Hopefully you enjoyed our recent guide to approaching whisky auctions and points to consider before making a bid. One area that was only briefly touched upon is what to consider collecting or investing through auctions? It’s a topic many pundits could easily devote thousands of words to given the current whisky boom. 

In essence what we’re doing with this piece is focusing on a specific bottle in our upcoming September auction which is a distinctive Glen Albyn from independent bottler Signatory, who now own Edradour distillery. At the same time we can also highlight the growing popularity of the independent bottlers who have become the main source (excluding some of Diageo’s annual special releases and the odd official release) of whisky from closed distilleries. As a side note it is worth visiting Edradour as the distillery shop always stocks a great of Signatory releases. And if you take the distillery tour, then the warehouse visit will confirm the independent bottler has an impressive array of casks. 

Now we say ‘closed’ but other popular terms include ‘silent’ and ‘mothballed’ to name but two. Generally, the terminology applies to distilleries that are no longer in production. The distillery may have been completely bulldozed from existence (Glen Mhor), kept in suspended animation (Glen Keith which has only recently reopened) or still stands in some form today such as Convalmore or Rosebank. It is worth highlighting that while Convalmore and Rosebank distilleries still have a physical presence, the equipment within may have been sold off, stolen or been left to the elements, to decay such as Brora. 

Many of these distilleries closed during the early 1980’s when the whisky industry experienced a surplus in demand. Over 3 decades later and we are nearing the end of the potential lifespan for what few intact casks remain. Diageo for instance do not comment on how much they have left to bottle for Brora, Port Ellen etc. and the same veil secrecy applies to rest of the industry. Eventually we will reach a point where the only remnants of certain distilleries are in unopened bottles – it very likely that for some we’re already at this point. 

This means that there is a growing interest and demand in acquiring whisky from a distillery such as Glen Albyn, which was 1 of 3 distilleries in Inverness that no longer exist today. Closed in 1983 and subsequently demolished in 1986, this Signatory release was distilled in 1965 before being bottled at 31 years old. Even in 1997, Signatory it seems appreciated the rarity of its casks by releasing the bottle with an accompanying miniature – although from the lots we’ve seen over the years these tend to be unopened anyway! At least the option exists if you wish to experience what Glen Albyn can offer without having to open up the full bottle. The final piece of the jigsaw is a decorated cask bung, which completes the edition that numbered just 530 in total. 

Whisky from Glen Albyn does have a variable reputation … Read more at Just Whisky’s Blog