AUCTION DEDICATED TO CASK WHISKY GENERATES GLOBAL INTEREST

Bidders from around the world took part in the world’s first live, online whisky auction dedicated to casks.

More than 300 whisky lovers registered for the auction held by auctionyourcask.com and over 100 samples were sent to prospective buyers around the world including America, Asia, Australia and Europe.

Founder of auctionyourcask.com, Simon Aron, says: “People loved the option of receiving samples. Try before you buy is incredibly powerful.”

“We are encouraged by the first sale because of the number of people who registered. We intend to host an auction four times a year and it’s set to get bigger and better,” adds Simon, who explains the auction offered casks at many price points.

Among the casks sold during the auction was a 1995 Springbank sherry hogshead which was bought for £45,000 and the Glen Ord barrel April 2015 went for £3,100.

auctionyourcask.com

In an historic, world first, auctionyourcask.com, hosted the first ever live, online auction for casks which ran from 22^nd January until 2^nd February 2020 and featured casks including: Glenrothes sherry hogshead and Bruichladdich 2007 in a first fill ex-Chateau Margaux barrique.

Auctionyourcask.com allowed private owners and investors to sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world.

Whisky Price Growth

A mixed portfolio investment of 14 whisky casks purchased for £100,000 would appreciate at an estimated average increase of 13-18% a year (over 4-6 years), generating a target gross return of more than £214,000, an increase of approximately 114%.

Whisky, according to the recent Knight Frank Wealth Report, was 2019’s top performing luxury investment. With an increase of 40% on rare bottle values in the last 12 months, it far outstripped the more established alternative assets such as art, wine and cars.

Cask Trade, the company behind of auctionyourcask.com, buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies. The company is unique because it only sells casks it owns outright, and it only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales, as part of a fund.

Hosted four times a year the next auctions will take place in April, July and October 2020.

NOTES 

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies. The company is unique because it only sells casks it owns outright, and it only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy market place for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail…

• Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
• Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
• HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will guarantee to buy back from its clients the casks they buy from and have had managed by Cask Trade. It also offers…

• Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
• Re-racking (sherry wine, port etc)
• Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share 0ver years of maturations)
• Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
• Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
• Regularly updated whisky investment guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
• Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrels(s), upon request – wherever possible.

Cask Trade has started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy. – Wherever possible. We validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee we can offer you the actual hammer price. Our low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com

https://www.auctionyourcask.com

Whisky Price Growth 

Whisky, according to the recent Knight Frank Wealth Report, is 2019’s top performing luxury investment. With an increase of 40% on rare bottle values in the last 12 months, it far outstripped the more established alternative assets such as art, wine and cars.

From page 78 – https://content.knightfrank.com/resources/knightfrank.com/wealthreport/2019/the-wealth-report-2019.pdf

Data collected by Rare Whisky 101 suggests the four-year growth from December 2014 in rare whisky has increased over 160%, compared to just 2.47% for the FTSE 100. https://www.rarewhisky101.com/indices

The same report by Rare Whisky 101 claimed via the BBC that they had performed a controlled test of 55 rare bottles, of which over a third were fakes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-46566703

 SPRINGBANK

2020 with the 25 

Look back 25 years 

This is our 25th anniversary in London so its rather apt we talk about the new Springbank 25 release, this was being distilled at a time when the London shop was still in the planning phase ahead of the opening on May 25th 1995.

The First product sold in the London store was a bottle of Springbank 12 Years old 46% Vol I think we still have the original cash payment from that purchase.

A lot of changes have happened since we opened the store in London with Springbank and J&A Mitchells as a whole, with some vintages long gone then a gap of several years before the return of the Springbank 21 & 25.

In 2007 a new Springbank was bottled for the London shop called Springbank ODD who knew it was going to be worth over £300 after it was initially released around £35 a bottle how times have changed but enough of that let’s get to the release.

Released are the the following 

12 year old cask strength  

25 year old 46% Rare vintage annual release 

The rest of the range 

Hazelburn 10 46% Triple distilled 

Springbank 10 46% 2.5X distilled 

Springbank 15 46% Sherry wood 

Kilkerran 12 46% Double distilled 6 Hr peat dried barley 

Longrow Peated Classic 46% 

Cadenheads Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
26 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QF

https://www.whiskytastingroom.com/

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Treat your Valentine to something special this year! From personalised bottles, great value gift packs and some exquisite whiskies, we have something for every sort of connoisseur.

🚚 Free UK Delivery on all orders over £25 📦
🌎 We also ship worldwide! 🌍

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Today, the Sanaig! A bottle that in all honesty passed me by for a while. I’m never normally one to buy a whisky based on its colour, but this one swung me. Some particularly active sherry casks have given this batch a wonderfully dark colour, something on-par with Glendronach and Macallan, whilst still maintaining that decadently savoury and sweet smoke. A true must for all peated whisky fans and sherry fans alike. Cheers!

https://youtu.be/idLNeNvvhyI 

(Link goes live at 7am UK time)

KILBEGGAN DISTILLING COMPANY INTRODUCES

KILBEGGAN® SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY 

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery,
Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still features a rare oats-based mash inspired by late-1800’s recipes

Chicago, IL (February 6, 2020) – Kilbeggan Distilling Company continues to revive Irish whiskey history and tradition with the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still, a mixed mash whiskey featuring oats, which were used at Kilbeggan Distillery in the 19^th century. Pot Still whiskey is significant, as it is the traditional and distinctive style of Irish whiskey that was first produced in Ireland. The limited-edition Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still Irish whiskey will be available in the United States starting February 2020 with a suggested retail price of $44.99 (750ml).

“This remarkable whiskey is a glorious tribute to the traditional Irish pot still style and the community that kept Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery alive over centuries of trial and triumph,” said Michael Egan, U.S. Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador for Kilbeggan Distilling Company. “It is a truly unique spirit, with a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”

Featuring a unique mash of malted barley, raw barley and 2.5 percent oats, the whiskey was inspired by recipes used at Kilbeggan Distillery through the late 1800s. In those times, oats were grown across the Midlands Region of Ireland and were commonly used by distillers like the Locke family at Kilbeggan for filtration purposes. The grain also imparts a unique flavor and creamy texture not typically found in Irish whiskey. The subtle influence of oats in this Kilbeggan Single Pot Still expression results in a whiskey that is soft and mellow, with a fresh, fruity palate. It has a light, lingering spice and a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s old copper pot stills – one of which is the world’s oldest working whiskey pot still today – the new spirit is the second limited release to be 100 percent distilled and matured at Kilbeggan Distillery since its restoration in 2010. Kilbeggan Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its soft and round character. It follows the release of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, another groundbreaking release and the first modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash.

KILBEGGAN® SINGLE POT STILL | 43% ABV

AROMA               Initial fresh crisp aroma followed by apple, pear, and melon. Jasmine and hazelnut notes combine with a hint of honeycomb sweetness.

TASTE                  Spice becomes apparent, but not overbearing, with summer fruits and citrus. Warming mid palate with a fresh mint leaf flavor leading on to a rich creamy mouthfeel.

FINISH                  Initially soft, mellow, and smooth, with a creamy finish. Lingering spice and a dryness as the oat influence become evident.

Limited Edition Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).

Note to Editors: What is Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey?

A single pot still Irish whiskey is produced only in Ireland, at a single distillery that is double- or triple-distilled in copper pot stills from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and up to 5% of other grains.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

Sherry Seasoned Style

The Macallan Sherry Oak range is testament to our unwavering commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit. The range features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks.

These distinct casks are seasoned with Oloroso sherry in Jerez, Spain before making their journey to our distillery in Scotland to be filled with The Macallan ‘new make’ spirit. The result is a celebration of richness, complexity and remarkable natural colour that has defined these classic single malts.

DISCOVER THE RANGE

Discover the journey of our wood

Every story has its origins. For The Macallan casks it all begins with an acorn.

READ MORE

Saturday, February 22nd, 1-4PM: 

Scotch Tasting: Glenglassaugh 

Presented by whisky expert Rory Glasgow! ‘Glenglassaugh’ – meaning ‘valley of the grey-green place’ -is named from its beautiful surroundings, bordering Speyside, & Highland regions at the edge of Sandend Bay. The character of the landscape is very apparent in the whisky; Speyside adding a tropical sweetness, Highland adding depth and richness, and the seaside giving the spirit a coastal charm.

Click Here to RSVP 

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com)

Stunning Old & Rare Whisky

Laphroaig, Highland Park, Bunnahabhain and more🥃

Big Vintages. Big Ages. Great Value

The Old & Rare series from Hunter Laing & Co. offers some of the very finest in single cask whisky from some of Scotland’s best loved distilleries.

Collector Favorites from One of America’s Most Exciting Whiskey Brands
“These coveted High West Single Barrels never disappoint…”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

If you are a fan of High West, or even more generally American whiskey, then you simply have to experience these single barrel exclusives. These meticulously crafted blends were specifically selected for a unique wood treatment. The first, a double rye, spent its time in a Scotch cask, while the second, a bourbon blend, was finished in an Armagnac barrel. These results are, in a word, transcendent. Profoundly engaging, strikingly complex, and undeniably delicious, this pair over-delivers in a big way. As one would expect, the Scotch-finished double rye offers a distinctly smoky element, reminiscent of High West’s wildly popular Campfire bottling. Graced with enticing notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and mint, it also delivers just the right amount of heat. The Armagnac-finished bourbon bottling for its part offers a panoply of exotic spices and a pleasing sweetness that carries from the first sip to the last. $55 is a very small price for whiskeys of this caliber. We’ve already sold through a significant portion of our allocation, so you’ll want to act now to secure these resplendent expressions.

This incredible single cask of High West’s famous Double Rye spent one year and 11 months finishing in a Scotch barrel that previously held the mysterious whisky that is added to their Campfire blend. While High West declines to share the source of this magical smoky dram, it’s a fair bet it’s from everyone’s favorite Scottish island famous for peat smoke. Basically this drinks like a spicier and cask strength version of Campfire, and it’s incredible. The double rye is made up of MGPs classic 95% rye, 5% malted barley and High West’s own 80% rye, 20% malted rye distillate ranging from 2-7 years old. The younger whiskey provides the spice and heat, and the older whiskey provides the mellow sweet vanilla components. With nearly two additional years in a Scotch barrel to bring it all together and impart that special salt and smoke, this barrel is a unique twist on High West’s classic Campfire Whiskey.

High West “Double Rye” K&L Exclusive Barrel #9281 Scotch Cask Finished Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 05, 2020

Upon the first pour the nose doesn’t display a ton of smoke, but after letting it coat and mellow in the glass, it shows up in a big way. It’s a rich smoke, heavy and lingering, but not overwhelming. The pervasive intensity of High West’s Double Rye stands up like a brave cowboy in a gunfight ready to duel the smoke from the barrel. A sweet eucalyptus/mint note cools the situation off. A little bit of salt plays well with the cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and caramel that abound. The finish really highlights the smoke beautifully—just a whisper of the peat that created it is to be found, a mossy and cool ground under a canopy of higher-toned flavors. These coveted High West single barrels never disappoint, but if you’re a Scotch lover, this may just be the best one you’ll see.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 05, 2020

This incredibly unique bottling of High West incorporates pretty much every element you could want in a great whiskey. High West starts with a blend of two ryes, one younger and one older, each with their distinct flavors to balance each other. The younger rye adds anise, eucalyptus, and cinnamon, while the older rye gives classic vanilla and caramel to fluff it out a bit. The nose is soft and sweet without much hint of smoke. If double rye wasn’t impressive enough, it’s finished in an old Scotch whisky barrel. The Scotch barrel lends a sweet, earthy smoke note on the back end. This results in an incredible blend of sweet and slightly peaty whiskey with great depth and length. This is one of the better whiskeys I’ve come across in a while, and I was truly impressed by its complexity.

High West “American Prairie” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Armagnac Finish Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

The fabulous whiskies coming out of High West have long been regulars on our shelf, but it’s the single barrel offerings that really take it to the next level. Each year they come through with a smattering of hand-selected casks. These are unusual for a number of reasons. First, they are actually finished blends re-casked in various oak. For instance the standard American Prairie is a blend of 2 to 13 year old straight bourbons from several distilleries. The blend is then re-casked for marrying purposes before bottling. After the marrying period, this whisky—likely two barrels worth were dumped in to an old Armagnac barrel for almost two years before bottling. We’re pretty picky about barrel finishes, but High West is consistently knocking it out of the park. The old Gascogne oak does a lot to frame the excellent bourbon flavors without masking or marring the inherent goodness that the High West blending team has created. Add the fact that she’s clocking in at a healthy 102.2 proof cask strength and you’ve got one of the most exciting whiskies of the season. For once we’ve got decent stocks of a single barrel, because since the Armagnac cask can hold two whole bourbon barrels, we were able to secure over 400 bottles of this beauty. Nonetheless, it will be years until we see another whisky quite like this one coming out of Utah. Expect unctuous sweetness and powerful vanilla pointed by exotic spice from the rare French oak.