Whisky Auctioneer Extended December Auction

20.12.24 – 06.01.2025

Now Live: Extended December Auction

Featuring over 8,000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this auction offers a truly unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles.

This month’s highlights include the exceptionally rare and legendary Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen’s Visit 1980, an impressive vertical of over 21 Macallan 18 Year Old bottlings from 1966–1986, and the ultra-rare Tormore 1966 Samaroli Sherry Wood / Silver Cap, complete with a hand-drawn label by Samaroli himself.

We’re also delighted to present over 250 miniature bottles, featuring many whiskies that have scored 90+ on Serge Valentin’s Whiskyfun.com – a fantastic opportunity for collectors to sample and experience legendary malts.

 Impressive Macallan 1966-1986 18 Year Old Vertical x 21

Legendary Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen’s Visit 1980

Tormore 1966 Samaroli Sherry Wood / Silver Cap – Hand-drawn Label Version

Photo 5 – 250+ Incredible Whisky Miniatures

Jefferson’s Presidential Select 1991 18 Year Old Bourbon / Stitzel-Weller

TWO RARE WILLETT DISTILLERY BOTTLES SIGNED BY POPE FRANCIS ACHIEVE REMARKABLE PRICES AT SOTHEBY’S SPIRITS AUCTION

“This sale was a fitting finale to Sotheby’s remarkable year in spirits auctions. The prices realized for these exceptional Willett Distillery bottles speak to their rarity, craftsmanship, and the meaningful story behind them. We are honored to have facilitated a sale that blends history, artistry, and philanthropy.”

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist

The first bottle, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, realized $13,750, while the second bottle, celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” also achieved $13,750. Together, these rare items marked historic highlights in the sale, which also featured some of The Macallan’s most coveted releases, exceptional offerings from the Van Winkle stable, and a bottle of Willett Family Estate signed by Tom Brady. 

Proceeds from the Pope Francis and Tom Brady-signed bottles will benefit Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, TX; Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic in Lexington, KY; the Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko; and PAWs 4 the Cause in Lexington, KY. These charitable contributions reflect the profound values of faith and generosity embodied by Pope Francis.

Fr. Jim Sichko, Diocesan Evangelist and Papal Missionary of Mercy, commented: “These bottles are not just collector’s items—they are symbols of hope and compassion, created to do good in the world. I am deeply moved by the generosity of the bidders, and I know the proceeds will make a lasting difference for the charities they support. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis,Bishop Stowe,OFM, conv., and Tom Brady for their inspiration and support in making this initiative possible—it’s a testament to the incredible impact we can have when we come together for a greater cause.”

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.

AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Like this year, our auction is drawing to a close, finishing on Sunday 15^th December from 8pm GMT. Don’t miss out on your last chance to bid on some cracking drams, including this stunning Port Ellen 1982 from bottling supremos Gordon & MacPhail, part of their iconic Connoisseurs Choice range.

Or how about this little beauty? Distilled in 1975 at the now closed Inverness distillery Glen Albyn, then bottled around 2001/2002 at natural Cask strength. Part of the aptly named Rare Malts range.

Released to mark the 25th anniversary of the Roseisle Maltings which began work in 1981. This particular expression was distilled using the first barley malted at the facility. Distilled at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, aged 25 years then bottled at Cask strength. This is indeed a rare expression from the distinguished Highland distillery.

We love something different, like this private bottling for Ballindalloch Castle, the owners of Ballindalloch Distillery. A mysterious expression (rumoured to be from the neighbouring Glenfarclas Distillery), which was distilled in 1982 and bottled at Cask strength in 1999 in preparation for their Millennium party which was hosted by the Laird for locals to enjoy.

There really is something for everyone in this month’s auction and remember folks, if you want to place a cheeky late bid, you’ve got to be in it to win it! There’s still time to register at clickwhiskyauctions.com. Auction ends from 8PM GMT on Sunday 15^th December.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us throughout our second year at Click Whisky Auctions, including Whisky Intelligence who have been nothing short of amazing! Have a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2025 – Sláinte!

AUCTION WELL UNDERWAY!

With the auction well on its way, it’s a good time to take a closer look at a few of the bottlings on offer. Released between 2001 to 2004, Ardbeg’s wonderfully-aged vintage expressions were produced in small batches like this lovely 1977 example.

Staying in that awesome era of the 1970’s, have a look at this little gem. Distilled in 1971 at the now closed Montrose distillery Glen Esk, aged for 31 years, drawn from a single Cask and then bottled at natural Cask strength by Douglas Laing in 2001 for their prestigious Old Malt Cask range.

One of only 246 bottles produced.

Distilled in 1970 at the closed Hillside Distillery, then bottled around 1995/96 at natural Cask strength, this is an excellent example of the highly regarded Rare Malts range.

We have sixteen Manager’s Drams in this month’s auction, including these three little beauties! For this range, the distillery manager is tasked to choose the finest casks from a distillery to produce this yearly malt which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers.

These are only a few of the fascinating bottles in our December auction, we have much more to enjoy, including bottles from many of your other favourite distilleries. 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.

BONHAMS SKINNER PRESENTS SPIRITS FROM THROUGHOUT HISTORY IN DECEMBER SALE

View Catalogue

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.