Hello and welcome to the newsletter for our 65th Auction,

This month’s auction is positively chock-a-block with delightful drams, brilliant bourbons and wonderful whiskies.

Big Peatrie gives us all a preview of the beautiful bottles in this month’s auction here.

Fighting for the top spot this month are two remarkable 50 year old whiskies from two of the greatest distilleries who have produced some simply stellar bottles over the years.

Starting alphabetically we have the Balvenie 1937 50 year old, this whisky was distilled before the Second World War broke out and was one of the oldest Single Malt whiskies bottled when it was released in 1987

Next is the Dalmore Candela. This simply incredible whisky is 50 years old and some of the whisky in this bottle was distilled in 1868. Indeed the stock used for this masterpiece dates from 1868 – 1951.

Bottled in handmade decanters these beautiful vessels have been adorned with Sterling Silver. To quote Master Distiller Richard Patterson, “This is your chance to taste perfection”.

Next we have a 35 year old whisky from the first whisky distillery in Japan. This Yamazaki Single Malt was aged in special sherry casks and contains spirit from 1966 and 1970. As a result of such long ageing in Japan’s climate only 200 bottles were released.

Nikka Taketsuru 35 year old is blended from whiskies from the Yoichi and Miayagikyo distilleries and released as one of only 1000 bottles.

We have a cavalcade of wonderful bottles from the 1960s and in particular 1967. We start with another Dalmore this one bottled at 61.9%, then we have a Glenugie 1967

Connoisseurs Choice, a Tomintoul 1967 44 year old bottled by Samaroli, a Highland Park 1967, Glenlivet sneaks in a bottle from 1964 and one from 1967 and a Glenfarclas 1967 43 year old bottled for the Spirit of Speyside Festival in 2011. Lastly there is also a Glengoyne Christmas Day and a Kinclaith to close out our 1967 parade, (there is also a Kinclaith from 1968).

We have a Balvenie 40 year old Batch 1 which offers a masterclass in how to assemble a single malt of such age and complexity. Bowmore presents us with whisky from 1965. Aged in cask 811 it is one of only 57 which was bottled for World Duty Free in Terminal 5 of Heathrow.

There is a wonderful chance to compare and contrast two whiskies from the same distillery and year of distillation with two different Balblairs from 1966. First is a 38 year old official bottling and after that is a 39 year old

Connoisseurs Choice, why not buy both?

68 years in the cask was the ageing regime for the Macallan Speymalt 1945 from Gordon & Macphail and distilled one year later we have a Macallan Select Reserve 1946 52 year old.

Springbank brings us a beautiful collection of Door Gods, six bottles in one stunning collection as well as a Springbank 1965 Local Barley, a 1965 from the Lombard Collection as well a private bottling by the “The Scotch Doc” of 1965 35 year old whisky.

We also have wonderful bottles from Karuizawa, the SMWS and Auchentoshan.

This month we also feature lots for two worthy charities; Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and Revive MS Support.

There are, as always, plenty of delicious drinking drams and many more exciting whiskies from all over the globe in this month’s auction so please take time to get in and have a look around. And remember, Don’t Lose Your Bottle!

All the best from us here at SWA HQ!

Blog; Malt Whisky Association of Finland – a Celtic Rampage

Here we go again, we were on the road with the Association Members once again this time back to Scotland’s west coast. With three waves of them arriving into Glasgow airport, the locals were ducking for cover – hiding their whisky stocks. Now all on the tour knew where we were going – indeed, we named the trip The Celtic Rampage, after a highly successful Viking Raid last year! Once the round up had been completed at the international arrivals, all were herded to the waiting coach. From here we drove the short distance to the first stop on this jam packed tour; Glengoyne distillery, their founders established a tradition, no peat in the soil around Dumgoyne means there is no smokiness and nowhere for average casks to hide, it flows through the slowest stills in Scotland –maturing in fine sherry casks – creating bold fruits and rich sweetness. A shopping frenzy for the Teapot was followed by a agood tasting, still room and warehouse visits. “C’mon guys back on board, lots to do yet!” From here a drive to Loch Lomond distillery, a good pal of ours works for LL and set up this exclusive tour, a history which goes back to at least 1772 with the founding of the Littlemill distillery, they’ve amassed coopers, maltsters to still men and blenders, all share a deep love and knowledge of their craft. Their portfolio includes the Loch Lomond single malt, Inchmurrin, Glen Scotia a Campbeltoon malt as well as several high quality blends. We arrived, the electric gates were opened for us and we split up into two groups – a tasting group and a distillery group, we then changed the groups around. Aye we were late departing – but it was a good visit, thanks to everyone there who helped.

All aboard the coach, we headed along Loch Lomond and through the Argyll forest to Invereray – no stop just kept on going, all the way to Tarbert on Loch Fyne, where everyone split up looking for food and drink, me? Had work to do, so stopped in with a dram and a tour to plan, but managed a drink or two in the bar with Mika and a couple of “rampagers”.

Day 2 saw us depart our hotel ay 06.15, aye, we caught the 7am ferry from Kennacraig to Islay, whisky island. On arrival no time to linger as the ferry dropped us at Askaig, we headed down to Laphroaig, (http://whiskytours.scot/whisky-interview-unusual-paul-mclean-interviews-bottle-laphroig) they were waiting for us and off the group went on tour, first a taste in the warehouse and a hand filled bottle each to carry out! Good start. Again we over ran our time (it’s a habit) – our taxi was waiting for us. Time for lunch, no ordinary lunch, oh no, we stopped at the Co op in Port Ellen for butties and juice, ate on board as we headed up to Bunny Heaven distillery for a great tour. Aye you guessed it – over ran again at the tasting so nae time for shopping (see later). One more tour, back doon to Lagavulin – I know, why go up and down the road like this? Distillery timings we needed to fit in with, och well. We made it, a final tour and taste and the compulsory shopping of course. It was about time for the hotel, but – time still for a dram or two yet, we pulled in the coach just after the airport and got out the Merry’s Irish single maly whiskey, it went down well/easy, the dribbles remaining in the bottle went to our driver Raf for the night. This was followed by the Angels Whisky Club blend, a one off blend, this was enjoyed right down to the bottom of the bottle (a wee dram left for Raf). Hotel, relax, unpack, hit the bar, as the main bar was heavin, I wandered into the locals bar to watch Celtic win 5 – 2 in Europe, good day/night all round. There was much research done that night by all involved – except our poor driver.

Day 3 a lie in, as we were booked into Bowmore distillery at 10am, a great 2 hour tour and taste here, a very nice tasting followed, shopping and yet another “round up” as we headed (late) up to Ballygrant for a pre booked lunch/drink appointment. A superb 2 hour stay here, all enjoying the food and many drams and beers, thanks Euan and David. Are we done? Nope, a wee drive to Islay Brewery again, sampling going on, followed by shopping, I hid inside as it was far too hot in the sun! Really! Are we done? Nope, over now to Broochladdie for tasting and shopping, and aye, we stayed late to get the fill your own due to be ready approx. 5pm, many bottles filled believe me. Met Neil fae Mull at the hotel, chat, drinks then move to eat again, this time with many Fins in tow, a good meal and drinks, another good day – went to my room, work, tv, sleep!

Day 4 an 8.30 start to get us doon the road to Port Ellen for the morning ferry back to Kennacraig, noon (ish) off and along the road down to Campbeltoon, almost there and I gave a wee chat re Campbells and Macleans, as I finished my story, a part of the coach fell off! (honest to God, true) those Campbells still up to tricks, in the heavy rain we arrived at Springbank for the tour, which is most memorable for the warehouse tasting! Superb, and late again, over to Glen Scotia for the next tour; http://whiskytours.scot/interview-ian-mcalister-glenscotia-distillery small but good, good couple of tastings, shopping, thank you’s and back to Cadenhead shopping, over ran once again, there’s a theme here. Late back up the road to Tarbert again, a meal and a tasting, this was something different, 3 Kavalan drams; King Car single malt, Podium single malt and Solist Sherry finish. In the hotel back bar we enjoyed these with plenty of local craic and time to enjoy ourselves, Liz had joined us by now – these drams are bloomin good, favourites were; Podium, King Car then Sherry, which many thought too sherried for them. They are making really good, award winning, whisky over there and personally, I am a huge fan.

Day 5 a 9am start for yet another ferry, this time a wee one, from Claonaig to Lochranza (Arran). We arrived early as it is unbookable and I needed to be sure we got on it! It is wee (photograph). Whilst waiting we opened a bottle of Jonnie Walker Black, 5 minutes later the bottle hit the bin at the ferry point. We also enjoyed a Cragganmore, am sure these guests/friends of ours don’t enjoy all this whisky at all! The ferry arrived – a floating ramp, it was choppy and as we de coached, many of us got wet! A great sail and landing at Lochranza, 5 minutes to the Arran distillery, where Louisa was awaiting us. Our final distillery tour, quick look at the water source (in heavy rain by the way0 then a tasting of many grand drams. Brief distillery tour, shopping and sandwiches etc laid on for us.

Er, fun and games followed. At Brodick ferry we arrived early, all pre booked and PRE PAID as usual. Passengers boarded off the coach, as the ferry sailed a tannoy message asked for me to see the captain. Off I toddled, to be told my coach, driver and Anders were NOT on the ferry. You might imagine I was not overjoyed, the captain and the purser got my drift, after a “chat” I was told they would be on the next ferry following us in 30 minutes. Was not a happy bunny. Upon arrival at Ardrossan we hit a bar to wait for the coach and others, well most hit the bar, I had had a row there recently on another tour, where the owner told me never to come back, (it was not my fault as my previous group will testify) so I sat outside with friends having a drink. Here comes the bus, all aboard and away to Glasgow for the night. City centre Glasgow on a Saturday night can be fun, Liz and myself bade our farewells and took a cab to our apartment.

A GREAT TOUR WITH OUR FINISH FRIENDS YET AGAIN.

Can I say a huge thank you to everyone on this tour, our friends at distilleries, hotels, visits and ferry crews (almost), there was much rampaging and Scotland is now short of many thousands of pounds worth of bottles, we are now thinking ahead to the next trip.

Paul McLean; chief rampager and tour manager. Thanks Mika for all your help.

People are as vital to Whisky as barley, malt and water. People make a tour great.

Some comments …

“Great Rampage ! … thanks Paul and Liz”.

“Brilliant Tour. Excellent distillery visits and nice visit to a small craft brewery. Many highlight. The Cadenhead warehouse tasting, Omg! Respect!”

WHISKY LOVERS TREATED TO NEW VERSION OF RARE BLEND 

A rare blend of Scotch and Japanese whiskies has proven so popular that its makers have today released a third version for whisky lovers around the world.

The “Glover 18” is the third in a series of whiskies honouring “Scottish Samurai” Thomas Blake Glover and celebrating the long history of trade and friendship between Scotland and Japan.

Its owners, Edinburgh-based TBG & Co Ltd, said the new edition has already attracted a “very promising” number of international orders prior to today’s international launch.

The whisky brand takes its name from Thomas Blake Glover, nicknamed the Scottish Samurai because of the profound impact he had on the modernisation of Japan in the 19th century. Mr Glover was the first foreigner to receive the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Emperor in recognition of his many achievements.

Jim Millar, a senior parliamentary adviser at Holyrood and director of TBG & Co Ltd, drove the idea. He said: “The Glover whiskies are a celebration of Scotland’s influence and its international friendships. They honour the achievements of Thomas Blake Glover and celebrate our important relationship with Japan, which continues to flourish, especially in the fields of trade, culture and education.”

TBG & Co confirmed it is now looking towards producing future variants with whiskies from other countries, with the team researching historical characters and options for casks from international single malt distilleries.

Director David Moore, an Asia veteran in the drinks sector and now Scotland-based, said: “We knew the idea behind The Glover was a strong one, but we’re still overwhelmed by the international interest the fusion whisky garnered, both for its concept as well as its look, aroma and taste. The first two editions sold out almost immediately and were heavily over-subscribed, finding their way to 15 international markets.”

“It’s clear there’s a strong market for these types of premium fusions between Scotch whisky and international whisky, which have their own unique character.

Mr Moore highlighted the ongoing relationship with the Fife-based premium bottler Adelphi, whose managing director Alex Bruce blended mature whisky from Longmorn and Glen Garioch distilleries in Scotland with exceptionally rare whisky from the legendary Hanyu distillery in Japan to create the Glover fusions.

Mr Moore said: “There are only a handful of Hanyu casks left in the world. For the Glover, Alex has worked his magic with this highly sought-after whisky to hone and perfect a beautifully balanced and sublimely satisfying dram.”

He also said TBG & Co Ltd was looking at funding options from Scottish Development International and Scotland Food and Drink, and that the company was also looking to appoint a project manager to oversee current operations, with the likelihood of additional employees further down the line as the business grew.

Mr Moore added: “Creating international fusions is not without its challenges, but the rewards are clearly there for people to see and taste. These whiskies are a celebration of Scotland’s internationalism, of its positive influence on other countries, of partnerships that reach across physical borders”.

“We think it’s worth trying that little bit harder to create these fusion whiskies, a drink that was made for sharing with friends.”

He said “orders have been very promising” and that cases of The Glover 18 are likely to be exported to more than 15 countries, including a significant amount to Japan. Domestically, previous editions of The Glover sold in luxury retailers Harvey Nichols and Harrods, as well as specialist whisky shops.

World-renowned whisky consultant Charles MacLean, who worked with Alex Bruce on creating the Glover fusions, also provided the tasting notes for the latest Glover brand. He described the whisky as: “Richly fruity – ripe pear, juicy red apples, cherries, orange juice – on a base of vanilla sponge, spread with strawberry jam and whipped cream.”

The two previous editions of The Glover were launched simultaneously on October 26th, 2015, in Tokyo and Aberdeen, where Thomas Glover is celebrated with an exhibition at the Maritime Museum, at an event that was also attended by Hajime Kitaoka, Consul General of Japan and Lord Bruce, Honorary Patron of the Japan Society of Scotland, and Councillor Jenny Laing, Leader of Aberdeen City Council. Glover was a native of Aberdeenshire and hails from Fraserburgh.

The 22-year-old version, of which only 373 were ever made, retailed at £1050 version. Now sold out, bottles of the 22-year-old have appeared on online auction sites for more than £2000 a bottle. About 1500 of the 14 year old version were made, selling at about £100 a bottle, for which again there is a healthy premium secondary market.

The Glover 18 (48.6%), of which 1448 were made, is available from whisky specialists, in strictly limited quantities, priced around £145.

August Auction Now Live!

It’s been a busy but exciting month at Whisky Auctioneer between hosting the inaugural Strathearn Distillery Whisky Auction and pulling together our August Auction! The long hours have been worth it though, this months sale is full of interesting, rare and very desirable bottles!

Karuizawa 1968 Single Cask #6955 / Whisky Live Taipei 2010

Talking of desirable whisky, they don’t come more so than the stunning Karuizawa 1968 Single Cask, one of only 428 bottles released in 2010 exclusively for Whisky Live Taipei!

Glenfiddich 1968 Vintage Reserve 30 Year Old

A very rare whisky, distilled way back in 1968. Presented in an attractive hard wood case this is one classy number!

Rosebank 20 Year Old Zenith

As this sorely missed Lowland malt grows ever scarcer we’re always delighted to feature a bottle, especially at this age!

Bowmore 1964 ‘Black Bowmore’

The bottle, the legend! The Black Bowmore has long since cemented its iconic status in the whisky world!

Port Ellen 1983 Whisky Show 2011

One of only 60 bottles, distilled the same year as its closure, this Islay distillery has achieved near mythical status since then!

Highland Park Hobbister

On its release earlier this month only 1,200 bottles were made available from the distillery or to members of their ‘inner Circle’ within the UK. This left more than a few Highland Park devotees out in the cold, if that was you then now is your chance to rectify it!

Auction runs Friday 26th August to Monday 5th September

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

Happy bidding!

Which bottle to bring?

Maybe the only not so relaxed part about Maltstock: deciding what whisky to bring…  Have you decided yet? Feel free to share it on our Facebook page. it might inspire others. Sharing and enjoying whisky at the gathering place is still one of the main events at Maltstock. This is the event where you can find all the bottles people bring to share with others. Like every year it’s a huge pleasure to see all the beautiful bottles people bring to share. This is what Maltstock is about Share & Enjoy!  Also, all guests received an email today with a link you can use to let us know what music you want to hear in the Midnight Cafe. Party, dance and be relaxed into the early hours.

Masterclass preference

Everyone with a Maltstock ticket should have had an email with a link to the masterclass preference form. If you didn’t receive this mail and you do have a Maltstock ticket. It’s a difficult task, we know… with so many great masterclasses to choose from. Please fill in the form if you don’t want us to guess your preferences. Thank you! Please let us know at info@maltstock.com

Whiskybase

How relaxed, whiskybase offers free delivery to Maltstock again. Buy a bottle at the whiskybase shop and pick it up at Maltstock. Tip: Buy a bottle, pick it up at Maltstock, open it, share it, and have fun.

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gents,

We have just received stock of a wealth of Old Particular Single Casks from our good friends in Glasgow, Douglas Laing & Co.

(See below for the new Old Particular’s or click the banner above for the full D.L. range)

In order to celebrate the arrival of this stock and to help you on your way to discovering what Douglas Laing can offer, we are offering a 10% discount on all of their single malt products online throughout August and in to September.

(Note: discounted price will only be displayed upon submission of the coupon code “1948”)

Simply use the coupon code “1948” upon checkout to receive the discount! 

Sláinte, 

Robbie

Whisky Bonanza!

It’s been a bit quiet on the Drambuster front as we are building a new website.. watch this space for the big launch later in the year! In the meantime though it’s business as usual and with stocktaking time upon us once again we’ve decided to give you lucky people the opportunity to snap up some bargains! Without a website, you’ll have to call us on 01387 256601 or 01387 731207 to grab the ones you want and with limited stocks they won’t hang around on the shelves too long! All special offer prices in red. Happy browsing!

ABERLOUR 16YO 43% 70CL ABE017 SPEYSIDE £ 53.75 £ 48.75
ABERLOUR A’BUNADH 70CL ABE018 SPEYSIDE £ 53.00 £ 48.00
ARDMORE 4YO 2011 C.M. STRICTLY LTD ARD015 SPEYSIDE £ 32.00 £ 27.00
ARRAN 10 YO 46% 70CL ARR012 ISLAND £ 34.00 £ 30.00
ARRAN 15YO CM 46% 70CL 690BTLS ARR015 ISLAND £ 40.00 £ 32.00
ARRAN 1997 16YO 46% B.BROS ARR025 ISLAND £ 79.00 £ 59.00
ARRAN 1997 16YO CARN MOR 46% (568 BTLS) 70CL ARR023 ISLAND £ 53.00 £ 43.00
ARRAN MACHRIE MOOR 6TH EDITION 46% ARR042 ISLAND £ 44.00 £ 35.00
ARRAN QUARTER CASK THE BOTHY 55.7% ARR016 ISLAND £ 55.00 £ 45.00
AUCHENTOSHAN 1989 CELEBRATION OF THE CASK AUC004 LOWLAND £ 120.00 £ 99.00
AUCHROISK 1998 BBR 46%70CL AUC021 SPEYSIDE £ 51.00 £ 41.00
AULTMORE 2010 (SHERRY) CMS LTD AUL003 SPEYSIDE £ 35.00 £ 29.00
BALVENIE 12YO DOUBLE WOOD 40%70CL BAL001 SPEYSIDE £ 41.00 £ 35.00
BALVENIE 14YO CARIBBEAN CASK 43% 70CL BAL011 SPEYSIDE £ 51.00 £ 44.00
BEN NEVIS 10YO WHITE PORT FINISH 56.4% 70CL BEN093 HIGHLAND £ 130.00 £ 105.00
BENRINNES 17YO MALTMAN 46% 70CL BEN032 SPEYSIDE £ 60.00 £ 50.00
BENRINNES 1996 18YO CARN MOR STRICTLY LTD 46% BEN005 SPEYSIDE £ 66.00 £ 54.00
BENROMACH 10YO 43% 70CL BEN044 SPEYSIDE £ 36.00 £ 30.00
BLAIR ATHOL 16YO DIRECTORS CUT 58.1% 70CL BLA092 HIGHLAND £ 105.00 £ 75.00
BLUE HANGER 6TH 45.6% B.BROTHERS 70CL BLU002 BLENDED MALT £ 73.00 £ 53.00
BOWMORE 12YO 2002 50% OMC BOW036 ISLAY £ 63.00 £ 45.00
BRAES OF GLENLIVET 1989 25YO 46% STRICTLY LTD GLE298 SPEYSIDE £ 85.00 £ 70.00
BUNNAHABHAIN 2006 7YO 57.8% B.BROS (H.PEATED) BUN012 ISLAY £ 65.00 £ 49.00
BUNNAHABHAIN 2007 B.BROS BUN027 ISLAY £ 59.00 £ 49.00
BUNNAHABHAIN 8YO 46% H.C BUN028 ISLAY £ 41.00 £ 31.00
CIGAR MALT 11 YO (MADIERA) 54.9% CHIEFTAINS 70CL CIG009 HIGHLAND £ 63.00 £ 53.00
CIGAR MALT 13YO (CH LANERTHE) 54.4% 70CL CIG010 HIGHLAND £ 66.00 £ 56.00
CRAIGELLACHIE 9YO (SHERRY) 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE CRA017 SPEYSIDE £ 39.00 £ 29.00
DAILUAINE 7YO 46% H.C DAI002 SPEYSIDE £ 36.00 £ 26.00
DALMORE 12Y0 70CL 40% DAL002 HIGHLAND £ 48.00 £ 43.00
DALMORE 15YO 40% 70CL DAL018 HIGHLAND £ 58.00 £ 52.00
DALMORE 18YO 43% 70CL DAL011 HIGHLAND £ 108.00 £ 92.00
DALMORE 2000 14YO CARN MOR DAL004 HIGHLAND £ 60.00 £ 50.00
DALMORE CIGAR MALT 44% 70CL DAL020 HIGHLAND £ 83.00 £ 76.00
DEANSTON 12YO 46% 70CL DEA003 HIGHLAND £ 42.00 £ 36.00
DEANSTON 1996 18YO (OMC) 50% 70CL DEA002 HIGHLAND £ 75.00 £ 65.00
DUFFTOWN 1995 18YO (OMC) 50% 70CL DUF001 SPEYSIDE £ 79.00 £ 69.00
DUFFTOWN 1999 14YO 46% B.BROS DUF003 SPEYSIDE £ 53.00 £ 43.00
GLEN ELGIN 1995 17YO CARN MOR 46% 70CL GLE206 SPEYSIDE £ 50.00 £ 40.00
GLEN KEITH 1993 BERRY BROS 54% GLE017 SPEYSIDE £ 70.00 £ 58.00
GLEN SCOTIA DOUBLE CASK 46% GLE087 CAMPBELTOWN £ 39.00 £ 33.00
GLEN SPEY 11YO (SHERRY) 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE GLE131 SPEYSIDE £ 41.00 £ 31.00
GLENALLACHIE 1995 18YO CARN MOR 46% (587 BTLS) GLE292 SPEYSIDE £ 56.00 £ 46.00
GLENCADAM 10YO 46% 70CL GLE228 HIGHLAND £ 36.00 £ 33.00
GLENCADAM 10YO 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE GLE134 HIGHLAND £ 43.00 £ 33.00
GLENCADAM 14YO OLOROSO SHERRY 46% 70CL GLE024 HIGHLAND £ 52.00 £ 47.00
GLENCADAM 15YO 46% 70CL GLE227 HIGHLAND £ 52.00 £ 47.00
GLENTAUCHERS 1996 17YO CARN MOR 46% 70CL GLE207 SPEYSIDE £ 50.00 £ 40.00
HIGHLAND JOURNEY BLENDED MALT 46.2% HIG030 BLENDED MALT £ 37.00 £ 32.00
INCHGOWER 2000 11YO 46% CARN MOR 70CL INC007 SPEYSIDE £ 42.00 £ 32.00
ISLE OF JURA 10YO 70CL 40% ISL006 ISLAND £ 34.00 £ 28.00
ISLE OF JURA 12YO ELIXIR 70CL 40% ISL023 ISLAND £ 44.00 £ 37.00
ISLE OF JURA 21YO 70CL 44% ISL002 ISLAND £ 115.00 £ 105.00
ISLE OF JURA PROPHECY 46% 70CL ISL020 ISLAND £ 65.00 £ 60.00
ISLE OF JURA SUPERSTITION 43% 70CL ISL008 ISLAND £ 39.00 £ 30.00
KILCHOMAN 100% ISLAY (2015) 46% KIL025 ISLAY £ 70.00 £ 55.00
LAPHROAIG 10YO 40% 70CL LAP003 ISLAY £ 41.50 £ 36.50
LAPHROAIG SELECT 40% 70CL LAP004 ISLAY £ 37.00 £ 32.00
LEDAIG 18YO 1997 CELEBRATION OF CASK 55.6% LED012 ISLAND £ 89.00 £ 74.00
LEDAIG 1997 STRICTLY LTD 46% LED004 ISLAND £ 60.00 £ 50.00
LINKWOOD 1988 OLOROSO SHERRY FINISH 50.7% LIN003 SPEYSIDE £ 122.00 £ 100.00
LINKWOOD 1999 14YO 46% B.BROS LIN008 £ 55.00 £ 45.00
LONGMORN 19YO 1994 OMC 50% LON002 SPEYSIDE £ 78.00 £ 68.00
MACDUFF 6YO 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE MAC023 HIGHLAND £ 35.00 £ 25.00
MILTONDUFF 1994 CM STRICTLY LIMITED 46% MIL005 SPEYSIDE £ 73.00 £ 60.00
OLD BALLANTRUAN 10YO 50% 70CL OLD011 SPEYSIDE £ 50.00 £ 45.00
ROYAL BRACKLA 2001 13YO 46% CARN MOR ROY010 HIGHLAND £ 47.00 £ 39.00
SPEYBURN 10YO (SHERRY) 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE SPE014 SPEYSIDE £ 41.00 £ 31.00
SPEYBURN 10YO 40% 70CL SPE001 SPEYSIDE £ 30.00 £ 27.00
SPEYBURN 1988 B.BROS SPE019 SPEYSIDE £ 137.00 £ 112.00
SPEYBURN ‘BRADAN ORACH’ 40% 70CL SPE015 SPEYSIDE £ 24.00 £ 22.00
STRATHMILL 1991 22YO 51.2% B.BROS STR028 SPEYSIDE £ 84.50 £ 70.00
TOMATIN 12YO 43% 70CL TOM020 HIGHLAND £ 39.00 £ 34.00
TOMATIN CASK STRENGTH 57.5% 70CL TOM036 HIGHLAND £ 50.00 £ 37.00
TOMINTOUL 10YO 40% 70CL TOM003 SPEYSIDE £ 32.00 £ 27.00
TOMINTOUL 14YO 46% 70CL TOM012 SPEYSIDE £ 43.50 £ 40.00
TOMINTOUL 16 YEAR OLD 40 % 70CL TOM005 SPEYSIDE £ 42.00 £ 37.00
TORMORE 1992 20YO (SHERRY) BBR 55.7% 70CL TOR002 SPEYSIDE £ 81.00 £ 65.00
TULLIBARDINE SOVEREIGN 43% 70CL TUL002 HIGHLAND £ 36.00 £ 32.00

Hi folks. We’re live with the 65th auction. Enjoy and #dontloseyourbottle

Kind regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

What’s in a name? If it’s Glen Grant, Glen Murray or Ben Riach – free entry to Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

Brand new whisky festival waives entry fee for visitors who share a name with Speyside distilleries

Calling all Glen Grants, Ben Riachs and Glen Murrays…a VIP invitation to a gathering of Speyside’s best-loved whisky distilleries is waiting for you.

People who can prove they share the same name as any one of Speyside’s famous distilleries are being offered free entry to Spirit of Speyside: Distilled – a brand new food and drink event that will bring together the area’s whisky producers under one roof – and on their own doorstep – for the very first time.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled takes place in Elgin – the largest town in Speyside – from September 9 to 11. It will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the area’s food and drink producers, and taste a fantastic range of whiskies, beer, gin and food.

Event organisers are prepared to waive the entry fee to those who can provide proof of their identity and while they do not expect to be overrun with people called Craig Ellachie or Rose Isle, they hope many other distillery namesakes will join the celebrations.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “I would imagine that there might be a few people out there called Glen Keith or Ben Rinnes. Who knows, maybe there are even some Mac Allans.

“Whatever the name, if they share it with one of our famous distilleries, then we will be happy to provide free entry to any one of the four sessions taking place at Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. After all, they are technically brand ambassadors for our Speyside whisky, spreading the name wherever they go in the world.

“Whisky is our most famous export but to the people who live here and who work in the industry, it is more than just a product to be bought and sold. It is the lifeblood of the area, so we salute all the Glen Grants, Glen Murrays, Ben Riachs – or Reiachs – out there who are flying the flag for Speyside.”

The event is an offshoot of the hugely popular Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which takes place annually over the May Day holiday weekend. The event has been running for almost 20 years and attracts an international audience of whisky lovers.

It comprises almost 500 events over multiple venues, but organisers thought there was scope to create a mini-festival in one place that would appeal to people who enjoy whisky but do not want to create an extensive itinerary.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled kicks off at Elgin Town Hall on Friday, September 9 with an evening session from 7–11pm. There are two sessions on the Saturday – from 1-5pm and again from 7-11pm – with the final session on the Sunday from 12-4pm.

It features a huge range of distilleries responsible for producing world famous brands, including Cragganmore, The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Cardhu.  There is also the chance to sample drinks from local craft breweries and gin distillers and try food from a number of local firms.

Visitors will be able to meet the people behind the products, from master distillers to brand ambassadors, and can also book their place on masterclasses covering topics from cocktails to food pairing.

Pery adds, “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a broad range of exhibitors, from global brands to small craft breweries that are just starting to make a name for themselves. There’s a really good buzz surrounding Distilled, and we can’t wait to raise our glasses and get things underway.”

Anyone who would like further information about entitlement to qualify for free entry should contact the Festival on enquiries@distilled.scot

Tickets, priced £20, are on sale now and the entry fee includes a lanyard, vouchers for five 10ml tasting samples of gin or whisky, a voucher for a tasting measure of a beer, a Glencairn crystal nosing and tasting glass, and a snack using local produce prepared by event caterers, Good Highland Food. There is also an on-site retail outlet being run by The Whisky Shop Dufftown.

There are limited places for masterclasses, full details of which are available on the Spirit of Speyside: Distilled website – www.distilled.scot – where tickets can also be bought. Distilled is active on social media at www.facebook.com/distilledscot on Twitter and Instagram @distilledscot and Google+.

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It’s destination Distilled as Speyside’s whisky industry prepares to gather together in its local area under one roof for the very first time – with free entry to anyone who can prove they share the same name as a Speyside distillery.

Festival manager Pery Zakeri says there will be free entry for Spirit of Speyside: Distilled for anyone who can prove they share the same name as a Speyside distillery.

R&B Distillers is launching a premium scotch is inspired by their heritage – The Tweeddale: The Last Centennial – that will be launched in perfect time for the festive season.

Co-founder, Alasdair Day, has been recreating his great-grandfather’s 19th Century whisky ‘recipes’ since 2009. The last page original recipes was penned in 1916, making 2016 the one hundred year anniversary of the final entry. To celebrate, R&B Distillers have used elements from a number of recipes in the book to create a blended malt Scotch whisky, The Tweeddale: The Last Centennial.

This smooth and complex whisky is a blend of four single cask single malts predominantly from Islay, with plenty of Highland and a dash of Speyside. The Last Centennial is non-chill filtered and bottled at 52.2% abv, ensuring a full-bodied, full-flavoured Scotch and will retail for RRP: £140.