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.

###

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.

TEELING WHISKEY RELEASES 7TH EDITION IN AWARD-WINNING SOMMELIER SELECTION – RIOJA RED WINE CASK

TEELING® Whiskey, the world’s most awarded Irish Whiskey*, is proud to unveil the seventh release in its innovative Sommelier Selection series – Rioja Red Wine Cask Finish.

At Teeling Whiskey, we believe in driving the evolution of Irish Whiskey through the creation of new and unique expressions. As part of this innovative mission, the Sommelier Selection series was developed to capture the flavours and influence of some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Previous editions have explored the impact of French, Italian, and Portuguese wine casks on Teeling’s award-winning Small Batch blended Irish Whiskey.

For this latest release, Teeling has turned its attention to Spain, focusing on its flagship Rioja red wine. Famous for its balance of red and dark fruits combined with distinctive cask maturation, Rioja wine offers a distinct complementary character to Teeling’s whiskey style. Only the finest ex-Rioja Red Wine casks from Northern Spain were selected to finish Teeling Small Batch, creating an expression that is truly unique within the Irish Whiskey category.

The result is a whiskey layered with vibrant red fruits, subtle spice, and a soft tannic structure, perfectly balanced by the natural floral and fruity character of Teeling Small Batch. This limited-edition Irish Whiskey is a true celebration of both Irish & Spanish taste and character.

Jack Teeling, Founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey, commented:
“With our Sommelier Selection, we set out to push the boundaries of Irish Whiskey by bringing the influence of world-class wine regions into our whiskey-making. Rioja is at the heart of Spanish winemaking, and we are delighted to showcase how its red wine casks can add a new dimension to our Small Batch, continuing our journey of discovery to what Irish and Teeling Whiskey can be.”

The Teeling Whiskey Sommelier Selection – Rioja Red Wine Cask Finish is bottled at 46% ABV with no chill filtration, staying true to Teeling’s ethos of craft and authenticity. It will be available in Ireland at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin 8, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Australia, Singapore and Japan among other international markets.

* Based on World Whiskies Awards, 2019-2025 

Sommelier Selection Rioja – Tasting Notes

• Nose: Strawberry compote, cherry, delicate cinnamon spice and caramel sweetness
• Taste: Dark berries, butterscotch, black pepper and nutmeg
• Finish: Long luxurious finish with dry tannins, a slight minerality, honey and a hint of dark chocolate

About Teeling Whiskey

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded in 2012 to revive the old Teeling family trademark of Irish whiskey and bring craft distilling back to Dublin. Since its establishment, TEELING has become the most progressive Irish whiskey company, driving innovation and offering a selection of unique handcrafted, small-batch Irish whiskeys. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery began operations in 2015, marking the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, and has welcomed over one million visitors since opening. TEELING Whiskey is now exported to more than 80 different markets and has won over 650 international awards for its quality.

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS HERE WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

Celebrating This Year’s Sales Award Winners

Our growth isn’t just measured in cases shipped or awards earned… It’s built bottle by bottle and relationship by relationship. Every sale is a story of connection, trust, and shared success.

That’s why we are proud to recognize this year’s Heaven Hill Brands Sales Award Winners: The Regional Managers and Distributor Partners whose achievements over the last fiscal year embody what it means to Thrive Together.

2026 Regional Manager of the Year
Cole Armstrong
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

This year, Cole Armstrong set the pace and earned the highest individual sales honor at Heaven Hill Brands. As Regional Manager of the Year, Cole’s consistent performance and trusted leadership stood out across the business.

Representing our portfolio with excellence and building strong distributor partnerships along the way, Cole has exemplified what it means to raise the bar, delivering results while embodying the spirit of “Many Spirits. One Team.”

2026 Brand Award Winners

Elijah Craig – Illinois
Chris Tabor, Regional Manager
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

Evan Williams – New Jersey
David Tabachnik, Regional Manager
Allied Beverage Group

Heaven Hill – Pennsylvania
Art Schomp, Regional Manager
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

These awards honor more than sales milestones. They reflect the heart of our business: strong partnerships, shared wins, and a culture built on accountability and trust. To every Regional Manager and Partner recognized, thank you for the energy, integrity and commitment you bring to building beloved brands and lasting relationships. Your work is a powerful reminder that at Heaven Hill, we don’t just sell spirits, we lift them all across the world.

CHRIS STAPLETON AND BUFFALO TRACE MASTER DISTILLER HARLEN WHEATLEY INTRODUCE TRAVELLER WHISKEY FULL PROOF

 The first line extension from the award-winning brand showcases how the artistry of American whiskey blending can create an approachable whiskey at any proof

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb 11, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton today unveil Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, a bold evolution of the original Blend No. 40, and the award-winning brand’s first line extension since its January 2024 debut. Bottled at 121 proof, the new release is a testament to the art of American whiskey blending, delivering amplified intensity while preserving the balanced, ‘easy-sippin’ versatility that defines Traveller’s signature style.

Much like making music, both Stapleton and Wheatley consider whiskey blending an art form – an intentional craft rooted in expertise, balance and creativity, where experimentation fuels inspiration. Curious how far Traveller’s signature 90 proof could be pushed without sacrificing its smooth, approachable character, the duo began exploring different blend adjustments and techniques. Guided by a shared commitment to quality, the breakthrough came during a backstage tasting, where Stapleton and his band unanimously agreed the selected higher-proof expression captured something special and needed to be bottled.

“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” Stapleton shares. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land. One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”

“Across our products, we like to experiment with proof as a way to bring out different flavor characteristics already present in the whiskey,” says Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “When we started experimenting with proof in Traveller’s blended recipe, flavors and finishes came to the forefront that aren’t as apparent in the 90 proof blend. It’s remarkable how different the blended recipe responds to proof variation compared to our straight bourbons. We think where we’ve landed is a completely unique offering that every whiskey drinker should try.”

Proudly blended and bottled at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery under Wheatley’s expert supervision, Traveller has quickly risen to be one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the world, winning numerous top awards and expanding rapidly to global markets. In 2025, it became the “Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball” and captured the attention of NASCAR fans worldwide when JR Motorsports’s Traveller Whiskey No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by Justin Allgaier, navigated a dramatic top 10 finish in the 2025 running of the DAYTONA 500 – a challenge they’ll attempt again in 2026. For those paying extra close attention, Traveller’s 121-proof release was quietly revealed in late January in a social media video featuring NASCAR Hall of Famer and JRM Co-Owner Dale Earnhardt Jr, Stapleton and Allgaier.

Traveller Full Proof delivers a rich, higher-impact expression with amplified notes of caramelized sugar, baking spice and toasted oak. Building on the smooth, approachable foundation of Blend No. 40, this 121-proof release opens up layers of flavors that bring added depth and length of finish. Highlighted in this version are flavors of vanilla, warm toffee, and dark fruit. The result is a whiskey that offers depth and complexity that will change expectations on what blended whiskey can achieve.

Initially launched as a limited release in February 2026, Traveller Full Proof is now available to retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide via Sazerac’s distributor network at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees will vary).

To learn more, visit www.travellerwhiskey.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskeys. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Chris Stapleton

Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is a 12x Grammy, 19x CMA and 21x ACM Award-winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians.

Adding to yet another triumphant year, Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for his song, “Bad As I Used To Be,” and recently became the first country artist ever to have a song certified RIAA Double Diamond as “Tennessee Whiskey” sold over 20 million units.

The achievements follow the release of Stapleton’s latest single, “Heart Letting Go,” for Netflix’s hit show “Nobody Wants This,” as well as his acclaimed fifth studio album, Higher. Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton, the record landed on several “Best of” lists including Billboard, Esquire, Los Angeles Times, Vulture and Rolling Stone, who praises, “dazzling…the best evidence yet for the way one man’s voice has become synonymous with the very idea of a musical genre.”

Universally beloved as a collaborator, Stapleton has worked with Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Sheryl Crow, Santana, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Slash and George Strait. He also returned to NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for the third time as musical guest and performed the National Anthem at 2023’s Super Bowl LVII. Known for his electric live performances, Stapleton will continue his extensive “All-American Road Show” through this summer.

Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, are founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their hearts.

Maker’s Mark Taps Pop Art Powerhouse Ashley Longshore for Limited-Edition Label Celebrating Spirited Women

For the third year, the Maker’s Mark label will benefit leading nonprofit Vital Voices 

LORETTO, Ky., February 10, 2026 – Ahead of Women’s History Month, Maker’s Mark today announced a collaboration with acclaimed artist Ashley Longshore to design a limited-edition label celebrating spirited women and benefitting the leading nonprofit Vital Voices. Beginning today through the end of March, bourbon enthusiasts can visit makersmarkpersonalize.com to personalize a complimentary Maker’s Mark label with the name of an inspirational woman in their lives. Maker’s Mark will donate $1 for every personalized label ordered, up to $50,000, to support the organization’s mission of uplifting female leaders.

“When I make art, I go big, I go joyful and I go full color. Collaborating with Maker’s Mark to celebrate spirited women like the brand’s co-founder Margie Samuels felt like pouring that same energy onto the bottle’s label,” said Ashley Longshore. “This design celebrates women who burst into the world with color and courage — fearless women who think big and command attention wherever they go.” 

Ashley Longshore is a Southern-born, self-taught painter, sculptor and entrepreneur celebrated for changing the game—challenging the traditional art gallery business model by building her own pop art empire. Known for her vibrant maximalism and irreverent sense of humor, Longshore designed a label befitting of Margie Samuels and inspired the brand’s Kentucky homeplace. Bursting with bee-pollinating blooms found across Star Hill Farm, nature is at the heart of the label’s design with nods to the jewels—diamonds, pearls and gems—that have adorned Southern women for generations.

“From the very beginning, my grandmother Margie Samuels set a perfectly unreasonable standard that endures today—every bottle still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand, and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose,” said Rob Samuels, managing director for Maker’s Mark and eighth generation whisky maker. “Ashley Longshore shares that same pioneering and uncompromising spirit. We’re thrilled to bring her art to life on a Maker’s Mark bottle while supporting the meaningful causes championed by Vital Voices.” 

While Maker’s Mark co-founder Bill Samuels, Sr. focused on crafting the highest-quality bourbon, his wife Margie shaped the brand; the bottle’s shape, the label, the signature red wax topper and even the name are all her legacy. One of the first women inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Margie also championed the distillery’s aesthetic and visitor experience, laying the groundwork for today’s Bourbon Trail. Women continue to lead across Maker’s Mark, from product development and farm operations, to brand marketing and sustainability.

Throughout the year, consumers can create a custom Maker’s Mark gift for anyone with the brand’s personalized label program. Labels are currently available for 750mL bottles, which must be purchased separately, and recipients must be 21+. For additional information about Maker’s Mark, please visit  www.MakersMark.com and share your personalized label at @makersmark on Instagram.

About Maker’s Mark 
Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. In 1953, founders Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr. broke from tradition—burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create a bold, balanced bourbon made with soft red winter wheat for signature sweetness and creaminess. From the start, the Samuels went to remarkable lengths to craft uncompromisingly delicious bourbon—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Every bottle is still hand-dipped in red wax, every barrel rotated by hand and every decision guided by the brand’s higher purpose.

Staying true to its founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark has expanded its portfolio with award-winning, super-premium expressions, including Maker’s Mark 46, Cask Strength, and Cellar Aged, as well as Private Selection, the brand’s custom barrel program. In 2025, the distillery debuted Star Hill Farm Whisky, its first-ever wheat whisky. Award-winning and the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification, Star Hill Farm Whisky inspired the Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance, a bold commitment to advance regenerative farming beyond its business, inviting farms, bars and restaurants to join the movement.

Maker’s Mark is proud to be both B Corp and Regenified Certified – milestones driven by the sustainability leadership at Star Hill Farm, home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which strives to be the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.

Learn more at www.makersmark.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

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.