Whisky: Scotch, Japanese, Bourbon and Indian Malts — 2026-10-26
The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) this week, marking a significant shift in global trade relations. Meanwhile, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society launched its first-ever blended Scotch, and Brown-Forman announced plans to make India a top-10 market for its scotch portfolio within five years.
Whisky: Scotch, Japanese, Bourbon and Indian Malts — 2026-10-26
Top developments
Indian and Scotch Whisky Associations Sign Cooperation Agreement
On October 26, 2026, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) signed a cooperation agreement focused on product protection, promotion, and regulatory collaboration. This pact aims to enhance trade between the two nations and protect the integrity of malt whisky products in both markets.
SMWS Launches First-Ever Blended Scotch
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), known for single-cask bottlings since 1983, released "Heresy Batch 44," its first-ever blended Scotch whisky. The 18-year-old blend is limited to just 1,092 bottles, marking a strategic diversification for the society.
Brown-Forman Targets India as Top-10 Market
American spirits giant Brown-Forman announced on October 25, 2026, its goal to include India in its top-10 scotch whisky markets within the next five years. This move highlights the growing importance of the Indian consumer base for global Scotch exporters.
Jack Daniel’s Releases 10-Year-Old Coy Hill Rye
Jack Daniel’s launched its first single-barrel rye whiskey aged at Coy Hill, its highest elevation point. The limited-edition release, aged at least 10 years and bottled at cask strength (128.7–148.5 proof), will see approximately 31,800 bottles released at a price of $90.
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Local view
Japan: Lottery Sales for Rare Bottles Japanese media reported that discount supermarket OK is conducting a lottery sale for high-demand Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki Japane Harmony, at its Ginza store from October 26 to November 8, 2026. Additionally, Amazon Japan is holding a lottery for Hibiki Japane Harmony at ¥8,800.
India: Amrut Distilleries Faces Inventory Issues Local reports indicate that Amrut Distilleries is facing challenges with approximately 75,000 nine-liter cases of single malt inventory that have not yet reached the market, suggesting potential supply chain or regulatory bottlenecks in India.
Context & numbers
- Scotch Exports (2025 Data): The Scotch Whisky Association reported that global exports of Scotch Whisky fell by 1.8% in value and 4.3% in volume in 2025. Exports to the United States dropped by 15% following the implementation of tariffs, though a May 2026 announcement indicated these tariffs would be lifted.
- Auction Trends: While specific October auction results were not detailed in fresh sources, recent data from September showed that Japanese whisky auction hammer prices had cooled, with some indices reporting a 55% decrease in average prices compared to previous peaks.
On the radar
- Macallan Auction: A bottle of The Macallan 1926, described as the "holy grail of whisky," is scheduled to headline a Scotch brand auction in November 2026. This is the first auction to be hosted at the Speyside distillery.
- King of Kentucky Return: Brown-Forman’s King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon is returning this fall with a 14-year-old expression priced at $399, limited to 99 barrels.
- English Whisky Innovations: A round-up of September releases highlights new English single malts finished in chestnut casks, indicating continued experimentation in the emerging English whisky category.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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