Luxury whisky specialist Hackstons has been crowned Newcomer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2026, cementing its status as one of London’s most exciting disruptors in the premium drinks and tangible asset ownership space.
The accolade recognises Hackstons’ bold approach to luxury retail, blending rare spirits, immersive experiences, and investment-led education into a single, category-defining offering.
A major win at one of the drinks industry’s most prestigious awards
Hosted at The Dorchester on Park Lane, the annual Drinks Retailing Awards are among the most respected honours in the UK drinks industry, celebrating innovation, excellence, and leadership across retail, hospitality, and luxury.
Taking home the Newcomer of the Year title, Hackstons was recognised for its pioneering retail model, uncompromising customer service, and its mission to redefine how consumers engage with luxury spirits and tangible assets.
Redefining luxury drinks retail in Knightsbridge
Since opening its flagship Knightsbridge store in August 2024, Hackstons has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for collectors, connoisseurs, and investors alike. The space offers far more than an exceptional selection of rare whiskies, fine wines, and exclusive spirits.
Customers can also access immersive tastings, private events, and expert-led guidance into whisky and wine as tangible assets — a model that positions Hackstons at the intersection of luxury lifestyle and long-term investment.
The brand’s rise comes at a time when luxury retail is evolving rapidly, with consumers seeking meaningful, experience-led environments — a trend previously explored in Verge’s luxury and lifestyle coverage.
Beating the odds in a challenging startup landscape
Hackstons’ success is particularly striking against the backdrop of challenging startup statistics. Around 20% of new businesses fail within their first year, while nearly 60% close within three years.
Despite these odds, Hackstons has scaled rapidly since its founding in 2021. Now entering its fourth year of operation, the company has celebrated a successful flagship launch and secured one of the industry’s most coveted awards — signalling that it is not just surviving, but setting a new benchmark for luxury drinks retail.
“This is only the beginning of our journey”
Commenting on the win, Alphie Valentine, Co-founder and Director of Hackstons, said:
“From day one, we set out to build something category-defining — an environment that captivates your senses while giving you space to be educated, inspired, and ultimately leave feeling elevated by the entire luxury drinks experience.
Winning Newcomer of the Year validates our vision and the relentless effort of our amazing team. We’re incredibly grateful to our customers, both new and loyal. This is only the beginning of our journey, and we’re excited to continue shaping the future of luxury retail and tangible assets.”
A milestone moment for a fast-rising luxury brand
The award was presented during a gala ceremony on 3 February 2026 at The Dorchester, attended by leading figures from across the drinks, luxury, and retail industries.
For more information about Hackstons, its Knightsbridge flagship store, or to explore its curated collection online, visit www.hackstons.com.
