Welcome to your weekly whisky investment update, covering a pivotal week of global market reports, high-profile auction results, and strategic industry shifts.
2025 Scotch Whisky Export Report Released
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) published its full-year 2025 export figures on February 12, 2026. The data shows a global decline in export value of 0.6% to £5.36 billion, while volumes dropped 4.3% to approximately 1.3 billion bottles. The report highlights the significant impact of a 10% US tariff implemented in April 2025, which contributed to a 15% drop in export volume to the United States. In contrast, India saw a 15% increase in both value and volume, maintaining its position as a critical growth market. The SWA warned of further pressures as a five-year tariff suspension is set to expire in July 2026.
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Record-Breaking Auction Results
Several major auctions concluded or reported results this week, signaling a bifurcated market for rare expressions:
- Port Ellen: A 12-year-old “The Queen’s Visit” (1980) realized $84,732 at Whisky Auctioneer on February 9, setting a new hammer price record for the year for a bottle of Scotch.
- Old Rip Van Winkle: Sotheby’s “The Great American Whiskey Collection” auction (Feb 9) achieved a record for American whiskey, with a 1982 20-year-old expression selling for $130,000.
- The Macallan: Results for The Red Collection 50-Year-Old showed a hammer price of $34,166, notably below its original 2020 retail price of $50,000, reflecting continued pricing normalization in the secondary market.
- Ardbeg: A rare 1976 single cask hand-bottled in 2002 fetched $5,415, the highest price of the sale at Whiskyauction.com.
New Releases and Brand Partnerships
Major distilleries have announced new limited editions targeting collectors and enthusiasts:
- The Macallan: Launched “A Night on Earth: The First Light” and a 55th-anniversary James Bond “Diamonds Are Forever” expression. The latter, distilled in 2007, was matured in a combination of Sherry-seasoned European/American oak and red wine casks.
- Ardbeg: Confirmed the upcoming release of its first-ever Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength (61.7% ABV) as the 2026 Committee Release, scheduled for February 24.
- Arbikie: The Highland distillery opened pre-orders for its inaugural single malt range, including “The Signature” 10-year-old and a wild-yeast expression titled “The Wild One.”
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Industry Consolidation and Inventory Management
Market analysts and major producers have signaled a shift toward “inventory discipline” as the industry faces a supply glut estimated at $22 billion in unsold stock across the sector. Diageo has reportedly reduced production at select malt distilleries, including Teaninich, to align with softening global demand. In the US, Suntory Global Spirits confirmed that Jim Beam will pause production at its primary Clermont distillery for the duration of 2026 to manage high inventory levels.
Strategic Acquisitions
In a significant move for the American whiskey sector, reports on February 9 indicated that E. & J. Gallo has entered an agreement to acquire Four Roses, potentially shifting the distribution landscape for the brand. Meanwhile, Diageo committed a $23 million investment into Ontario-based operations to secure the continued retail presence of Crown Royal following a dispute over facility closures.
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;
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