IMPORTANT COLLECTION AT BONHAMS SKINNER IN APRIL

Six 750ml bottles of the Springbank Millenium Collection, estimated at $36,000 – 48,000. 

Boston – Bonhams Skinner’s Fine Wine and Rare Spirits department will present two sales in April that feature important collections from experts in their respective fields – Josh Raynolds, esteemed Wine Critic, and Joseph Congiusti, renowned international spirits authority and longtime Chicago retailer.

Rarest Spirits

April 8 – 18

Sale Page

One 750ml bottle of Bowmore Black Bowmore 1993, estimated at $10,000 – 15,000.

A collection of spirits from Joseph Congiusti (1950-2004), renowned international spirits authority and longtime Chicago retailer, will highlight the Rarest Spirits sale from April 8 – 18. During his 40-year career, Congiusti, known to his customers as Joe C., worked in many aspects of the liquor retail business and established an outstanding reputation with producers, wholesalers, suppliers and customers throughout the world. He was responsible for introducing and educating many consumers in the Chicago area about single malts in the early 1980s, building a demand, and then later in the decade, selecting and bottling casks of single malts. The offerings from the collection are highlighted by six bottles from the Springbank Millenium Collection, estimated at $36,000 – 48,000, as well as bottles of Bowmore ‘Black Bowmore’ from 1993, 1994 and the 1995 Final Edition, each estimated at $10,000 – 15,000.

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. More information here.

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 April 2024 collection schedule has been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the  collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 15th April 2024.

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.

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

APRIL AUCTION NOW LIVE!

We have a fantastic little auction for you this month, packed with a diverse range of old and rare bottlings, including this stunning 21 Years Old Port Ellen 25^th Anniversary Maltings. This is an incredibly rare bottle from the closed but iconic Islay distillery.

Another highly regarded closed distillery is Brora and this gorgeous example was distilled only a year before it closed its doors. Bottled by the prestigious Gordon & MacPhail as part of their hugely popular Connoisseur’s Choice range.

How about something completely different? This Hankey Bannister 40 Years Old was bottled to celebrate the 250^th Anniversary of the company. Beautifully presented in a wonderfully crated decanter with stopper and a pair of branded glasses, along with a certificate of authenticity. It’s a little piece of history!

Released in 2004, this limited edition 1983 Old Pulteney 21 Years Old caused a real stir at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards in 2006, winning double gold at the prestigious event!

These are only a few of the bottles in our APRIL 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 21st April from 8pm GMT.

We are live!

Looking to expand your whisky collection? Head to our April auction to see what your missing!  Bid now!

Auction closes from 8pm (GMT) Tuesday 16th April

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Macallan – 25 Years Old Anniversary Malts 

The 25 year old Anniversary Malt was produced for two decades before being replaced, and is now one of the most highly prized expressions in the world of whisky. A special bottling of unblended Single Highland malt Scotch whisky 25 years old. These Vintages whisky were distilled in 1965, 1966, 1967 & 1968 and bottled as part of Macallan’s Anniversary Malt series.

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March 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT- 08.04.24

ENDS TONIGHT: March Auction

Our March auction ends tonight! Featuring over 7000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles. We’re excited to share the inaugural Demeter Collection in partnership with the OurWhisky Foundation. Featuring 18 singular lots crafted and inspired by the industry’s most talented women, proceeds from the auction will go to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Cadenhead ‘dumpie’ selection

Karuizawa 1986 Single Sherry Cask #2399 / Scotch Whisky Research Centre – One of 15

The Demeter Collection

For a full lot guide, see our digital magazine 📖

Lost Inverness Distilleries

Club delle Fattorie Connoisseur’s Choice

Welcome one and all to our now live 154th auction!  Spring has sprung, the nights are brighter and what better way to celebrate than by snaffling a bottle of something special from the fantastic selection we’ve got for you this month.  We have bottles of every style and profile, and from every known whisky-making region on the planet, so if you can’t find something you like in here then you just haven’t scrolled far enough yet.  To help you out we’ve plucked a few great bottles from the throng to get you started.

Springbank 20 Year Old Celebrating 1000 Reviews at Ralfy.com

First up we have a bottle from a long-time friend of Scotch Whisky Auctions, the irrepressible Ralfy of ralfy.com fame.  The bottle in question is a mighty fine 20 year old Springbank and is one of only 2 bottles created to celebrate Ralfy’s 1000th review.  One is going behind the bar at The Bon Accord in Glasgow (a regular haunt of ours here at SWA), which makes this bottle the only one on the planet available to buy in its entirety!  If that doesn’t qualify it as a bona fide rarity of the highest order then I don’t know what does.  Even better all the proceeds are going to charity so you can feel good about yourself at the same time as securing a one-off bottling the likes of which may never be seen again.

For a fuller description here is the man himself telling the story of the bottle.

Macallan 1946 52 Year Old Select Reserve with Certificate and Keys 75cl

This Macallan 1946 52 Year Old Select Reserve really looks the part, presented in a simple and understated locking wooden box, which could come in handy for keeping this beauty away from prying eyes.  The whisky itself has been waiting patiently in a sherry cask for 52 years prior to being bottled. No fancy packaging or bling, this is one classy act. We would say that it’s a must have for Macallan collectors but that’s too obvious. This is a bottle for connoisseurs of whisky.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt King of Diamonds 2nd Edition

Next up we have a great bottle all the way from the land of the rising sun, this is the Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Card King of Diamonds 2nd Edition.  This series was a marketing masterstroke and featured a different playing card on the label of each release, allowing people to easily remember their favourites and encouraging collectors to complete the full deck. There were only 17 years of production at Hanyu so stocks are limited and scarce.  While not quite as coveted as the 1st edition this is still one of only 555 bottles released making it rather rare indeed.

Springbank 1996 27 Year Old JJ Adams ‘Mouse Fight’ Series 1 with Prints 50cl

Finally we have a particularly nifty little bottling, the Springbank 1996 27 Year Old JJ Adams ‘Mouse Fight’ Series 1 with Prints 50cl.  Bottled by Rare Whisky in collaboration with celebrated British pop artist JJ Adams this a well-aged Springbank that comes with a rather nice print which aims to settle the age-old question of who would win in a transatlantic square go between Mickey Mouse and Danger Mouse.  I mean, Danger Mouse, obviously.  One of only 290 bottles released this is a great wee collaboration between one of Scotland’s best distilleries and one of the UK’s coolest artists.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.

Unique Springbank auction at ScotchWhiskyAuctions.com

A creative collaboration brings two new limited-edition whiskies to ‘The Dalmore Luminary Series’ curated in partnership with V&A Dundee

The collaboration is the second chapter of The Dalmore Luminary Series curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, which brings together luminaries from the worlds of whisky and architectural design

‘The Rare’ 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt, housed in a dramatic glass sculpture by Melodie Leung of Zaha Hadid Architects, will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in May 2024 with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee

L2R: The Dalmore’s Richard Paterson OBE, Zaha Hadid Architects Melodie Leung, and The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass at The Dalmore Distillery

The Dalmore Luminary Series, curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, is releasing new masterpieces: a remarkable glass amber sculpture and collectable presentation case housing two new, exceptionally rare Highland Single Malt whiskies. The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition will be offered at auction with all proceeds donated to Scotland’s design museum, and The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition will be available at leading luxury and specialist retailers globally from April 2^nd, 2024.

The three-part series celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence through compelling collaborations between luminaries in whisky mastery and architectural design. The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition sees the whisky and its sculptural housing designed by Melodie Leung, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, together with Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker at The Dalmore, and Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE.

Leung and The Dalmore whisky makers have worked side by side to share and examine where their intricate skills and knowledge converge. The result of the close collaboration is two, beautiful new releases that creatively stretch the signature styles of Zaha Hadid Architects and The Dalmore. Both of these promise to delight both whisky and design enthusiasts in a fascinating exploration of the interaction of flavour and form.

The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition presentation case

The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition

• Only three decanters and two sculptures will ever be made of The Rare, a 49 Year Old Single Malt from The Dalmore housed in a dynamic, glass amber sculpture designed by Leung and her team at Zaha Hadid Architects
• With an extraordinary maturation and blending process, the 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt offers layers of intense vanilla, dark berry fruit and cacao aromas, with a palate of freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenne pears and soft patisserie spices leading to a subtle, sweet smoke finish
• The whisky was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and a unique 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask

One covetable set is expected to attract interest from collectors globally and achieve upwards of six figures when offered at auction through Sotheby’s in May 2024, with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee.

The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition

• Whisky enthusiasts can also discover a one-of-a-kind expression from The Dalmore through The Collectible which features a small amount of exceptionally rare peated Dalmore spirit
• This introduces a whisper of herbal wood smoke over a nose of Manuka honey, crème brûlée, antique leather and delicate tropical notes complemented by a rich palate of ripe figs, oranges, forest fruits and brioche
• The 16 Year Old was matured in Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Graham’s Tawny Port pipes and Apostoles sherry casks, with a small portion in peated, hand-selected, ex-refill Bourbon casks
• The bottle is housed in a presentation case that echoes the glowing, swirling design of The Rare sculpture
• From April 2^nd 2024, 20,000 sets will be available at a recommended retail price of £275 at select luxury and specialist retailers worldwide as well as global travel retail

The carefully crafted elements of The Dalmore Luminary – 2024 Edition were conceived entirely collaboratively, with Glass, Paterson and Leung working symbiotically to bring the whiskies to life. Glass says: “This was a true meeting of minds, and the new releases beautifully express the shared journey we’ve all been on.

“While crafting our two new whiskies, we used the technique of time – nurtured carefully to transform through blending – to elevate The Dalmore to a new level. Flavour, colour and form meet together in a holistic sensory experience with swirls of texture, depth, complexity and nuance. We are delighted to finally be sharing these special whiskies with the world.”

Leung adds: “Experiencing The Dalmore’s outstanding craftsmanship first-hand and being initiated into the complex world of whisky making by Gregg and Richard provided extremely fertile ground for design inspiration. The sculpture we created for The Rare was inspired by our fascinating discussions around the interaction and flow of flavour notes in the whisky-making process. It mirrors the multiple layers of ageing and blending that went into creating this whisky, which is the exquisite product of nature channelled over time.”

The Rare and The Collectible are covetable additions to any serious collection and reflect the shared commitment of The Dalmore, V&A Dundee and Leung to champion exceptional design and innovation on a global scale. All proceeds from Sotheby’s sale of The Rare will be donated to V&A Dundee in support of its important mission to inspire and empower through design.

The Dalmore, Zaha Hadid Architects and V&A Dundee have combined forces and included the architectural practice in an exciting new exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Friday 29th March, Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World – see Editors Notes.

 https://www.thedalmore.com/en-gb/luminary-series/luminary-2024-edition/  

The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition

TASTING NOTES

• Aroma: Madagascan vanilla, rich dark berry fruits, cinnamon and dark cacao
• Palate: Freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenne pears, and soft patisserie spices
• Finishing notes: Sugared almonds, plums, roasted Colombian coffee with lifts to a subtle sweet wood smoke
• Bottled at 40.6% ABV, natural colour, and non-chill filtered

MATURATION

• The 49 Year Old was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and unique hybrid casks
• A final flourish in a bespoke 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask air-dried at The Dalmore distillery and hand-toasted by Glass himself

THE DALMORE LUMINARY – THE RARE – 2024 EDITION GLASS SCULPTURE

• The Dalmore worked closely with Fiaz Elson from The Glass Foundry – one of the few master glass artists with the necessary experience and vision to manipulate glass to the desired form – to combine modern techniques with a centuries-old craft to deliver this unique sculpture
• The sculpture was in the kiln at The Glass Foundry for 12 weeks
• The initial moulding was made at 890 degrees and held at that temperature for 15 hours to ensure all moisture and air bubbles were released. The temperature was then gradually lowered around a degree a day until it was at room temperature. After this proving period, it was lifted carefully from the kiln, weighing in at 80 kilograms
• In a process that took over 500 hours, the sculpture was then fine-polished by hand across the entire surface area to achieve the liquid texture and gloss finish

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• In addition to the set offered at auction at Sotheby’s, a second complete set will be held at the distillery’s Highland home and one further decanter will be saved for a final Luminary Series Compendium Edition No 1, 2 and 3
• Two designer proofs will also go on display at V&A Dundee and Zaha Hadid​ Architects

The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition

TASTING NOTES

• Aroma: Manuka honey, crème brûlée, antique leather, delicate tropical notes of pomegranate, guava, and cherry blossom
• Palate: Ripe figs, Seville oranges, forest fruits, passion fruit, lightly roasted Colombian coffee, fermented black limes, and brioche
• Finishing notes: Freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet wood spices, dark cacao, and Alphonso mangoes with a delicate whisper of herbal wood smoke
• Bottled at 48.6% ABV, natural colour, and non-chill filtered

New Exhibition at V&A Dundee – co-curated with the V&A to feature ZHA – Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World (opens 29 March 2024, free)

Photo City brings together iconic images from the V&A’s spectacular photography collections as well as works by contemporary photographers, architects, and digital artists to explore how photography and cities have influenced each other.

ZHA has works held at the V&A South Kensington and now V&A Dundee have included the architectural practice in a new exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Friday 29th March.

Supported by The Dalmore, the exhibition will be open to the public until 27 October to celebrate Dundee’s Decade of Design, the 10th anniversary of Dundee’s designation as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design.

The exhibition explores how photographs are powerful tools that not only document the city, but also help us to project and design future cities and new ways of living together. The exhibition also expands on the idea of what photography is by including contemporary imaging technologies such as GPS, drones, gaming technology and lidar scanning.

About The Dalmore

Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows renowned Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and his team to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.

About V&A Dundee

V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum is at the centre of Dundee’s reimagined waterfront and is part of the V&A family of museums that celebrate creativity in all its forms from across centuries, for everyone.

V&A Dundee features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.

The V&A and The Dalmore share a historic legacy of pioneering work and innovation. Founded in 1839, The Dalmore holds exclusive use of the royal 12-pointed stag emblem after the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the distillery’s historic owners, saved King Alexander III from a charging stag. Just over a decade later, in 1852, the V&A was founded with a mission to educate designers, manufacturers and the public in art and design. This followed the Great Exhibition of 1851 which was created and championed by Prince Albert.

From their respective homes in Scotland, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are integral community and cultural hubs at the heart of the region.

Today, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are proud champions of Scottish culture, and unite to celebrate a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their collaboration is anchored in exporting shared purpose, talent and stories, and in curating and advocating exceptional design and craftsmanship.

About Melodie Leung

Leung is Director at the internationally acclaimed design studio, Zaha Hadid Architects.

Having joined in 2005, Melodie worked alongside the late Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Zaha Hadid for 11 years, who entrusted her to lead a team of 500+ designers and architects. Our Luminary continues Zaha Hadid’s philanthropic endeavours, including nurturing up-and-coming designers to think individually, generate creative visions and aspire to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Leung was born and raised in Chicago, now living, and working in London, and is of Hong Kong heritage. She studied architecture at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and proceeded to a Masters of Architecture from the Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning at Columbia University, New York. ​

Zaha Hadid was described by many as one of contemporary architecture’s most influential figures, Leung narrates “…working with Zaha, in the practice that she founded, it was much more about challenging the process – so challenging each other, and our preconceptions in our design ideas.”

About Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) redefined architecture for the 21st century with a repertoire of projects that have captured imaginations across the globe. Form and space are woven within the structure of buildings that engage the senses, creating unrivalled spatial experiences that are clearly organized and intuitive to navigate.

Receiving the highest honours from civic, professional, and academic institutions worldwide, ZHA is one of the world’s most consistently inventive architectural studios—and has been for four decades. These 40 years of research are inscribed within more than 70 award-winning projects built for clients with reputations for excellence and visionary communities across six continents.

With over 80 pioneering designs currently in development around the world, ZHA is a global leader in improving how the industry constructs. Marrying advancements in design technologies with ecologically sound materials and sustainable construction practices, ZHA does not look at the disparate parts but works to understand them as a whole to meet the aspirations of each new generation.

The Dalmore
www.thedalmore.com
Facebook & Instagram @thedalmore

V&A Dundee
www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
Instagram & X @VADundee

Zaha Hadid Architects
www.zaha-hadid.com
Instagram @zahahadidarchitects
X @ZHA_News

March 2024 Auction // 29.04 – 08.04.24

Now Live: March Auction

A warm welcome to our March auction. Featuring over 7000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles. We’re excited to share the inaugural Demeter Collection in partnership with the OurWhisky Foundation. Featuring 18 singular lots crafted and inspired by the industry’s most talented women, proceeds from the auction will go to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Cadenhead ‘dumpie’ selection

Karuizawa 1986 Single Sherry Cask #2399 / Scotch Whisky Research Centre – One of 15

The Demeter Collection

For a full lot guide, see our digital magazine 📖

Lost Inverness Distilleries

Club delle Fattorie Connoisseur’s Choice

Our March 2024 Auction ENDS SOON!

100th AUCTION!

Place your bids until 3pm (GMT) Sunday 24th March.

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!

Brora – 40 Year Old (1972) Cask Strength

Macallan – 1949 Millennium 50 Year Old

Karuizawa – 1999-2000 (Koi Fish Collection) Wealth Solutions (3 x 70cl)

Tomatin – 50 Year old (125th Anniversary) 70cl + 5cl

Ardbeg – 1976 (Single Cask #2390)

Highland Park – 1955 (R.W. Duthie for Corti Brothers) Narsai’s Restaurant (75cl)

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.