Whiskies - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Auctioneer Whisky Hammer expands into Asia

Published: 30 March, 2026

Family-run online whisky auctioneer Whisky Hammer – which is based in Aberdeenshire – has expanded into Asia with the launch of a new hub in Hong Kong.

Suntory produces first hydrogen-distilled whisky

Published: 18 March, 2026

Suntory Global Sprits has announced the successful production of the first-ever direct-fired hydrogen fuel-distilled spirit for whisky production at its Yamazaki Pilot Distillery in Japan.

Whisky investment platform sees 30% user growth

Published: 16 March, 2026

Still In Cask – a blockchain whisky investment platform – has reported a 30% increase in users year-on-year.

OurWhisky Foundation opens applications for career development course

Published: 24 February, 2026

Nonprofit the OurWhisky Foundation has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 edition of its professional development course for women in whisky. The Atonia Programme is open to women and non-binary people based in the UK and Ireland seeking to progress their career in the sector.

Scotch takes 15% sales hit since Trump tariff implementation

Published: 13 February, 2026

New figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) have detailed the impact of US tariffs on Scotch sales across the pond. According to research, export volume sales to the States since April have fallen 15%, with value taking a 7% knock.

One-in-five Scotch distilleries in financial distress

Published: 11 February, 2026

New research from financial advisory firm BTG can reveal that 69 distillers in Scotland – almost 20% of the total – are facing financial distress.

'Good progress' on whisky after Starmer meets Xi

Published: 29 January, 2026

As reported by the BBC, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that him and Chinese President Xi Jinping have made “really good progress on tariffs for whisky” after a meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Rita Greenwood set to become chair of Scotch Whisky Association council

Published: 13 January, 2026

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced Rita Greenwood as the new chair of the SWA council. The appointee, who will be in the role for two years, is the first female chair in the SWA’s 114-year history.

Pacific-rowers Macleans unveil unique Auchroisk charity bottling

Published: 04 December, 2025

The Maclean brothers – the recording-setting Pacific Ocean rowers – have unveiled a unique charity bottling to fundraise for clean water projects.

The Whisky Exchange: Derbyshire producer pips scotch for top gong

Published: 03 December, 2025

The Whisky Exchange has announced its whisky of the year 2026 with top prize going to Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery. Their Wire Works Bourbon Cask fended off traditional heavyweights including Bowmore 15 Year Old and Glen Moray 18 Year Old to win.

The future of whisky is indie

Published: 19 November, 2025

Brighton’s Cut Your Wolf Loose is a whisky bar with a difference. Besides the glowing neon ‘whisky’ sign in the window, edgy decor and graffiti-adorned walls, the world’s most recognisable brands of Scotch and bourbon are nowhere to be seen.

Vikki Bruce gains Keeper of the Quaich honour

Published: 13 October, 2025

Vikki Bruce (pictured, centre), MD of whisky specialist MacLean & Bruce, has been inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich at the esteemed society’s 70th anniversary ceremony at Blair Castle. The honour acknowledges Bruce for her contributions to the Scotch whisky trade.

Eden Mill unveils new distillery and visitor centre

Published: 10 October, 2025

Eden Mill, the St Andrews distiller, has officially opened its new distillery and visitor centre on the banks of the Eden Estuary.

Rare whisky tasting auction supports Pacific-rowers Maclean Brothers’ charity

Published: 26 September, 2025

An online charity auction to attend a tasting of the rare Port Ellen First Release (2001) – 1979, 22 Years Old is taking place to raise money for the Maclean Foundation.

India-UK trade deal signed with hopes for scotch boom

Published: 25 July, 2025

Indian and British Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer, have formally signed a free trade agreement which will include an easement of Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Cask Trade and The Drinks Trust announce new whisky masterclasses

Published: 23 July, 2025

The whisky cask marketplace Cask Trade in collaboration with The Drinks Trust has announced the launch of a series of whisky masterclasses. The free programme will form part of The Drinks Trust’s flagship educational initiative ‘Develop’.

William Grant & Sons onboards iconic The Famous Grouse

Published: 01 July, 2025

Scotch whisky giant William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has added The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to its portfolio.

Northumbrian distiller Ad Gefrin unveils limited edition blend

Published: 03 June, 2025

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Distillery in Wooler, Northumberland has announced a new release, its Tácnbora Limited Edition: Cognac Cask Finish.

Kingsbarns Distillery launches secure whisky cask ownership programme

Published: 28 May, 2025

St Andrews-based Kingsbarns Distillery has launched a cask ownership programme, offering whisky lovers the opportunity to securely buy their own barrel of the spirit through a secure and transparent process.

Glen Scotia unveils oldest ever whisky

Published: 08 May, 2025

Campbeltown scotch producer Glen Scotia has announced the release of a 50-year-old whisky, its oldest ever. The 1973-distilled single malt marks a fresh trajectory for the Kintyre distiller.