Our first collection schedule of 2025 has now been finalised. 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 13th January 2025.

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

The 163rd auction is now well underway, 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.

Dalmore 1966 40 Year Old 75cl

First up is an absolute belter from a distillery which has grown its profitable reputation in the secondary market in recent years, this is the Dalmore 1966 40 Year Old 75cl.  Produced under the watchful eye of Scotch whisky stalwart Richard Paterson this tremendously well-aged expression was distilled way back in 1966 and has spent four decades ageing to perfection.  Smooth and rich this really is dram to behold.

American Single Casks

We’ve been lucky enough to be exclusively selling the first batch of releases from a new American indpendent bottler, American Single Cask, over the last few auctions.  With all six bottlings now released we have three of each available in the auction this month.  These are some really interesting single cask drams from some lesser known US distilleries, and have been highly rated within the industry.

Bowmore Black 1964 42 Year Old 

A midweek highlight reel wouldn’t be complete without something special from Islay and this Bowmore Black 1964 42 Year Old most certainly fits the bill.  First of the fabled Trilogy of the 1964 Bowmores this Black Bowmore was distilled on the 5^th November 1964 and matured within five Oloroso sherry casks. After slumbering patiently for fourty two years 827 bottles of this marvelous liquid were finally released in 2007.  A favourite with collectors this brilliant Bowmore is certain to turn some heads this month.

Nikka Taketsuru 35 Year Old 75cl

Finally we have a Japanese whisky with some distinctively Scottish roots, the Nikka Taketsuru 35 Year Old 75cl.  Arguably the “grandfather” of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru learned his trade studying Organic Chemistry at The University of Glasgow in 1918, before apprenticing at Longmorn, and laterally Hazelburn distilleries.  This beauty contains some of the oldest whisky from Yoichi and Miayagikyo stock and was originally only for the Japanese market.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.  We’ve also made some amendments to our terms and conditions which can be viewed here.  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 Extended December Auction

20.12.24 – 06.01.2025

ENDS TONIGHT: Extended December 2024 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

Our December 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

Place your bids until 7pm (BST) Sunday 5th January 2025.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Bowmore – 52 Year Old (ARC-52)

Springbank – 50 Year Old (Millennium Limited Edition) 75cl

Lagavulin – 12 Year Old (White Horse, 1970s)

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1981) Single Cask #8223

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Our 163rd auction is now live!

Christmas is over and Hogmanay too but fear not we have just the thing to push away those post-festive blues, our 163rd auction is now live!  If you are anything like me then your drinks cabinet has become somewhat depleted in the last few weeks, so let’s see if we can fix that for you.  We have thousands of bottles of high-quality drams to choose from and here are a few which have caught our eye this month.

Springbank 1965 Local Barley Cask #9

To begin with we have a bottle of Campbeltown’s finest, a rather marvellous Springbank 1965 Local Barley Cask #9.  The Local Barley series from Springbank is highly acclaimed and much sought after, and none more so than their 1960’s vintages.  Using wholly local ingredients this release really showcases the amazing resources in Kintyre which goes some way to explaining the sustained level of quality releases from Springbank, and Campbeltown more generally.

Rosebank 1967 26 Year Old Signatory

Our next highlight is a terrific example of the light Lowland style, this is the Rosebank 1967 26 Year Old Signatory.  Often overlooked in favour of their more northerly cousins Lowland whiskies often fly under the radar a little, Rosebank however bucks that trend and is rightfully regarded as one of Scotland’s finest malts.  Closed for almost thirty years it is now open again and distilling, but this beauty is from their earlier iteration.  Distilled in 1967 and aged for a hefty twenty-six years this is an impressive release from Signatory, who have gained a well-deserved good reputation for quality expressions.

Ardbeg 1976 Douglas of Drumlanrig Selected by the Scotch Single Malt Circle

Next up is a particularly delicious looking whisky if I don’t say so myself, this is the Ardbeg 1976 Douglas of Drumlanrig Selected by the Scotch Single Malt Circle.  Distilled at Islay heavyweight Ardbeg way back in 1976 this 55.5% dram was finally bottled in 2001 giving it more than two decades of ageing.  It was selected from the stocks of Langside Distillers for the German market by the Scotch Single Malt Circle and has received rave reviews ever since. Distilled during what is widely regarded as a golden period for Ardbeg this is dram with a whole lot going for it.

Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter

Last but by no means least we have the ever impressive Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter.  One of the oldest Macallan malts ever released by the distillery this release remains one of their finest to date, and that is saying something given the continuing quality of their output.  Distilled in the 1940’s this dram is supremely well-aged and comes in an elegant decanter designed by Lalique to mimic the style of the new distillery and visitor centre at Macallan, opened in 2018.  Housed in an exquisite case by esteemed cabinet makers NEJ Stevenson this really is a thing of beauty.As always, we have a wide range of high-quality drams available from modest tipples to bucket list bad boys 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.

ralfy review – THREE Great Auction bottle -buys in 2024

Our December 2024 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (BST) Friday 20th December until 7pm (BST) Sunday 5th January 2025.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Bowmore – 52 Year Old (ARC-52)

Springbank – 50 Year Old (Millennium Limited Edition) 75cl

Lagavulin – 12 Year Old (White Horse, 1970s)

Karuizawa – 35 Year Old (1981) Single Cask #8223

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

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.