Here is your weekly update on the most significant developments in the whisky investment landscape for the week ending January 24, 2026.
Powerscourt Distillery Acquired Following Receivership
On January 23, 2026, it was officially announced that Ireland’s Powerscourt Distillery has been acquired by the US-based private-equity firm Altiva Management. The distillery, known for its Fercullen Irish Whiskey brand, had been in receivership for six months due to cash flow challenges and global trade volatility. The acquisition is being described as a “landmark transaction” that includes a pledge for substantial capital investment to support the brand’s international growth. While distillation continued throughout the receivership period, the new ownership structure is intended to stabilize the distillery’s operations and inventory management.
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Impact of US Tariffs on Scotch Exports
Reports published on January 22, 2026, have highlighted the ongoing financial pressure on the Scotch whisky industry due to current US trade policies. According to industry data released this week, Scotch distillers are losing an estimated £4 million per week in exports to the United States. This follows the maintenance of a baseline 10% tariff on UK goods. Despite these headwinds, the US remains the most valuable overseas territory for Scotch, with a historical valuation of £971 million, emphasizing the industry’s reliance on this key market even amidst rising export costs.
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Market Projections and Growth Trends for 2026
Updated industry forecasts for 2026 indicate a shifting valuation landscape for the global Scotch whisky market. Analysts project that the UK market will reach a value of $1.28 billion by the end of the year, while the German market is expected to grow to approximately $3.67 billion. These figures come as the industry continues to navigate a period of “normalization” following the high volatility seen in 2022 and 2023. There is a noted trend toward premiumization, with status spirits continuing to see demand in the Asia-Pacific region, which remains the most valuable regional market for Scotch exports.
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Waterford Distillery Financial Update
In the broader context of the Irish whiskey market, reports this week revisited the financial status of Waterford Distillery. The distillery was previously placed under receivership with reported debts in the region of €70 million. The situation at Waterford, alongside the recent sale of Powerscourt, reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the Irish whiskey sector as brands adjust to changing global consumer preferences and the high cost of maintaining aged stock.
Secondary Market Stability
Secondary market data for the start of 2026 suggests a period of price stabilization for high-value brands such as The Macallan and Springbank. After the market corrections observed throughout 2024 and 2025, auction results from the last seven days show that rare bottlings are increasingly finding buyers at updated reserve levels. Notable interest remains in vintage releases from 1824-founded distilleries like The Glenlivet and The Macallan, which have recently celebrated their bicentenary milestones, maintaining their position as core fixtures in the collectible market.
Cheers,
The WhiskyReturns Team
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Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be taken as financial advice or personal financial advice. This article is a summary provided via automated data aggregation for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. While we strive for accuracy, this report may contain errors or omissions; all data and market figures must be independently verified before making any investment decisions. You acknowledge that any reliance on this information is strictly at your own risk.
