Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the sample pack that was sent out recently for the Springbank Online Tasting Week.
TIMECAPSULE OF RARE SAMAROLI AND CORTI BROTHERS WHISKIES COME TO AUCTION
For dedicated whisky collectors, there are few independent bottlers as iconic and revered as that of the late Silvano Samaroli and the Corti Brothers.
The former, a visionary Italian importer and bottler whose whiskies are compared to works of art, and the latter, American gastronomic specialists who bought and bottled casks from legendary distilleries during the industry downturn in the 1980s. Their expressions are now some of the most prized in existence.
Now, a collection of 60 of these whiskies, unmatched in provenance and curated by the celebrated connoisseur and collector Emmanuel Dron, is coming to auction in a landmark sale presented by market leaders Whisky Auctioneer.
Running from 17 to 21 June 2021, the auction will include many whiskies regarded as the finest ever bottled* and the most sought-after Samaroli whiskies, signed by Silvano Samaroli himself. These include the 1967 Strathisla, legendary 1967 and 1970 Laphroaig bottlings, a 1951 Glen Cawdor (Springbank), and the 1966 Bowmore Bouquet, which many experts consider the most incredible whisky in existence.
The collection also includes the most extensive and comprehensive known lineup of rare Corti Brothers bottlings. Included will be vintages that occupy a special place in the history of Scotch whisky, including a very rare 1965 Clynelish and interesting examples from fascinating distilleries such as Balmenach and Imperial distilled in the 1960s.
The Corti Brothers of Sacramento imported Scotch whisky to the United States for bottling throughout the 1980s. Today, their expressions are regarded as some of the most highly prized for collectors in terms of quality and variety.
The French born, now Singapore-based collector’s personal collection offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of whisky production during the 1960s, as dedicated connoisseurs from both sides of the Atlantic began importing and bottling single malt whisky.
Throughout his life that has primarily been dedicated to whisky, Emmanuel Dron forged strong relationships with those in the industry and in particular a close friendship with the late Silvano Samaroli. His resulting collection is unmatched in provenance, with each bottle purchased personally from the iconic independent bottlers.
Emmanuel Dron commented:
“For my personal whisky collection, I have been piecing together old and rare independent bottlings for the last 25 years. These legendary bottles from Silvano Samaroli and the Corti Brothers are definitely one of my proudest achievements.
Whisky Auctioneer
“Over the last 10 years at the Auld Alliance we’ve seen a growing demand from connoisseurs in Asia and beyond to try many of these whiskies, which are widely considered amongst the finest in the world. Now is the chance for collectors to acquire some of our rarest treasures.”
Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer, said: “This collection is a magnificent example of some of the finest and most collectible independent bottlings in existence. What’s special about Emmanuel Dron’s collection is that these bottles have unparalleled provenance. Whiskies with such an impeccable source are hard to come by.
“This auction will present an opportunity for collectors worldwide to own a piece of whisky history – from unique spirit distilled in the 1960s to some of the finest bottles ever produced from distilleries including The Macallan, Bowmore, and Laphroaig. The collection also includes Emmanuel’s personal favourite – Samaroli’s 1970 Laphroaig. Emmanuel Dron is a collector passionate about sharing his love of whisky and the chance for other collectors to acquire such incredible bottles to add to their own whisky libraries.”
Over the last five years, Whisky Auctioneer has seen the volume of Samaroli bottlings soar by 90% and their hammer price increase by 75%. There has been a particular appetite for such bottles from Asian buyers, who accounted for nearly 50% of the value of Samaroli whiskies sold, with a particularly strong appetite from Singapore-based collectors.
Similar demand for Corti expressions has been seen from Asian countries, with buyers from this territory comprising 37% of global sales of Corti bottlings, whilst accounting for over 60% of the value. Hong Kong has the largest collector’s appetite for independent bottlings, followed by Singapore and Taiwan.
To register for the auction, visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com
NOTES:
*Considered to be some of the best whiskies ever produced, the collection features all five whiskies to hold places #1 – 5 on Whiskybase’s list of the top 1000 whiskies ever bottled.
About Emmanuel Dron and the Auld Alliance Singapore
Emmanuel Dron has been an expert in the whisky industry for 25 years, previously working at La Maison Du Whisky as a regional manager. He is the founder of The Auld Alliance, a world-renowned whisky bar in Singapore boasting an impressive selection of around 2000 bottles representing every distillery in Scotland. The Auld Alliance has also selected and bottled a number of rare single casks under its name.
Emmanuel is the author of “Collecting Scotch Whisky”, the most comprehensive book on old and rare Scotch Whisky ever written. The book profiles more than 2,500 rare bottles by independent bottlers and official bottlings, as well as an essential guide to dating and authenticating older bottles.
About Silvano Samaroli
Silvano Samaroli is perhaps Italy’s most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics, he is regarded by many as a visionary.
Silvano entered the world of whisky in 1968, setting up Samaroli Import. The company’s transition from importer to bottler began in 1979 as a collaborative effort with W.M. Cadenhead, Scotland’s oldest independent bottler. This inspired him to bottle his first casks with labels designed by Samaroli himself. The bottling was done for him by R.W. Duthie, a harmonious relationship which lasted into the 1990s and produced some of the world’s most sought after whiskies, such as the 1967 vintage Laphroaig and the legendary Bowmore Bouquet.
Silvano Samaroli passed away in 2017 leaving a legacy of legendary bottlings that inspired those to follow in his footsteps and are lusted after by collectors worldwide.
About the Corti Brothers
The Corti Brothers have played a significant role in the history of independently bottled Scotch whisky, taking advantage of a downturn in the industry in the 1980s and securing a range of casks from some of the industry’s most iconic distilleries.
The Corti Brothers were a family grocer business founded in 1947 by Frank and Gino. Frank’s son Darrell was the one to introduce a specialist spirits knowledge to the business, and they began getting their own Scotch whisky bottled for them in 1978.
About Whisky Auctioneer
Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform, to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.
Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and geography. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits available online. Whisky Auctioneer is passionate about connecting these bottles with those who share in their passion and actively support their customers in their aims, whether that be consuming, collecting or investing.
In February 2021, the Perth-based online auction house made history during the iconic sale of The Perfect Collection when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old sold for a hammer price of £1m, the first time a single bottle of whisky has sold at an online only auction for one million pounds.
Whisky Auctioneer became the first online auction house to sell a million-pound bottle and outperformed the nearest traditional auction house by 200% in value from spirits sales in 2020, showcasing the move that whisky collectors, investors and drinkers have already made online and firmly establishing their leading position within the modern secondary whisky market.
The business currently sees over 100,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe. It also opened its first European base in Germany last year.
The business’ Founder, Iain McClune, was listed as ‘One to Watch’ in The Telegraph’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2020 programme.
SMWS PARTNER WITH ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH AND WORLD-RENOWNED MIXOLOGIST TO CREATE FLORAL COCKTAIL MENU
THE SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MENU COMBINES THE FRESH FLORAL FLAVOURS OF SUMMER WITH WHISKY IN ITS PUREST FORM
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have teamed up with world-renowned mixologist, Jason Scott, of Bramble and Lucky Liquor Co. and The Royal Botanic Garden to create a limited-edition range of floral cocktails.
In this iconic partnership, mixologist and Edinburgh independent bar owner, Jason Scott, will be working with Dr Greg Kenicer of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Together they have created cocktails that explore the more delicate and floral notes within the Society’s June Outturn whiskies, complementing and contrasting them through edible flowers and exciting mixers.
Jason, who is the owner of Bramble Bar, Lucky Liquor and The Last Word Saloon, is a key figure in the Scottish cocktail industry and has trained some of the best bartenders in the country.
Inspired by the flavours of summer, the signature cocktails will be created using a range of natural mixers, that include lavender, primrose flower, borage flower, fresh mint, and gorse.
Jason Scott, said: “I have long been a fan of the Society and really admire what they do.
“After visiting The Botanics and meeting up with Greg, it’s been a journey of fun and discovery to create these fantastic floral cocktails. I’m confident whisky and flower lovers alike will adore this summer cocktail menu.”
Adding his thoughts, Dr Greg Kenicer of the Royal Botanic Garden, said: “I am delighted to be working with Jason and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on this exciting and unique project.
“When it comes to enhancing and developing cocktail flavours, there is so much out there for drink makers and bartenders to explore from the botanical Kingdom. Many of these plants can be grown in a garden or even a window box, or you can find them at your local supermarkets.
“Since the Stone Age, botanicals and fresh plants have been used as compounds to enhance the flavour of drinks. It’s really exciting to see mixologists across the world continuing this ancient legacy, and also innovating in so many creative ways.”
The signature cocktails will be available at SMWS Bath Street, Queen Street and Greville Street from Friday 11th June. Non-members are also welcome to attend Queen Streets’ Kaleidoscope Bar and can visit both Bath Street and Greville Street venues on Tuesday evenings, by booking online or by phone.
To celebrate the signature cocktail menu, the SMWS will also be hosting an event on the 29th of June, at their Queen Street venue.
With the aim of breaking down the perceived barriers of traditional whisky drinking, the below cocktails have been designed to encourage whisky enthusiasts to delve deep into the modern use of whisky, by mixing the water of life with fresh ingredients.
Cocktail list:
Queen Street, Edinburgh – Joy & Sorrell
The Joy & Sorrell features vibrant fuchsia flowers with a taste of citrus lemon and sweet sorrel syrup.
Bath Street, Glasgow – Melancholy Crush
This refreshing julep combines an elegantly fruity and herbal dram with fresh mint, lemon and Angostura Bitters.
Greville Street, London – Four Seasons
This London inspired violet Penicillin, features a 2008 Speyside distilled whisky combined with ingredients that include fresh lavender, finished in an old fashioned glass.
Bottled – Flaming Primrose
Garnished with a primrose flower, this vibrant blood-red cocktail incorporates infused gorse Campari and Sweet Vermouth with an 8-year-old single scotch oily and coastal whisky.
For more information about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society click here.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
#SMWS
Notes:
About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk
BLACK TARTAN BATCH 21
Black Tartan Whisky has just released “Black Tartan Batch 21” blended malt whisky. It is the latest example of the company’s dedication to quality over quantity in the category. Created in Elgin over the Winter of 2020/21, it is limited to just 2,990 bottles. The whisky, presented in a stunning bottle, is designed to offer balanced sweetness. On the nose, it is fresh and spicy. The palate offers vanilla and butterscotch. The finish is smooth, sweet and warming.
“Black Tartan Batch 21” is just £38 for a 70cl bottle and is available now (as is the premium “Black Tartan 88” bottling) from sister-company Skene Scotch Whisky’s online shop at: https://www.skenewhisky.com/product/black-tartan-batch21/
You can find out much more about the Black Tartan brand by visiting its website at https://www.blacktartanwhisky.com/
About Skene Scotch Whisky (Black Tartan Whisky’s sister company) – After a few years away from bottle sales, Skene Whisky are releasing bottlings from a number of ranges this year. “Skene Reserve” will be single cask premium bottlings of vintage malt whisky (eg Macallan 30yo). “Skene Sherry Editions” will be sherry-matured single malts (48% ABV) aimed squarely at drinkers. “Skene American Oak “Editions” will be ex-bourbon single malt bottlings (again at 48% ABV). “Skene Peated Malt Editions” will be peated single malt expressions (yet again at 48% ABV).
The Grand Whisky Auction is…LIVE!
3550+ lots to bid on…including this 68 YO Macallan!
Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?
+44 (0)1463 210 427
sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com
FORMALLY KNOWN AS CHAPTER 14…
The English – Bourbon Cask Matured
After a lot of requests for us to bring back the ever popular Chapter 14 we have decided that whilst Ch14 is now retired, we would bring you the next best thing – a short limited edition run of a whisky that is incredibly similar. Those wafts of vanilla & milk chocolate on the nose followed by a luxurious soft and oily mouthful of fresh fruit are instantly recognisable as belonging to that old favourite that won so many awards.
Don’t forget that we are offering FREE delivery on all orders over £75 for Mainland UK Delivery.
Only 1806 bottles released.
£52.00 70cl 46% ABV
INTRODUCING VELVET FIG
We’d like to introduce you to our latest limited release, Velvet Fig. Rich, decadent and packed full of deep fruit flavours, Velvet Fig is a reimagining of our award-winning 2014 release.
or read on for all of the velvety details.
Sounds good right? Bottled at 46% ABV and only £43.95, we expect this limited release to be snapped up quickly, so what are you waiting for?
A limited-edition 12-year-old single malt from Glenmorangie, matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in casks that previously held one of the rarest fortified wines in the world – Malaga Dulce. Bottled in August 2020, the palate offers notes of honey, cinnamon, dried apricots and crystalised ginger.
30 Year Old Cambus
Closed in 1993, whisky from Cambus Distillery is becoming increasingly rare and collectable. We’ve just four single cask options in our catalogue today including the last remaining bottles of a 30 Year Old exclusive from Hunter Laing & Co.
Cambus 30 Year Old 1998 Sovereign EXCLUSIVE
Cambus 27 Year Old 1988 Pearls of Scotland
Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 Signatory
Cambus 27 Year Old 1983 Dead Whisky Society
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 391: Passionate about Pittyvaich
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, puts no less than 6 whisky’s head-to-head! He recently hosted a unique online masterclass in which all six of the official releases from this closed distillery were presented, from the 12 years old in the Fauna & Flora series to all five Diageo Special Releases: 20 years old, 25 years old, 28 years old, 29 years old and 30 years old. This 25 years old was definitely grand, bottled at cask strength. So sit back and relax and pour yourself something tasty. Enjoy.
