bottle of new-make spirit, a bespoke LSCo Glencairn glass, and an exclusive membership card. Members also enjoy an annual tour of the distillery for two, discounted pricing on future purchases, and access to limited-edition releases.

Gold Founders Reserve membership includes five 70cl bottles of single malt, delivered annually from 2025 to 2029, as well as priority access to exclusive bottlings, early release notifications, and behind-the-scenes experiences such as tastings and meet-the-maker events.

Platinum Founders Reserve membership offers ten 70cl bottles, delivered annually from 2025 to 2034, as well as priority access to exclusive bottlings, early release notifications, and behind-the-scenes experiences such as tastings and meet-the-maker events.

All the bottles for each Founders Reserve release will be drawn from some of the first casks filled at LSCo in 2024. An amazing opportunity to taste some of the first single malt ever produced in Lancaster as it develops through the years.

The 2025 1-year old release is a combination of two bourbon barrels, a Rioja STR cask and an Oloroso cask, which has then been finished for eight weeks in Pedro Ximenez sherry hogsheads sourced from renowned producer Jose Miguel Martin. This carefully balanced vatting creates a harmonious and expressive spirit.

Membership also guarantees access to LSCo’s first three-year-old Founders Reserve bottling, with an additional opportunity to purchase the Inaugural Single Malt, scheduled for public release in 2027.

Christopher Pateman, Commercial Manager at LSCo, said: “Founders Reserve allows whisky lovers to experience our single malt from its earliest stages through to maturity. Every decision—from our heritage brewers’ yeast and local aquifer water to our carefully selected casks—has been made to build depth, complexity and character. With only a small quantity of Gold and Platinum memberships remaining, this is a rare chance to be part of our story from the very beginning.”

Alongside its single malt programme, Lancaster Spirits Co. also produces a range of multi-award-winning gins and vodkas.

To secure one of the final Gold or Platinum memberships, explore LSCo’s spirits, or book a distillery tour, visit https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

1/ For further information about the Lancaster Spirits Company or to place an order, visit: https://lancasterspirits.co.uk

ARDBEG’S ICONIC TEN… NOW AT CASK STRENGTH

  < Islay Distillery honours loyal fanbase by releasing their most-wanted whisky >

Ardbeg’s loyal fanbase – the Committee – have been crying out for a cask-strength edition of the smoky icon Ardbeg Ten for more than 20 years. Today the Islay Distillery grants them their wish, by unveiling a momentous, cask-strength edition of its classic 10-year-old single malt. Matured in hand-selected casks, uniquely filled with spirit at an unusually high strength, this bottling brings an unrivalled intensity to Ardbeg’s classic, peaty taste with a naturally elevated ABV.

Crafted on the remote Scottish island of Islay for more than 200 years, Ardbeg is one of the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whiskies. Its flagship Ten has long been revered by Committee members as the ultimate expression of the Distillery’s smoky style. And a cask-strength edition has topped their most-wanted list, since a highly limited (and even more highly coveted) release was shared in Japan in 2003.

In answer to the Committee’s plea, Ardbeg’s whisky creators, led by Dr Bill Lumsden, vowed to create a historic edition of this classic malt in its members’ honour. So, they hand-selected a few choice American oak bourbon casks, including some experimental barrels unusually filled with undiluted spirit. The result is an Ardbeg of incredible intensity. Bursting with rich aromas of tar and sea spray and smooth, sweet tastes, this rare edition of Ten is bottled at 61.7% ABV – the highest strength of any Committee Release to date.

Fittingly, this milestone whisky is the first Committee edition unveiled during the tenure of new Co-Chairs, Master Blender Gillian MacDonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven. Gillian said: “This cask-strength Ardbeg Ten is a momentous celebration of our Distillery’s classic style. Created by Dr Bill and myself from casks filled with new-make spirit at a higher-than-usual strength, it has all the flavours Committee members know and love, infused with a new intensity. Those who are lucky enough to lay their hands on a bottle will find aromas of toffee, tar, with classic notes of fennel and sea spray, and sweet sooty tastes of peat moss, malt and smoked cinnamon – amplified in an unforgettable dram. Slàinte to our Committee!”

Bryony said: “Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength is arguably one of the most wanted Ardbegs ever. It’s fantastic to finally be sharing it with the Committee. What a dram – a perfect balance of wood smoke, citrus sweetness and salt.”

Released especially for members of the Ardbeg Committee, this cask-strength edition of Ardbeg Ten will be available online at Ardbeg.com from 24^th February 2026, RRP £75.

For those intrepid enough to venture to the Distillery, there will be a small number of bottles ready to buy in person. For more news on all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at www.ardbeg.com/committee. Membership is free and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

www.ardbeg.com

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Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength Tasting Notes:

ABV:     61.7%

Colour: Pale Gold

Aroma: Rich, earthy, smoky and spicy, with a marvellous combination of toffee, tar and creosote, coffee grounds and sea spray. Subtle hints of vanilla and lime manage to fight their way through the smoke, and a few drops of water release some classic Ardbeggian scents, like fennel and bonfire embers.

Taste: The texture is mouth filling and noticeably spicy, and the palate is surprised by an immediate and intense sweetness, reminiscent of smoked cinnamon and paprika. This is then followed by enormous waves of smoky notes – soot, tar, creosote, peat moss and woodsmoke to name a few, but the smokiness is always balanced by a gentle malty or biscuity flavour.

Finish: Mentholic and almost cooling, with hints of eucalyptus and antiseptic lozenges.

RRP: £75

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Sustainability

Ardbeg is dedicated to sustaining its island home and community. With a vision of enhancing Islay for future generations, Ardbeg has devoted itself to restoring parts of the island’s precious peatland – a vital habitat for wildlife and a key carbon store. Working with the landowner, Ardbeg has begun transforming Kintour peat moor near the Distillery, cut for use in Ardbeg’s maltings decades ago. Ardbeg has also committed to a landmark conservation partnership with RSPB Scotland, Suntory Global Spirits and Diageo to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland in The Oa nature reserve. Over time, these projects aim to return Islay’s peatland to its native state, increasing biodiversity, helping mitigate against the effects of climate change and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg has established the £1million Ardbeg All Islay Fund, which supports enterprising projects and organisations on the island. This five-year fund gives contributions to local sports clubs, musical and cultural organisations, helping to make Islay a better place to work and live.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The Great American Whiskey Collection Shatters Records 

at Sotheby’s New York

Landmark Sale Achieves $2.5 Million — Now the Most Valuable American Whiskey Collection Ever Sold

Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” Fetches $162,500

— Most Valuable Bottle of American Whiskey Ever Sold at Auction — 

Van Winkle 18 Year Old Special Reserve Single Barrel “Binny’s” 

Realizes $106,250

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, on the rostrum during the sale of The Great American Whiskey Collection

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, said: “This was a landmark moment for American whiskey. Breaking the record for the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold is a testament to the extraordinary rarity and quality of this collection, as well as the passion and expertise of collectors worldwide. The enthusiasm from bidders was phenomenal, reflecting a global appreciation for American whiskey that continues to grow year after year. This exceptional auction has propelled Bourbon and Rye into a new stratosphere of desirability.”

New York, 25 January — History was made last night at Sotheby’s New York, where The Great American Whiskey Collection achieved $2.5 million, becoming the most valuable single-owner American whiskey collection ever sold at auction and the most valuable single-owner spirits auction ever held in New York. More than doubling its low pre-sale estimate (est. $1.17–1.68 million), the sale drew intense competition from determined collectors online, on the phones, and in the room for some of the rarest and most coveted Bourbon and Rye ever bottled, many of which set new auction records.

The white-glove auction, held at Sotheby’s new global headquarters in the iconic Breuer Building on Madison Avenue, marked the first-ever live, single-owner American whiskey sale in history. As part of the campaign for the auction, Sotheby’s installed a specially designed pop-up bar within The Breuer to prominently display the collection, allowing collectors and visitors to experience the bottles up close in an immersive setting. The meticulously curated collection featured 360 exceptional bottles, ranging from Old Rip Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald to Red Hook Rye and beyond. The sale was a remarkable success, with 100% of lots sold and 89% exceeding their high estimates. With demand for American whiskeys invariably domestic and spread across the United States, 96% of the lots were acquired by collectors based in North America. Notably, nearly a third of buyers were new to Sotheby’s, with over half aged 40 or younger.

The top lot was a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” (1982), which shattered records by selling for $162,500 (est. $70,000–100,000), making it the most valuable bottle of  American whiskey ever sold at auction*. Hailed as one of the most legendary bottles of Kentucky bourbon ever produced, the “Sam’s” is also the highest-proof Van Winkle release in history, bottled at an extraordinary 133.4 proof. With only 60 hand-numbered bottles ever made, it ranks among the rarest American whiskeys in existence. Last night’s sale marked the first time the “Sam’s” appeared at auction in over a decade.

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, commented: “This sale represents a defining moment for American whiskey at auction, underscoring the legendary status of the Van Winkle name and the extraordinary significance of the ‘Sam’s’ Old Rip Van Winkle. The result reflects the continued maturation of the global market for the rarest American whiskeys and a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship, heritage, and rarity that define the very best of American distilling. A bottle of this calibre is not just a collector’s item but a piece of American whiskey history.”

The sale was further propelled by an exceptional offering of private-label bottles, exclusive single barrels, and historic releases now virtually impossible to source, many of which appeared at auction for the first time and went on to set new records. Highlights included:

• Van Winkle 18 Year Old “Binny’s” (1985, 121.6 proof) achieved $106,250 (est. $60,000–80,000). Distilled at the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1985, the Van Winkle Special Reserve 18 Year Old Single Cask was hand-selected exclusively for Binny’s, one of Chicago’s most renowned liquor stores. Bottled at full cask strength—an extraordinary 121.6 proof, the third-highest ever for a Van Winkle—fewer than 100 bottles were produced, with most long since consumed. This auction marked the first appearance of the “Binny’s” Van Winkle at Sotheby’s.
• Very Very Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawk” 18 Year Old (1950, 121.0 proof) sold for $112,500, more than double its low estimate (est. $50,000–80,000). One of the rarest and most sought-after bourbons ever released, it was a private bottling exclusively for the Wirtz family, owners of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wirtz Corporation. No “Blackhawk” bottles were ever available publicly, and they were likely gifted only to close family, friends, and associates. The “Blackhawk” series includes just three extremely rare bottlings: this 18 Year Old and a 15 Year Old (both distilled in 1950), and a 12 Year Old, distilled in 1951 and bottled in 1963—also part of The Great American Whiskey Collection, it sold for $60,000 (est. $40,000 – 50,000).
• Van Winkle 18 Year Old Family Reserve “Park Avenue Liquor Shop” (105.2 Proof) sold for $62,500 (est. $26,000 – 45,000). This private-label bottling for Jonathan Goldstein at Park Avenue Liquor Shop in Manhattan has not appeared at auction in more than a decade. Originally retailing for $75, it is one of only three 18 Year Old Van Winkle bottlings ever known to have been produced, all of which were sold in this auction.
• Four determined bidders competed for the O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey 115 Proof 1909 (1 Quart), driving the final price to $47,500—well above its pre-sale estimate of $13,000–18,000.

Among the record-setting lots from last night’s sale were:

•  Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year Old Blue Smoke 92.6 Proof NV sold for $37,500, (est. $18,000 – 24,000)
• Twisted Spoke 16 Year Old 105 Proof NV achieved $32,500 (est. $12,000 – 16,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old ‘Delilah’s 10th Anniversary’ 100 Proof NV sold for $30,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Van Winkle 19 Year Old Special Reserve Corti Brothers 45.7 abv 1975 realized $35,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Van Winkle 19 Year Old Special Reserve Corti Brothers 90.4 Proof NV fetched $35,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• J.W. Gottlieb Private Stock Straight Rye 13 Year Old 95.6 Proof 1984 sold for $56,250 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Old Advocate Special Reserve 15 Year Old 107 Proof NV doubled its pre-sale high estimate to achieve $40,000 (est, $15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old Woodside Partner’s Reserve 92.4 Proof 1988 sold for $43,750 (est. 15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Bottled In Bond 100 Proof 1917 realized $47,500 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 Year Old Family Reserve Single Barrel ‘City Grocery 20th Anniversary’ 90.4 Proof NV made $30,000 (est. $12,000 – 16,000).

Please refer to the sale page for individual lot results.

Notes 

*The previous record for the most valuable single-owner auction of an American whiskey collection was held by The Thoroughbred Collection, which achieved $965,813 in 2021.

*The previous record for the most valuable single bottle of post-prohibition American whiskey was $125,000 for a one-of-a-kind bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Van Winkle Selection’ Kentucky Bourbon Festival Master Distiller’s Auction 2007, a price that includes buyer’s premium and tax.

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.

Make Tomatin the Heart of Your Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Award winning Highland Distiller, Tomatin, is celebrating this Valentine’s Day by introducing two new sweet and indulgent whisky cocktails, perfect for an at-home date night or a cosy evening with friends.

For whisky lovers or those just discovering the magic of single malts, Tomatin 10 Year Old and Tomatin Double Cask whiskies provide the perfect foundation for Valentine’s Day cocktails this February.

The recently launched expressions are showcased in a duo of new serve creations from Tomatin, both of which are easy to make yet delicious, and let the soft, sweet and fruity flavours of the distillery’s single malts shine through.

Celebrate what matters this Valentine’s Day with Tomatin, sharing a moment with loved ones and bringing a touch of Highland charm to the occasion.

Tomatin Peaches and Dream 

A modern twist on the classic peaches and cream, this cocktail is light, creamy and delightfully moreish. Featuring Tomatin 10 Year Old, it brings out soft, sweet notes of peaches, buttery croissants, crunchy apples, macadamia nuts and white chocolate, all beautifully balanced by the whisky’s subtle ex-bourbon cask influence. Oat milk keeps the serve smooth and slightly lighter than traditional cream. 

Ingredients

• 35-50ml of Tomatin 10 Year Old, exclusively available at Waitrose or on Amazon
• 35ml of unsweetened oat milk
• 15ml syrup from tinned peaches
• A splash of soda wate

To serve

• Highball or tall glass
• Bar spoon or long spoon
• Cubed ice
• Straw (optional)
• Cocktail skewers (optional)

Method

Mix the Tomatin 10 Year Old, tinned peach syrup and oat milk in a glass until combined. Fill a tall glass with cubed ice and stir, finish by topping up the glass with soda water and garnish with skewered peaches.

Tomatin Apple of My Eye 

Bold, warming, and indulgent, this cocktail puts Tomatin Double Cask centre stage. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, the whisky’s rich dark fruit, gentle spice, and apple notes make it a perfect Valentine’s serve. Muddled fresh apple and a touch of honey (or dairy-free caramel) create a sip that’s sweet and balanced. 

Ingredients

• 50ml of Tomatin Double Cask, exclusively available in Tesco and on Amazon
• 15ml of honey or dairy free caramel
• A splash of soda water
• Sliced apples of choice; Tomatin recommends Pink Lady or Granny Smith apples

To serve

• Highball or tall glass
• Bar spoon or long spoon
• Cubed ice
• Straw (optional)
• Cocktail skewers (optional)

Method

Place apple slices into a glass (muddle for extra apple flavour), add Tomatin Double Cask and the honey or caramel. Stir well, fill the glass with ice and top up with soda water. Garnish with skewered apple slices.

Tasting notes

Tomatin 10 Year Old

Nose: Aromas of lemon sherbet sweets and crunchy green apples followed by buttery

croissants, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Palate: Lemon meringue pie, honey and a touch of toffee are complemented by apricot and

peach.

Finish: Clean and fresh.  

Tomatin Double Cask

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead.

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy. 

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

In 2025, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

Tomatin has a first-class wood policy and an enduring commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. It is one of only a handful of Scotch whisky distilleries to have its own cooperage on-site, with cooper Allan Bartlett being named ‘Cooper of the Year’ at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together. Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/