FEBRUARY AUCTION LIVE! 

Plenty of great bottles this month, exciting new releases, interesting older bottlings. There is a huge range of bottles available in our biggest auction ever, a great range of products that should please collectors, investors and especially drinkers.

SPRINGBANK 50 YEAR OLD 

One of the many auction highlights this month is the Springbank 50 Year Old. Distilled in 1919 and bottled in 1969, this 50 Year Old is a rare opportunity to own a rare expression from one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.

YAMAZAKI SHERRY CASK 2016

Best whisky in the world is a hard act to follow, this hasn’t stopped Suntory from trying.  The only problem is everyone wants one and there isn’t enough to go around.  So here’s your chance, get bidding!

BRORA 1976 SMWS 61.1

A legendary bottling of Brora! This is the first bottling of Brora released by the Scotch Malt Whisky society and also the first time the world saw Brora as a single malt. That’s right… The First Brora!

KARUIZAWA FIGHT CLUB COLLECTION 1986/1987/1988

We are about to break the first two rules! A presentation of three single sherry cask Karuizawa distilled in 1986, 1987 and 1988. As usual they come with fantastic labels, this impressive collection depicts an epic samurai battle!

OLD FORESTER BOURBON 1946

Old Forester is the longest running bourbon on the market, celebrating its 145th year. This was part of their personalized label range and was bottled in 1946.

DALMORE 1966 SINGLE CASK

There was a time with whisky when simple elegance reigned. This 30 Year Old Dalmore lacks the ostentation of today’s releases… But a 1966 single cask can’t be ignored!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

With close to 20 years of experience in the whisky industry, Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, we aim to be the most comprehensive website for the buying and selling of whisky online.

http://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/

 Happy Bidding!

Price drop alert!

Don’t forget free postage on all orders over £75

Bowmore 23 year old Platinum Old and Rare

The Platinum Old & Rare collection is a  selection of the oldest and rarest single malts from the independent bottlers, Hunter Laing.  Each bottle is of exceptional quality, beautifully presented and individually numbered. This 23 year old Bowmore is one of only 195 bottles, with each expression filled from a sherry finished hogshead.

Save £200 Now £295 Click to buy

Port Ellen 1983 32 year old Special Release

Distilled in the final year of Port Ellen production. A whisky that is seen by many as the most collectable in the world – this 1983 Port Ellen is limited to 2964 individually numbered bottles and has been bottled at a cask strength of 53.9% volume.

Save £240 Now £2160 – Click to buy

Macallan Gold

The Macallan Gold is part of the 1824 range, and was released in 2012. The colour themed range replaced Macallan distillery’s traditional age-statement expressions. Produced in first fill and refill sherry casks, using 9-15 year old spirit, the result is in a smooth and rich single malt.

Save £5.20 Now £32.75 – Click to buy

GLENLIVET 18 YEAR OLD

Matured in a mixture of American oak and European oak, both first and second fill, and hand picked by master distiller Alan Winchester. European oak imparts spiciness and brings additional complexity, while first-fill American oak adds soft tropical fruitiness.

Save £5 Now £55 – Click to buy

Bowmore Devil’s Cask III

The third and final release of the Bowmore Devil’s cask became one of our staff picks for 2015! Named Double the Devil, this whisky has been matured in both first fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks which allows for a sensational balance between rich dried fruit flavours and that famous Bowmore peat-smoke character. Hard hitting and truly wonderful!

Save £30 Now only £160 – Click to buy

EARLY MARCH TASTINGS

Glenturret, Macallan & Highland Park – The Vaults, Mon 7 Mar  More >

Scotland V. France Warm-Up – 28 Queen St, Sat 13 Mar  More >

Chocolate & Whisky Pairing – The Vaults, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Cheltenham Preview Tasting – Jury’s Inn, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Dundee Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Inverness Preview Tasting – Kingsmills Hotel, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Leeds Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Tunbridge Wells Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 18 Mar  More >

FREE EVENTS AT THE VAULTS

6 Nations on the Big Screen – Next match Fri 26 Feb   More >

Poker Night – Tue 8 Mar   More >

Peat Lovers’ Night – Tue 15 Mar   More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Hi folks,

We are now operating across two sites and if you are coming to collect whisky, please give us 24 hours notice to enable us to bring them to The Pentagon Centre, 36 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ. You can email or call us and let us know when wish to collect your bottles and we will have them ready for you.

If you have any questions please call us on

0141 243 2585.

Best wishes,

The SWA Team

PASSPORT TAKES MILLENNIALS ‘TO A NEW WORLD’ WITH NEW ABOVE-THE-LINE CAMPAIGN

Passport, the No.1 Scotch whisky in Angola, and No.2 standard Scotch whisky in Mexico and Brazil¹has unveiled an innovative new above-the-line campaign designed to build on the brand’s recent success. Passport grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases last year²as it continues to consolidate its relevance among young adults in emerging markets.

Playing on the brand’s name, Your Passport to a new world, captures the free spirited, colourful and approachable personality of the blended Scotch in TV and out of home formats. The campaign was recently introduced in Angola and will be released in Mexico later this year. Passport is also being supported by advertising in Brazil, the world’s fifth market for Scotch whisky by volume³.

In the TV advertisement, a group of millennial friends are taken on a journey. Beginning in a home setting, the camera reveals the group in increasingly aspirational bars and ending in a nightclub. Use of social media among the target audience is brought to life in the creative, with the friends taking and sharing photos of themselves in the different locations.

Strong appeal for the brand among millennials in emerging markets has earned it the position as the fastest growing of all spirits brands that sell more than 200,000 cases per year⁴.

Mark Thorne, Passport Global Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: “Passport is currently a fantastic success story for Scotch and is leading the way in introducing new consumers in emerging markets to the unique vibrancy, quality, craftsmanship and heritage that the category offers.

“The ‘Your Passport to a new world’ campaign is set to unlock the curiosity of young people in Angola, Brazil and Mexico; millennials in these regions have an increasingly global outlook on life and are using social media and drinking quality international spirits such as Passport to demonstrate their personalities and aspirations. We are extremely proud of the success that Passport has achieved to date and are excited to see how the campaign helps to further spread the word on Scotch whisky around the world.”

NOTES

1 IWSR 2014
2 Pernod Ricard figures
3 SWA figures (April 2015)
4 IWSR 2014

About Passport Scotch
Crafted for the first time in 1965, Passport is the unconventional blended Scotch whisky with an original taste profile and a fruity, creamy finish that is increasingly popular among millennial consumers in emerging Scotch markets around the world. The No.2 standard Scotch whisky in Brazil and performing strongly in Angola, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Poland, Passport grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases in the year ending in June 2015 – helping to earn its position as the fastest growing blended Scotch that sells more than 200,000 cases per annum.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivaspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

While our initial intrigue centered around the use of the term “Irish Bourbon” – a term that cannot exist according to U.S. booze labeling laws – our staff was completely caught off guard by the quality behind that label. While these bottles have become instant collector’s items since the TTB finally woke up and realized their mistake (the label has since been terminated), we managed to snag the initial shipment to California before the bottles were sent back. A marriage of 10 year old Irish whiskey with American LDI-distilled Bourbon, we think the John L. Sullivan has created much more than a simple novelty. They’ve created an entirely new genre of whiskey – one we’re very interested in seeing more from. Check out the glowing reviews from our staff, but don’t sleep on this deal. The idea of “Irish Bourbon” won’t exist beyond this initial batch.

John L. Sullivan “Irish Bourbon” Whiskey (750ml) ($32.99)
IMPORTANT: Do not mistake this quirky little whiskey as a gimmicky or one-off collectable. While attempting to introduce something new to the market, the folks behind John L. Sullivan whiskey might have just struck gold. When you taste the Sullivan “Irish Bourbon” (a name that has already been banned by the U.S. Federal Government, so don’t expect to see this label for much longer), you’ll understand exactly what we mean. Imagine all the smooth, easy-drinking, and sweet-barley character of your favorite Jameson bottle, but add in the rich oak flavor of your favorite Bourbon on the finish. Whoever blended these two components together did so with an absolutely masterful touch. The creamy texture of 10 year old Irish goodness (aged in sherry, no less) melds harmoniously and seamlessly with the bold American whiskey character. Rather than losing their identities in the process, these two whiskies elevate one another and improve their finest aspects. In fact, this whiskey is so good you might find yourself adding a bit of Redbreast to your next glass of Buffalo Trace, or vice versa. Beware of buying this bottle, however: it won’t last the week once you open it. This whiskey is simply too delicious and too drinkable to sip slowly.

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 19, 2016
I was confused by the name at first…”Irish Bourbon…?” But it’s exactly what is says on the tin (or bottle)…a marriage of Irish Whiskey and Bourbon. “But why?” I hear you say…why create such a mutt? Well because it combines the drinkability of Irish Whiskey with the richer textures and flavors of Bourbon! It’s built from up to ten year old base spirits so not only is it deliciously drinkable but at this price point it’s a steal as well. There’s nothing contrived about this bottling, it’s not trying too hard to be cool…it just wants to be drunk and enjoyed plain and simple…

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 19, 2016
This is just supremely drinkable whiskey, plain and simple. It’s everything you love about Irish whiskey with an extra kick. A no-brainer.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 19, 2016
Just like I have no desire to eat at the French Laundry every single night of the week, I have no desire to drink Macallan 30 or Pappy Van Winkle after work on a Wednesday. I like coming home to a beer and a shot at 7:30 PM most days and this bottle of Sullivan “Irish Bourbon” just became my new go-to. They pretty much did the impossible here. They improved what was already a classic style of whiskey. I may start combining all my Midleton Rare into my Wild Turkey editions from now on. I’m hooked.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 18, 2016
This unusual blend of Irish & Bourbon Whiskey surprised me with its round, easygoing, and completely delicious drink-ability. This isn’t just for the whiskey guy that has to try everything, this great tasting easy going drinking for anyone who loves brown water. The clean, refreshing, light Irish side of this bottle is the perfect match for the sweet oak and extroverted corn sweetness of its Bourbon side. Yum!
 
K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

“

Hello and welcome to our 59th Auction,

You can catch up with our very own Big Peatrie as he takes us through the stars and interesting bottles of this month and you can see his vLog here.

We have a wonderfully deep and flavoursome collection this month of some of the world’s best loved, most sought after and highly thought of whiskies.

In the spirit of Dickens we are visited by three Ghosts from Hanyu, Karuizawa and Kawasaki, these wonderful whiskies were bottled by Nonjatta and have gained mystical status in a very short space of time.

Yamazakura brings us a bottle released for its 250th Anniversary and there are some lovely Yoichi single cask releases from 1988, 1990 and 1991.

Johnnie Walker presents a powerful presence with Director’s Blends from 2012 and 2013 as well as the Sir Alexander Walker release from their Master Blender Collection and finally two sets from the Johnnie Walker Houses of Taiwan and Singapore.

Glen Grant is represented by two bottlings by Gordon & MacPhail from 1954 and 1956 as well as a dark and mysterious 1964 bottling from Cadenhead’s.

Glenfiddich has whisky distilled in 1955 and two 40 year old bottlings one from Hart Brothers and an official bottling released in 2002.

Macallan brings us a Sir Peter Blake and Mario Testino, as well as a mini distilled in 1948 and an independent bottling from Douglas Laing’s Old & Rare range.

There is a wonderful range of spring cap bottles from Haig, Black & White, Crawford’s and Dimple that offer an insight into the rise of blend whisky across the world and a Irish Crawford’s Special Old Irish Whisky from before the adding of the ‘e’.

From the islands comes a Talisker Single Cask 34 Year Old, a Jura 40 Year from 1966 and 1957 Highland Park from Cadenhead’s.

As always there is a plethora of great drinking drams and great examples of liquid history available for you all to peruse at your leisure and bid away to your hearts’ content.

All the best from us here at SWA HQ!

Click on the banner above to read all about the exciting new Ailsa Bay Single Malt Whisky. The first release from William Grant & Sons’ (renowned makers of Glenfiddich and Balvenie) newest distillery. It’s a peaty little number that is receiving plaudits from far and wide, not least from ourselves.

PRIVATE BARREL UPDATE

Recent Arrival: Evan Williams TPS Single Barrel Serial #5007719 – We are so happy to have a private barrel from Heaven Hill once again. This barrel was chosen because overall, we think it’s just a damn good bourbon. Oak is very present and dominating on the nose, but subtleties of baking spice can be picked up in the background. On the palate, this bourbon is very well balanced. There is harmony in the baking spice, caramel, and fruit flavors all wrapped in a soft smooth texture with a nice chocolatey finish. At $26.99 it sips great right out of the bottle, but also makes a mean Manhattan.

Coming Soon:

• Maker’s Mark 46 TPS Blend expected in March
• Four Roses expected in March (OESK, OESO, OESQ)
• Copper & Kings Butchertown Reserve TPS Barrel expected in March*

*Not that we don’t get all giddy about every barrel selection we do, but it’s especially cool to take a barrel of something from Copper & Kings that has never been offered as part of any private barrel program before!

Diary of a whisky lover, Paul McLean on a Wick Whisky Week.

Leaving Perth on the Wednesday morning, I headed north through typical Scottish weather – rain, wind, sunshine and snow – arriving for a late breakfast at Grantown on Spey, calling into Maclean’s Highland Bakery. A good start, beans on toast and tea. From here via B0102, following the River Spey on my right, passing Cardhu distillery and on to Craigellachie, a great road. From here to my first meeting, with Sandra yapping about a curling/whisky tour we are planning later this year. A quick lunch, called into Gordon & MacPhail to collect my three Paul John bottles, courtesy of Michael D souza in Goa (many thanks once again). Then dropped back doon the road to Coleburn and a look at their dunnage warehouse and filling hall, this is another story coming soon. On to Forres and another meeting, Vic Cameron this time, chatting on Spirit of Speyside festival and what he is doing for us there. Finally away to Inverness and my hotel, sitting on the river, a superb whisky bar and a good man there Robert Beaton. Dinner, drinks, bed.

Thursday saw me heading north, past the Black Isle, Dalmore and a quick call into Glenmorangie. Heading north again to Dornoch, a quick stop here then Brora, where I met up with Kate at Clynelish – a wee warning, this distillery is having major work and from late April will be out of bounds really for 10 months. Stopping here and there to admire the scenery I ended up in Wick, knocked on the door of Ian and Elaine (two wonderful pals o mine), big hello’s and luggage in, this was my home until Sunday morning. Was I made welcome you ask? Is the Pope Catholic I reply. Great to see them again. They took me to dinner, I supplied the whisky for later!

Friday and Ian took me out and about as only a local whisky/photographer/tour guide can do! Some great photos will appear from that morning. Afternoon we called into Mackays hotel to chat on my whisky tasting night, all good. More donderin aboot until 5.30 when we met up with a couple of their friends and all had a good dinner at Mackays, then set up for the tasting. Eight (10ml) drams with food and good craic with 21 people who bought tickets for the evening. I went through the drams, told a few whisky tour stories, enjoyed a question and answer couple of hours as I took them through the 8 drams … Tullamore Dew; Irish, Angels’ Nectar; a Scottish blend, Kavalan single malt from Taiwan, Old Pulteney 12yo local dram, Paul John Classic single malt; India, Stronachie 12 yo Scottish, another Indian; Paul John Peat finish, Angels Nectar blend Peat, which ended the drams, along with the food, 99% of everything had disappeared! The Tullamore surprised many people how easy and smooth it was, a good start, most have never tried the Nectar, Kavalan nor the Indians, all went down really well, especially the Paul John peat, which many likened to an Islay. The Nectar peat also drew applause. A couple of comments – “Cracking night, thoroughly enjoyed it as did my pals” and “Have to agree with Chris, never thought I would be drinking Indian whisky:-)” To end I asked if anyone would like another Indian? Of course, another peated dram, followed by a final introduction; Eden Mill distillery, St Andrews, new make spirit, I was taken aback by how many people loved it!  The evening ended as I wandered around the tables chatting, oh, I offered another dram to anyone who wished, the bottles on the table took a battering!  So I think it was a good night! Relieved, I went back with Ian, Elaine and a few friends to their house, where more drams were waiting to be tried! That was a late night.

Saturday, more travelling with Ian to places I hadnee been before in Caithness, I do urge all readers to explore this area well, or, ask me to take you, as we do arrange tours of all types here! It is full of old, wee harbours, great scenery and many historic landmarks and monuments, with a good herd of deer spotted up on the hills, a real good day, with a spot of gold panning also, honestly!  Ian and myself ventured out to the far distant paths of Dunnet Bay! Calling in (as you do) to meet Martin, Director at Dunnet Bay Distillers, where the Rock Rose is produced – it’s a local flower don’t you know. Also coming out of Dunnet Bay is the Holy Grass vodka, another local product. Now as I dinnae like gin I was reluctant to sample (Ian driving) but I went ahead, y’know I was totally shocked when I liked it! well there you go. So a good Scots drink produced as far north as you can go without falling into the sea. Martin is a nice fella, look out for expansion there soon. The evening saw us head into town for the Wick Pipeband Burns Supper, a week late aye, but many of the pipers in the band were working on Burns night, piping at other suppers, so this was their own night, and it was good. Another late night, hit my bed around 4am.

Sunday, left Wick mid-day, got 40 minutes down the road when Ian called, I had left my house keys at his! What a numpty, I turned around and Ian met me half way at Lybster. Atrocious weather hounded me all the (5 hours or so) way home. Home, tired but happy. The story ends with a comment from Wick; “will you come back and do another night?”  To be sure I will!

PAUL MCLEAN, OWNER http://www.mcleanscotland.com/  and http://www.whiskytours.scot/