TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - J.P. Wiser's, award-winning Canadian whisky brand, announces the release of its most exceptional whisky to date: the 27-Year-Old Canadian Whisky finished in 100% Japanese Mizunara oak casks - a first-of-its-kind expression that redefines luxury and rarity in Canadian whisky.

This limited edition is not only a milestone for Canadian whisky, but also an ode to patience, perseverance, and rarity. The Mizunara oak tree, native to Japan, requires 150–200 years of growth before it can be harvested. Unlike other oak species, Mizunara grows with twisting, multi-angled limbs, making it incredibly difficult to source pieces large enough to craft full casks. While most whiskies on the market rely on Mizunara oak inserts, this release is uniquely matured in full Mizunara casks, infusing a flavour complexity that few have experienced.

"We set out to create something truly extraordinary, and to see our whisky that was finished in Mizunara oak hold its own among the rarest spirits in the world is a proud moment not just for me as a blender, but for Canadian whisky as a whole," said Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery. "This isn't just another release for us, it's a collector's piece and a celebration of what's possible when you respect time, tradition, and a little risk-taking in the pursuit of something remarkable. It represents a rare intersection of heritage and craftsmanship that may never be replicated in exactly the same way again"

Aged for 27 years and finished in these extraordinary casks, the whisky delivers a bold and complex cask strength profile with an unmistakable palate. The mighty oak imparts layers of plum, almond, fig, sandalwood, black tea, and honey – flavours revered for their depth and elegance.

"This whisky is proof that Canadian craftsmanship belongs on the world stage. It demonstrates the confidence, creativity, and determination of our brand to push beyond boundaries while staying true to our roots. This release is not only about celebrating where we've come from, but also about opening the door to what comes next," said Maura Cowan, Vice President of Marketing at Corby Spirit and Wine.

With only 1,000 bottles of J.P. Wiser's Mizunara Oak produced, this launch will be offered first through the , and available nationally at select liquor retailers across Canada beginning Friday, October 3, 2025.

The Mizunara Oak Expression is priced at $599.95 CAD, reflecting not only the 27 years of patient maturation, but also the extraordinary rarity of Mizunara oak full cask finishing.

ELGIN, Scotland, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the 'Artistry in Oak' decanter design by internationally acclaimed American architect Jeanne Gang, marking the release of the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.

Gordon & MacPhail sought to commission a creative partner to design a unique decanter to house their most precious whisky to date. A partnership built on common values and a shared commitment to leave a legacy for future generations, Jeanne Gang's design is shaped through her close observation of growth and form in nature. The four branches which suspend the glass decanter are made from solid bronze, providing an armature that cradles the precious liquid in the same way the oak cask has nurtured the whisky for eight and a half decades.

Only 125 decanters are available worldwide, each with an RSP of £125,000.

Over the last 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own specially selected casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. Managing a portfolio of casks requires a complex level of expertise which Gordon & MacPhail has honed to fully understand cask maturation matched to different styles of spirit. Patience is undoubtedly a virtue in this realm and Gordon & MacPhail's whiskies are often the oldest expression ever to be released from a particular distillery.

The decanter design by Jeanne Gang is a celebration of the profound artistry, craft, care and time alongside nature that went into the liquid it encases. The maturation of whisky over very long periods of time is a very challenging proposition often quoted as more art than science. As the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled, this release is the ultimate expression of this art and testament to the foresight of George Urquhart and his father, John, who selected cask 336 in 1940 to cradle this liquid for decades to come.

"One of the greatest challenges was that this has never been done before. We're the first to mature a whisky for 85 years. Every year that goes by is a year into the unknown. We have to appreciate we're always dealing with mother nature so the key traits of this process are patience and trust," comments Stephen Rankin Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company.

Embracing the creative theme of 'Artistry in Oak', the design evokes the idea of a tree slowly entwining a piece of amber. Four separate branches spiral upward, wrapping around a suspended glass vessel that contains the amber liquid originally distilled at Glenlivet Distillery. American oak informed the branches' design, a nod to the wood used to comprise the Gordon & MacPhail cask which cradled the spirit for 85 years.

"It was of utmost importance that the quality of the whisky itself be manifest in the design of the decanter. Made from handblown glass and cast bronze, I thought about how each material would exhibit its own inherent qualities while fulfilling its purpose to hold and protect the liquid," explains Jeanne Gang.

The design was conceived as a single object, with the suspended glass vessel relying on the branches for support, evoking the reciprocity between whisky and its cask.  Jeanne chose bronze for the four entwining branches that cradle the vessel because it is an enduring material; one that evolves slowly and beautifully over time, much like whisky. As bronze develops a patina, it mirrors the way whisky deepens in colour and character over the years.

"Standing tall and strong, the patinated bronze entwines the vessel, suspending it while revealing the amber colour of the whisky within. Together, the elements depend on and complement each other, in a reciprocal dance whose form, like the whisky it holds, is a product of both natural growth and the nature of its materiality," expresses Gang.

As part of this landmark release, Gordon & MacPhail is supporting American Forests, the oldest national non-profit conservation organisation in the United States - a leader in forest restoration - via the online auction of Decanter #1 in partnership with Christie's.

"Given the importance of oak in our craft, this partnership was a natural fit, aligning with our mission to leave a meaningful legacy for ongoing generations via fundraising for the sustainable future of American oak trees," adds Stephen Rankin.

The auction conducted online by Christie's, opening for bids on Friday 7th November and concluding on Friday 21st November 2025, will see proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests, to support their work dedicated to creating healthy and resilient forests in cities and large landscapes, including the regeneration and long-term sustainability of America's oak-dominated forests essential for whisky maturation.

As well as Decanter #1, the lot will include a personalised whisky tasting hosted by Gordon & MacPhail's Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin or Richard Urquhart, Sales Director, both fourth generation family members; a framed, signed sketch of an oak tree by Jeanne Gang, which informed the decanter's design; and the cask end of cask 336 which nurtured the single malt Scotch whisky, presented in a bespoke frame.

Adam Bilbey, Christie's Global Head of Wine and Spirits says: "Partnering with Gordon & MacPhail for Artistry in Oak is a moment of pride for Christie's. The unveiling of Decanter No. 1 from Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old is not just a highlight of our season—it's a celebration of time, tradition, and craftsmanship. Over the last 85yrs this extraordinary spirit has been carefully and patiently nurtured by Gordon & MacPhail, culminating in the extraordinary moment."

A TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

At 85 years old, this historical liquid has spent decades maturing in a unique cask that has had a profound impact on its flavour. Cask 336 had previously held mature sherry before being re-filled on 3 February 1940 with spirit at the Glenlivet Distillery. This was a time when production across Scotland was much reduced due to the raw materials required being diverted for other uses or there being a shortage in them created by the war.

This long maturation has imparted deep, complex flavours to the whisky, with vibrant, full-bodied notes that remain remarkably robust at 43.7% ABV. The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and incredible scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.

Aroma: Soft, aged leather aromas lead to apricot compote, cinnamon, and subtle waxy, citrus fruit notes. Vanilla gives way to dried sultana and aniseed with underlying beeswax polish. Subtle smoky undertones develop.

Flavours: Smooth and vibrant with cracked black pepper and sweet dried tobacco flavours, followed by Seville Orange peel. Morello cherry and plum flavours are balanced by subtle oak.

Finish: A full-bodied finish with lingering herbal notes.

This exceptional release represents the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship - an 85-year-old single malt matured over four generations. Not only is it the oldest whisky ever bottled, but its extreme rarity, scarcity and provenance, coupled with the artistry of Jeanne Gang's design, make it an unparalleled collector's piece.

HYDERABAD, India, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report by Mordor Intelligence, the global alcoholic beverages industry is set to grow from USD 1.83 trillion in 2025 to USD 2.2 trillion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.57%, driven by premiumization, policy liberalization, and evolving consumption habits. A post-COVID rebound in international tourism, generating over USD 1.6 trillion in visitor receipts last year, has reignited on-premises demand in hotels, restaurants, and resorts globally. The growth is driven by rising consumer preference for low- and no-alcohol products, growing tourism and hospitality activities, product differentiation in packaging and alcohol content, and an expanding social drinking culture. These factors are collectively shaping the market's evolution across both established and emerging regions.

Market Shifts and Emerging Narrative

Premiumization remains the central narrative shaping the alcoholic beverages market. Global players are pruning low-margin portfolios to focus on upscale products, while regional distillers scale craft offerings to capture rising middle-class spending. In Asia-Pacific, where a growing middle class drives consumption of spirits, beer, wine, and , omnichannel distribution models are widening their reach. Online sales, subscription models, and grocery tie-ins have transformed purchasing behavior, blending convenience with lifestyle-driven discovery.

At the same time, sustainability is moving from a marketing add-on to a business imperative. Producers are investing in recyclable aluminum cans, eco-friendly closures, and water-positive distilleries to win environmentally conscious consumers. Innovations such as paper-based liquor bottles and smart packaging demonstrate how differentiation increasingly relies on both form and function.

Industry Landscape Breakdown

Tourism plays a powerful multiplier effect across the alcoholic beverages market. As destinations emphasize culinary and cultural experiences, demand for premium local labels has surged. Souvenir purchases, duty-free corridors, and collaborations with airlines and hotels are embedding regional identity into global consumption.

The rise of low- and  highlights another structural shift. With the World Health Organization linking alcohol to millions of preventable deaths annually, public health concerns are driving consumer and regulatory momentum. From Ireland's mandatory cancer warning labels to the U.S. Surgeon General's warnings on cancer risks, stricter frameworks are reshaping product innovation. Leading companies like Constellation Brands and Diageo are investing heavily in non-alcoholic and low-ABV portfolios to tap into a broader base without cannibalizing traditional sales.

Digital influence is equally transformative. Platforms such as Douyin in China are reshaping drinking culture by merging lifestyle content with mixology trends, making alcoholic beverages more accessible to younger consumers. In the Middle East, policy changes in Saudi Arabia to permit licensed outlets reflect a dramatic departure from prohibition-era restrictions, creating new market frontiers in the Gulf.

Regional Insights and Growth Hotspots

The Middle East and Africa stand out as the most dynamic growth hotspots. Saudi Arabia's upcoming licensing framework is expected to approve 600 outlets by 2026, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for international producers and local joint ventures. The United Arab Emirates continues to serve as a re-export hub, funneling premium spirits across the GCC, while South African wineries leverage duty-free trade to offset domestic challenges.

North America and Europe maintain maturity but remain lucrative markets. Premiumization trends, craft provenance, and functional low-ABV variants drive incremental growth. Europe's tightening regulations, from health warnings to sustainability mandates, are pushing producers to balance compliance with innovation. Meanwhile, South America reflects mixed signals premium in Brazil holds steady, but inflationary headwinds in Argentina and Colombia challenge discretionary spending.

Companies Defining the Competitive Edge

The competitive landscape is defined by a blend of consolidation and innovation. Diageo's acquisition of Ritual Zero Proof in 2024 underscored a growing focus on non-alcoholic spirits, while Anheuser-Busch InBev and Heineken continue to scale omnichannel distribution and functional product innovations. Constellation Brands' stake in non-alcoholic start-up Hiyo signals how incumbents are proactively diversifying to align with consumer health trends.

Tech adoption is another driver. AccelPay's 2025 acquisition of Cask & Barrel Club reflects how digital platforms are transforming alcohol commerce. From subscription clubs to direct-to-consumer channels, technology is helping smaller producers bypass traditional distribution bottlenecks.

Packaging innovation also sets leaders apart. Diageo's paper-based Bailey's prototype and smart NFC-enabled closures illustrate how brands blend sustainability, authenticity, and customer engagement in a single bottle.

To read more about the trends driving the alcoholic beverages market growth, visit:

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- King of Kentucky, one of the most sought-after bottles in American whiskey, returns in 2025 for its eighth year with a high-proof single barrel expression aged for 17 years.

"This is the ultimate expression of American whiskey—a bold, robust bourbon that has been aged to perfection," said Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris. "These 63 barrels, personally selected and tasted from the highest-quality warehouses, are a true masterpiece."

Only 5,000 bottles were produced from the 63 single barrels, with proofs ranging from 124.4 to 135. Morris personally selected these barrels from the 4th floor of Warehouse J and the first floor of Warehouse G at the Brown-Forman Distillery. The liquid is from two production dates in 2007.

King of Kentucky was established in 1881 as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Brown-Forman acquired the brand in 1936 from Selected Kentucky Distillers and discontinued it in 1968. In 2018, Brown-Forman revived the label, paying homage to the brand's past. Due to the rarity of these barrels, there is no defined annual volume.

All bottles, with suggested retail price of $399, are filled, bottled, wax-dipped, and numbered by hand inside a custom canister. Each bottle provides details including the proof, age, warehouse location, lot number, serial number, and barrel number.