BONHAMS SKINNER PRESENTS SPIRITS FROM THROUGHOUT HISTORY IN DECEMBER SALE

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Six bottles from the Springbank Millennium Collection, estimated at $36,000 – 48,000. 

Boston – Bonhams Skinner’s Wine and Spirits department will close out a successful year of sales with Highly Spirited: The Legacies of Scotch and Whiskey, a perennial selection of over 500 lots each steeped in heritage. This theme is exceptionally showcased in the highlight of the sale – six bottles from the Springbank Millennium Collection. Founded in 1828 and one of the only distilleries in Scotland to oversee the full distillation process, Springbank released this set in 1999 to commemorate the new millennium. Ranging in age from 25 to 50 years old in five-year increments, the Millennium Collection has seldom appeared on the market. It is estimated at $36,000 – 48,000.

From the turbulent history of American Whiskey, the sale will offer a bottle of 16 Years Old Colonel Randolph, estimated at $16,000 – 20,000. This extremely rare bottle is the only cask strength and highest proof bottling of the legendary spirits still available from Pennco Distillery. Also of note is a beautiful five bottle set of Van Winkle expressions, estimated at $7,500 – 9,500, which includes the Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot B, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year, 20 Year and 23 Years. Based in Kentucky, the esteemed Van Winkle distillery has led the premium bourbon market for four generations, establishing themselves as the benchmark for quality.

The sale will also feature bottle 788 of the 1,812 Black Bowmore, 1964 produced in 1995 as part of the third edition of this remarkably limited series. It is estimated at $10,000 – 15,000. Additionally, a single bottle of Karuizawa 31 Years Old from Cask #8775, distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2013, is estimated at $10,000 – 13,000.

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.

More information and highlights can be found here. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

Our final collection schedule of 2024 has now been finalised. There are slight changes to the usual schedule, please not the dates for your area, these are noted on the request form. Lots collected in this run will be included in our first auction of 2025  which begins on 3rd January 2025.

Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service. We can collect lots for up to three auctions.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 9th December .

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.

It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

DECEMBER 2024 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Our December 2024 Auction is now LIVE! Jampacked with little gems, we are delighted to start by offering this incredibly scarce bottle of Macallan The New Range Rover 1994, rumoured to be one of only 50 bottles ever produced to celebrate the unveiling of the new Range Rover model.

Another rare opportunity is this Glen Moray 1964; although bottled in 1996, it was ten years later in 2006 that Glen Moray released this particular expression from their archives, as part of a high-quality series showcasing vintages from this well regarded era of whisky making at the distillery. One of only 131 bottles produced!

Uigeadail was released as part of the Ardbeg core range in 2003 to huge acclaim. This Young Uigeadail was released three years later in 2006 exclusively to Ardbeg committee members and bottled at a higher abv. (which is usual practice for the committee expressions), one of only 1392 bottles produced.

 The Macallan Archival series is inspired by original adverts from the 1970’s – 1990’s. Each Folio release is presented with an illustrated hardback book that depicts the history of those adverts which were originally designed by David Holmes and advert copywriter Nick Salaman. Released in 2015, Folio 1 was the first instalment of the Archival Series, Sherry Cask matured and with only 2,000 bottles ever released!

These are only a few of the old, rare and collectable bottles featured in our December auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 15^th December from 8pm GMT.

The 162nd auction is now at the midway point, but there is still plenty of time to get involved.  From our experience the auction usually ends sometime after 10pm on Sunday night, leaving you ample time to secure that bottle you have your eye on.  We have some really interesting bottles in this month, so here are a few you might have missed.

First up is a genuinely historical bottle, the Cardow 70° Proof John Walker & Sons.  The first distillery purchased by John Walker & Sons in 1893, Cardhu – or “Cardow” in this case – had been operating from 1824 before it became the home of Johnnie Walker.  To this day Cardhu is one of the main constituents of the world famous Johnnie Walker.

There are few things finer in life than a well-aged 1st fill sherry Speyside, and they don’t come much finer than this Mortlach 1957 Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail.  Another whisky that contributes to many Johnnie Walker bottlings, Mortlach has also been releasing single malts for many years.  This particular expression was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their Private Collection series which has become synonymous with quality releases.

As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Thinking of selling your bottles? 

We still offer 0% commission to all sellers making Scotch Whisky Auctions the best place to sell bottles.

For all relevant information just click here.

Whisky Auctioneer November 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

02.12.24

Now Live: November Auction

Our November auction while featuring over 8,500 rare whiskies ends tonight! This is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles.

This month, we are thrilled to feature The Macallan TIME : SPACE 84 year old, making its global auction debut at Whisky Auctioneer. This extraordinary dual-chamber vessel contains two remarkable whiskies: an 84-year-old vintage distilled in 1940 – the oldest ever released by Macallan – and a 2018 vintage bottled in 2024, representing the distillery’s future.

Alongside this, we’re thrilled to present standout lots such as the Old Malt Cask bottlings of Port Ellen and Ardbeg, the Laphroaig 1967 Samaroli, the Ardbeg Special Liqueur by D&J MacEwen from the 1950s, and remarkable old and rare Japanese whiskies from Karuizawa and Kawasaki – plus many more.

Browse the highlights below for more insights and bidding today!

 Macallan TIME : SPACE 84 Year Old

Legendary Old Malt Cask bottlings for the Plowed Society (Port Ellen & Ardbeg)

Celtic Heartlands Collaboration Bottles (Bowmore 1968, Macallan 1969, Bunnahabhain 1966)

Karuizawa The Golden Age of Showa

Rare and Vintage Glenfiddich (Glenfiddich 1958 Private Vintage, 1955 Private Vintage, 1974 Rare Collection & 19 Rare Collection)

Welcome one and all to our now live 162nd auction!  We have a plethora of fantastic bottles in this month with a particularly strong selection of older vintages to choose from, hailing from some of Scotland’s most prestigious distilleries.  With Christmas just around the corner this is definitely the time to stock up on that drinks cabinet.

Linkwood-Glenlivet 1898 Ian Grant & Co

First up is an astonishingly old vintage of Linkwood, distilled in 1898!  This was bottled by Ian Grant & Co, a small Glasgow based blending firm that were presumably Linkwood customers, and states on the label that it is “the oldest whisky obtainable”.  Given it was bottled around 100 years ago this has to be one of the oldest remaining bottles of Linkwood in existence today and is most certainly some of the oldest whisky obtainable, today as it was then.

Springbank 15 Year Old Duty Free Trade Sample Cadenhead’s 75cl

This Springbank 15 Year Old was bottled as a “duty free sample for trade purposes only”, before there was such a thing as ‘The Cage’. The original cage was located in the back of Cadenhead’s shop in Campbeltown. The whisky in this bottle was produced before the distillery was mothballed in 1979.  We know there are many of you out there who covet the Duty Paid Samples from Springbank, and this has to be the oldest one we’ve ever seen.

Mortlach 32 Year Old 26 2/3 Fl Oz

Next up is this fabulous old Mortlach 32 Year Old 26 2/3 Fl Oz.  Known as the ‘Beast of Dufftown’ for its muscular and beefy style Mortlach is one of Scotland’s most iconic and respected distilleries, and this bottle is no doubt a fine example of their longstanding commitment to quality releases.  Probably bottled some time in the early 70’s this offers a taste of a bygone era and is surely a must-have for any Mortlach aficionados out there.

Macallan-Glenlivet 1937 35 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail 75cl

And last but most certainly not least we have a Macallan-Glenlivet 1937 35 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail 75cl.  A very rare bottle this one, and to see it in such a pristine condition is really quite remarkable.  Aged for 35 years in sherry wood this pre-war vintage Macallan really ticks all the boxes.  Bottled by arguably the most famous independent of them all, Gordon & MacPhail, this bottling wouldn’t look out of place in even the most exclusive of collections.As always, we have a wide range of high-quality drams available from budget drinkers to blockbuster beauties and everything in between, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Two Rare Willett Distillery Bottles Signed by Pope Francis

To Headline Sotheby’s “Whisky & Whiskey” Auction This December

Live Auction in New York 7 December

“Bringing these exceptional Willett Distillery bottles to market is a privilege and a unique moment in collecting. Each bottle embodies a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and spirituality that transcends the typical collector’s item, making them especially meaningful additions for those who value both the artistry of fine spirits and the spirit of giving.”

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist

NEW YORK, 20 NOVEMBER 2024 – A rare opportunity awaits collectors and enthusiasts as Sotheby’s New York brings an extraordinary duo of Willett Distillery bourbon bottles signed by Pope Francis to its upcoming Whisky & Whiskey auction on 7 December. Each bottle, estimated between $1,000 – $10,000, commemorates significant milestones in the Catholic Church, offering collectors a rare chance to acquire items that hold important historical and spiritual significance. 

The first bottle, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as the 266th Pope, displays the papal Coat of Arms. This 10-year-aged bourbon, distilled from Willett’s original recipe with a proof of 132.6, was produced in an extremely limited run of 149 bottles and is signed by Pope Francis. 

The second bottle celebrates the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and features the Official Jubilee sticker. Aged 10 years and bottled at 144.2 proof, this special edition is rarer still, with only 59 bottles made, and bottle number one is signed by Pope Francis. 

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, TX; Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic in Lexington, KY; Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko; and PAWs 4 the Cause in Lexington, KY, extending the charitable spirit behind these one-of-a-kind bottles.

Fr. Jim Sichko, Diocesan Evangelist and Papal Missionary of Mercy, commented: “We’re honored to bring these unique bottles to auction, not only for their rarity but for the good they’ll do. Each bottle marks an important moment in the church’s history, and we hope collectors will appreciate them as symbols of tradition and generosity, supporting causes that reflect Pope Francis’ values of compassion.”

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the previous record total of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction (Hospices de Beaune).

 *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

The Grand Whisky Auction NOVEMBER 2024 AUCTION ENDS TONIGHT!

The auction closes TONIGHT Tuesday 26th November from 9:00 pm (GMT)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

Whisky Auctioneer November Auction

22.11 – 02.12.24

Now Live: November Auction

A warm welcome to our November auction. Featuring over 8,500 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles.

This month, we are thrilled to feature The Macallan TIME : SPACE 84 year old, making its global auction debut at Whisky Auctioneer. This extraordinary dual-chamber vessel contains two remarkable whiskies: an 84-year-old vintage distilled in 1940 – the oldest ever released by Macallan – and a 2018 vintage bottled in 2024, representing the distillery’s future.

Alongside this, we’re thrilled to present standout lots such as the Old Malt Cask bottlings of Port Ellen and Ardbeg, the Laphroaig 1967 Samaroli, the Ardbeg Special Liqueur by D&J MacEwen from the 1950s, and remarkable old and rare Japanese whiskies from Karuizawa and Kawasaki – plus many more.

Browse the highlights below for more insights and start bidding today!

 Macallan TIME : SPACE 84 Year Old

Legendary Old Malt Cask bottlings for the Plowed Society (Port Ellen & Ardbeg)

Celtic Heartlands Collaboration Bottles (Bowmore 1968, Macallan 1969, Bunnahabhain 1966)

Karuizawa The Golden Age of Showa

Rare and Vintage Glenfiddich (Glenfiddich 1958 Private Vintage, 1955 Private Vintage, 1974 Rare Collection & 19 Rare Collection)

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

The auction closes on Tuesday 26th November from 9:00pm (GMT)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com