An Extremely Rare Collectible from a Campbeltown Treasure

2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326 Single Refill American Oak Hogshead 

Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99)

“… those who want a malt of character, history, and complex flavors often find themselves in the growing ranks of Glen Scotia fans—especially after tasting such a superlative cask as this one.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Pretty much anything from Campbeltown is by default a niche whisky, considering the region is home to just three distilleries nowadays. So, what does that make Glen Scotia’s 2000 cask-strength single malt aged for 18 years in an American oak hogshead? For starters, it’s about as niche as collectible whisky gets. Furthermore, it’s just flat-out delicious. Finally, it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon chance to get supremely aged Scotia malt at an incredible price in a market where this stuff has gone absolutely beyond the price stratosphere elsewhere. This K&L exclusive cask sourced from our friends at the incomparable Gordon & MacPhail perfectly captures the Glen Scotia magic in its signature earthy core, around which swirls a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors ranging from stone fruits to cocoa dust to sweet cereals to coconut. It’s truly a singular expression from a distillery long treasured by the most clued-in aficionados. This was an unequivocal must-have for our spirits team, and it’s the same for any committed collector of the rarest and most unique Scotch whiskies out there.

2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326 Single Refill American Oak Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99)

K&L Notes: The wonderful Glen Scotia distillery has long been a favorite of Campbeltown lovers. For ages, the mostly unknown distillery was not open to the general public, and it quietly made excellent if slightly idiosyncratic malt, to be used in blends and sold occasionally as single malt. The distillery was founded in 1832 and is only one of two historic distilleries in the once-important whisky region of Campbeltown to make it through to modern times. It was subject to a management buyout in 1987 and remained in private hands until purchase by the Loch Lomond group in 2014. Since then, it’s been spun off along with its sister distilleries (Loch Lomond and Littlemill) in a private equity buyout. The result is that the small amount of aged whisky that is still in the Glen Scotia warehouse has become extremely valuable. Distillery bottlings are hard to get and single-cask offerings are priced in the stratosphere. That’s only part of why we jumped on this exceptional cask from Gordon & Macphail, at what is a significant discount from stocks that the distillery is offering. The main reason is that this barrel captures the gorgeous style that makes Glen Scotia so special. This style exemplifies the balance between beauty and funk. Gorgeous aromas of honey-drizzled grains and exotic floral character with a base note of earthy spice and toasted coconut. It’s no bomb in any category, but it’s fabulously complex and inviting, showcasing this great distillery in the finest fashion.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 20, 2022

So often overlooked due to the fame of its Campbeltown neighbors, Glen Scotia makes terrific whisky with an unusual earthiness. While this flavor profile divides some folks, those who want a malt of character, history, and complex flavors often find themselves in the growing ranks of Glen Scotia fans—especially after tasting such a superlative cask as this one. Gorgeous stone fruits kissed by honey, cinnamon graham crackers, a dusting of dark cocoa, and a little bit of that signature fresh compost earthiness that is so distinctly Glen Scotia all work their way into the nose. The palate reveals a rich tapestry of savory flavors, owing perhaps to a hint of peat and perhaps to the nature of the distillery. A more complex baking spice profile arrives on the mid palate. Granola and more honey keep things feeling sweet and transform into a lovely floral flourish with a reprise of sweet grain and stone fruit. Another knockout from the epic stocks at Gordon & MacPhail at particularly advantageous pricing.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 25, 2022

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of virtually everything coming from Campbeltown, so a well-aged and high-proof Glen Scotia sounds like thrilling prospect. I can tell you this bottle did not disappoint in the slightest. From first pour, a touch of smoked meat and coal gas let you know that you are in fact drinking Campbeltown scotch, though that dissipates quickly to reveal honey-coated citrus and apricot. The malt itself is sweet and soft, with stewed stone fruits and a touch of sultana adding to the gorgeous grain character on display. As others have mentioned, a hint of tropical fruit and the smell of coconut husks keep things interesting, and lingering spice wakes up the senses through each sip. That trademark Campbeltown savory flavor remains an important factor for this bottling’s appeal, but I would say this tends toward the more delicate side of malts I’ve tasted from this humble region. And with the difficulty in sourcing whisky from that peninsula in particular, this is one to hoard and savor.

JOHNNIE WALKER TASTING
SOHO WHISKY BAR
9th May 2022 – 6:30pm

The story of Johnnie Walker and their whisky history begins, naturally enough, with the man who gave our whisky his name. In 1820, the young farmer’s son started his own grocer’s shop in the thriving town of Kilmarnock. His father had died the year before and the farm sold. It was a tough start in life, but there was always something special about John. A glint in his eye. A fire in his belly.

When John passed away after a full and prosperous life in 1857, he left his son, Alexander, with a very healthy business. These were fast-moving times. Britain was the pulsating heart of an industrial Revolution that was set to change absolutely everything. In Kilmarnock, the railway had arrived, carrying goods to great ships travelling to the four corners of the world. Like his father, Alexander know a good opportunity when he saw one.

In this tasting we will be taking you through the history family and the great drams that they created for us.

Alistair Reynold will be taking us through the following line-up:

Welcome Gold Label Highball
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker The Legendary 8

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ABHAINN ARAIG

FEIS ILE 2022 EDITION

70cl | 50.8% ABV

Inspired by the waters of Islay, this velvety rich dram was created to celebrate Fèis Ìle 2022, the most important festival on Islay and within the Whisky community. A perfect marriage of Bunnahabhain spirit, expertly matured in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks (made from the finest specially seasoned European oak) and spirit matured in ex-bourbon & Oloroso sherry casks, to create complexity & balance.

£94.95

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CALVADOS CASK FINISH

FEIS ILE 2022 EDITION

1998 -23 YEAR OLD

70cl | 49.7% ABV

This special edition was created exclusively for Fèis Ìle 2022. Bursting with character, it slumbered peacefully for two decades before spending the last two years of its life in casks which once held the finest French Calvados. This Gallic influence has imbued every golden drop with sublime sweetness; flavours of apples and pears tumbling gently with toffee and oily fruitiness and leading to a strong and spicy finish.

£399.95

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Whisky Hammer sets new world auction record for whisky cask of US$1,295,500

A cask of whisky distilled at The Macallan in 1988 which lay forgotten for over three decades has broken the world record for the most expensive cask of whisky ever sold at auction.

After going under the digital hammer on specialist auction site, Whisky Hammer, the rare cask of 33 year old whisky fetched a world record price of US$1,295,500 (including buyer’s premium), smashing the previous record for a cask sold at auction of $572,000 which was held by Bonhams.

Whisky Hammer confirmed that bids on the cask were placed from keen whisky enthusiasts from many countries, with the eventual winning bid arriving from a US-based private individual.

Held in bond at The Macallan Distillery for almost 34 years, the cask was originally filled on 5 May 1988. The Whisky Hammer April auction included more than 2,000 lots, but it was the Macallan cask which attracted headlines around the world.

The auction closed on the evening of Sunday 24 April, with the winning bid beating the record previously set in 2021 by Bonham’s for the sale of a 30-year-old re-racked Sherry hogshead from Macallan, which fetched $572,000.

Bought for just £5,000 more than three decades ago, the 374-litre refill butt sat forgotten until Macallan reminded the cask seller that it remained maturing in the warehouse. If bottled today, the cask would yield 534 x 70cl bottles of 33-year-old single malt whisky, distilled at The Macallan.  With bottle numbers in mind, the price paid for the cask on a ‘per bottle’ basis of US$2,426 / bottle has also broken the previous record held by Bonhams of US$2,200 / bottle).

Widely regarded as one of the premier producers of single malt whisky, The Macallan has created some of the world’s most coveted whisky. This record-breaking sale follows a trend of The Macallan, and Scottish whisky as a whole, commanding lofty price tags among global collectors and whisky enthusiasts.

Daniel Milne, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Whisky Hammer, said: “When this cask was listed in our auction, we knew it had the potential to make history. To come across a cask of this age, quality and size is extraordinary in itself, enhanced by the fact the liquid was distilled at The Macallan which is reflected in the global attention the cask has attracted.

“It’s been incredibly exciting for everyone at Whisky Hammer to have represented what has become the most expensive cask ever to be sold at auction.”

For further information or to register interest in future auctions, visit whiskyhammer.com

Notes

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers.

Whisky Hammer’s monthly auctions bring a range of desirable, rare and collectable bottles to market for buyers, alongside offering a hassle-free premium service for those looking to sell. As a truly global auctioneer with offices in the UK and Hong Kong, Whisky Hammer can deliver whisky and represent sellers worldwide, investing heavily in the safest warehouses on the market to store prized bottles appearing at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.

For more information, visit whiskyhammer.com. 

EARLY TIMES BOTTLED-IN-BOND AWARDED GOLD MEDAL AT 2022 DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION

BARDSTOWN, Ky (April 26, 2022) The 2022 Denver International Spirits Competition awarded two medals to Early Times whiskeys. A Gold Medal was given to Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, and a Silver medal was awarded to Early Times Kentucky Whiskey.

This iconic American whiskey brand was acquired by the Sazerac Company in 2020 and announced last year that the brand will now be distilled, aged and bottled at the Barton 1792 Distillery.

The Denver International Spirits Competition is the largest professional spirits competition in the Rocky Mountain Region. Winners are selected by a panel of beverage industry professionals who rate entries through a double-blind process. For more information on the Denver International Spirits Competition and a full listing of results, visit http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 31 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020.  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

Arran Amarone Cask Finish

Arran Amarone cask finish is a single malt is a part of wine finish collection from Arran distillery. initially matured in traditional oak casks and finished in a selection of Amarone wine barrels from Veneto region in Italy.

Nose: cherry, Turkish delight, chocolate.

Palate: poached pears, a touch of cranberry and honey.

Finish: sweetness, pears, turkish delight, cherries and dark chocolate.

£48.99

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Blue Run “High Rye” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

$99.99

SKU #1580125

Blue Run Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon is a small-batch whiskey and is the first Blue Run product with Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge serving as the official Master Distiller, on all previous Blue Run products, except Golden Rye, Jim served as the Liquid Advisor.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 439: Glentauchers 13 Year Old 2009 for MMM

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, releases another malt under the MMM label. Glentauchers is a lesser-known Speysider – founded in 1897 – that mainly focuses on producing malt whisky for making blends with Ballantine’s being the best known. There are hardly any official bottlings, but through  independent bottlers you can occasionally taste it. Now Mark & Manny have found a fantastic cask – a sherry butt, by the way – with Glentauchers from 2009. It’s already their 26th release and we’re once again enjoying a beautiful label with the art of Ansgar Speller. The color palette also betrays their subtle support for the people of Ukraine.

https://youtu.be/Dr8pU4KmG9M

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS DISTIL YOUR WORLD NEW YORK

A collaboration with the Roca brothers to capture the essence of the city 

The Macallan has released Distil Your World New York, an exceptional single malt whisky and documentary that capture the essence of one of the most iconic cities in the world.

Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan in collaboration with the Roca brothers, owners of El Celler de Can Roca, twice named Best Restaurant in the World, Distil Your World New York embodies and celebrates the city as a dynamic metropolis of art, creativity and visionary talent.

It marks the latest release in the series of limited edition single malt whiskies and gastronomic creations exploring leading locations around the globe.

To uncover the mastery behind New York, Polly and Joan Roca travelled to the city to spend time with the artists who fuel its vibrant culture; the visionaries driving its inimitable creativity; and the thinkers chronicling the city.

Their journey and the people they encountered, including globally acclaimed jazz musician Wynton Marsalis and legendary street artist Lady Pink, are featured in a new 30-minute documentary which premiered in New York before its release on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube in April 2022.

The Macallan Distil Your World New York A – Credit Christina Kernohan

Created from a combination of six European and American oak casks, the whisky reflects the distinctive artistic character of New York, its towering architecture, and the culinary eclecticism offered by its delis, diners and street food.

Building on the subtle apple notes already characteristic of The Macallan – a fitting flavour for the Big Apple – Distil Your World New York also offers the sweetness of classic American candy, with nods to peanut and chocolate. A whisp of sidewalks portrays the bustle of the city while uplifting citrus represents the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline.

The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan said: “This project is a homage to the people of New York. The daring, creative and diverse characters we’ve met along the way. This whisky is bold, vibrant and uplifting – just like each of them.

“We really looked towards the quintessential tastes of New York – sweet candy, waffles, peanut brittle, chocolate, and pecans. The city’s thriving street food scene was a great source of inspiration.”

The Roca brothers also created a unique menu designed to take diners on a journey through New York. Their creations include a potato cronut with salsa brava, waffles with chicken pâté and sugar cane syrup and cured and smoked strip steak. The Big Apple, their masterpiece dessert, features a caramel apple filled with fresh apple purée and milk chocolate.

Joan Roca said: “The originality of New York is endless, it’s impossible to portray it with just one creation, so we needed to express it through an extended menu, where every dish tells a story. The city grabs hold of you instantly. Its energy pushed us to create a complex and daring menu, with ideas that we explored for the very first time.”

Distil Your World New York is housed in a white presentation box featuring an engraved aerial map of New York. Bold touches of blue on the box and bottle represent the water that surrounds the city and the buildings which reach into the sky. As well as the whisky, the box contains a book documenting the different inspirations behind this single malt, and the craftsmanship involved in its creation, alongside New York photography.

The Macallan Distil Your World New York is a limited-edition release with an RRSP of $4,200 for the 70cl bottle and $4,500 for the 75cl version.  It will be available at select The Macallan Boutiques around the world, in premium specialist retailers and in exclusive premium non-specialist retailers from April 2022.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan A – Credit Christina Kernohan

Whisky Maker’s Notes:

ABV: 49.5%.

Colour: City sunrise

Aroma: Big apple with peanut brittle and milk chocolate. A sweet and salty mix like a rising dough and a whisp of sidewalks, fresh rain and cherry blossom.

Palate: Baked apple and raisin, chocolate covered nuts, maple syrup and toasted waffles with a side of salted pecans.

Finish: Medium with roasted nuts and sweet oak.

About The Macallan 

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

Our April 2022 Auction ENDS SOON!

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 3rd May.

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Another great selection of Macallan whisky available in this month’s auction.

Interested in Selling Whisky?

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