Founder of whisky investment firm Hackstons tied to notorious ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ wine scam March 13, 2025 A high-flying salesman who made millions during his time at a business that was subsequently exposed as a notorious wine scam is now running a West End whisky investment firm having changed his name, City AM can reveal. Alphie Valentine, 41, is the co-founder and director of Hackstons, whose flagship store opened in Knightsbridge in [...]
No luxury markets outperformed the FTSE 100 last year March 5, 2025 The once reliable luxury market suffered last year, with even the top performers in the market only posting modest gains in a weak market. The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index (KFLII), which tracks the performance of 10 popular investments, fell 3.3 per cent for the second year in a row. The FTSE100, meanwhile, posted gains [...]
Whisky Business: The Glenlivet’s oldest permanent expression to date February 14, 2025 Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. The key to whisky’s unique flavour is patience, but for producers, there will always be a trade-off between patience and profit. While the process of distilling whisky only takes a few days, Scotch whisky must be matured for a minimum of three years, a significant [...]
The Famous Grouse sale to billionaire’s empire on the rocks January 29, 2025 A deal which saw whisky giant The Famous Grouse sold to one of the UK’s richest men is to be investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Drinks business Edrington sold the brand, which been owned by its 1887 Company, to William Grant & Sons in September last year for an undisclosed sum. William Grant & [...]
Whisky Business: Lessons from 150 years in the Whisky trade January 16, 2025 Whisky Business: City AM’s monthly look at the world of whisky. Robert Graham 1874 is one of the UK’s oldest whisky and tobacco merchants. Founded in 1874 by Glasgow’s former city treasurer, Robert Graham, the company has grown steadily over the years, branching out in 2002 with its own exclusive award-winning range of whiskies. “Our [...]
Whisky Business: Scotch Whisky exports take a hit November 14, 2024 City AM’s monthly look at trends in the world of Scotch Whisky. Scotch Whisky is one of the UK’s most successful sectors, but it’s facing increasing headwinds from challenges both at home and overseas. According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the value of Scotch exports topped £5.6bn in 2023, supporting 66,000 jobs across the [...]
South Korean appetite for single malt whisky keeps Scotch maker Artisanal Spirits on track September 10, 2024 A growing appetite for single malt whisky in South Korea and Taiwan has helped British maker Artisanal Spirits Company go against the grain amid a slump in demand, according to its latest results. The company, which is headquartered in Edinburgh, cut its pre-tax loss to £3.1m in the six months ending June 30, 2024, from [...]
Speyburn Distillery looks to the next 126 years with brand refresh June 17, 2024 The Speyburn Distillery is located in the picturesque Speyside region of Scotland, next to the Granty Burn.
A gateway whisky for a ‘journey with Old Pulteney’ June 14, 2024 Old Pulteney is the only brand whose story, distillery, and whisky are shaped by the sea with a unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection.