The latest IWSR report confirms the recent slowdown in global ‘status spirits’, defined as bottles retailing above $100, is cyclical rather than structural, signalling a temporary correction following years of rapid premiumisation.
Despite an overall 8% value decline in 2024, Scotch whisky continues to demonstrate notable resilience and long-term leadership potential within the high-end spirits sector, and is forecast to lead future prestige and prestige-plus spirits growth.
Notably, India is projected to achieve a +9% CAGR across all status spirits between 2024 and 2029, driven by blended Scotch (+9%) and malt/grain Scotch (+11%), firmly positioning the market as a key growth engine in the coming years. Growth in the high-end Scotch category is expected to gather momentum more gradually, particularly as new tariff frameworks and pricing dynamics settle across key markets. While the rapid proliferation of high-end launches has led to short-term softening due to oversupply and economic caution, the report notes that this is a temporary adjustment expected to normalise as the market rebalances.
While short-term headwinds affect global spirits sentiment, the structural fundamentals for Scotch remain robust – grounded in quality, scarcity and enduring cultural prestige.
As the IWSR notes, this is a market correction, not contraction, and Scotch is uniquely positioned to lead the rebound as consumer confidence and spending return. At Speyside Capital, we continue to view premium and rare Scotch whisky casks as one of the most compelling long-term alternative assets, combining stability, appreciation potential and unmatched cultural equity within the global luxury landscape.