The Grand Whisky Auction is closing soon!
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2100+ lots to browse and bid on!
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American Whiskey | An Enduring Fascination // 13 – 23 May 2022
Now Live: American Whiskey Auction
A warm welcome to American Whiskey | An Enduring Fascination.
Featuring over 800 rare expressions, this auction offers both emerging whiskey collectors and seasoned connoisseurs with an unrivalled opportunity to acquire some of America’s most sought-after whiskeys.
Spotlighting over 70 exclusive barrel picks at its heart, the auction celebrates the enduring fascination among whiskey enthusiasts for private barrel selects.
Private Barrel Selects Magazine: Please browse our latest digital magazine which focuses on some of the world’s most exclusive and sought-after private label whiskeys.
Van Winkle 1975 Special Reserve 19 Year Old for Corti Brothers / Stitzel-Weller
Rare Expressions from Heaven Hill Bardstown
Mount Vernon Rye 1903 Macy and Jenkins 1/5 Gallon / Pre-Prohibition
Willett Family Estate 1984 Single Barrel 24 Year Old Bourbon #637 / Bonili
Dougherty’s 11 Year Old Pre-Prohibition Blend of Straight Rye Whiskies
The Grand Whisky Auction is live!
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2100+ lots to browse and bid on!
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Sotheby’s Largest Ever Spirits Auction
Over 1,000 Lots of Scotch Whisky to be Offered in New York this May
NEW YORK, 6 MAY 2022 – Advance bidding is now open on Sotheby’s largest ever spirits auction, of over 1,000 lots made up exclusively of Scotch whisky. The sale comprises two major collections: The Three Continents Collection Part IV, whose reputation precedes it, and introducing The Hollywood Collection. With a combined estimate in the region of $1.5 million, the sale will be presented live from Sotheby’s in New York on 10 May.
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA, said: “Recent years have seen Sotheby’s set auction records for the most valuable whisky bottle and whisky collection of all time, so it seems only fitting that we are now staging our largest ever spirits auction by volume. Spirits represent an increasingly important market for Sotheby’s, as we saw in 2021 with a record year and a 42% increase in sales. Dominating the auction line-up are Scotch whiskies, which have a global appeal and the ability to age for decades, two selling points that are inextricably linked by collectors’ desires to own the oldest and rarest bottles available on the market.”
The Hollywood Collection – so called due to its provenance after being fortuitously acquired by a Californian entrepreneur in 2008 – is truly one of the most impressive ensembles of whisky to have come to auction. A large container of East Coast and Midwest-import Scotch whisky was compiled by a US whisky broker with the intention of shipping it to Los Angeles to be sold to movie industry personnel. Actors, producers and directors were all on the recipients list for these rare bottles. With the change in the financial climate, this container of whisky set for Hollywood found itself unopened.
The Hollywood Collection consignor heard about the container and immediately drove to Los Angeles to purchase the entire collection. During the 14 years that have since elapsed, these bottles have been lovingly stored at his home in Sothern California, with many being consumed over this time – making this a collection that has not been admired simply for its impressive scale, but also one that has been consumed and enjoyed to the fullest extent.
The Three Continents Collection is the largest single owner collection of whisky ever to be offered by Sotheby’s and contained a vast collection of Scotch, American and Japanese whiskies. The 5,000 bottles from this collection have been distributed across multiple auctions, from a single owner sale that achieved over $2m at the end of 2021 to this, the fourth iteration of The Three Continents made up of exclusively Scotch Whisky bottles.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Macallan Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old 43.0 abv 1949, 1 bottle, est. $26,000-30,000 (lot 5001)
The Balvenie 50 Year Old 42.0 abv 1937, 1 bottle, est. $20,000-26,000 (lot 5298)
The Macallan Fine & Rare 37 Year Old 58.2 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $20,000-28,000 (lot 5003)
The Macallan 40 Year Old 2016 Release 43.0 abv NV, 1 bottle, est. $20,000-24,000 (lot 5015)
Bowmore 40 Year Old 42.0 abv 1955, 1 bottle, est. $18,000-24,000 (lot 5359)
The Macallan Fine & Rare 50 Year Old 50.8 abv 1952, 1 bottle, est. $18,000-22,000 (lot 5004)
Bowmore Oloroso Cask 38 Year Old 42.9 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $15,000-20,000 (lot 5376)
Bowmore White Bourbon Cask 43 Year Old 42.8 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $14,000-20,000 (lot 5384)
The Macallan Select Reserve 52 Year Old 40.0 abv 1946,1 bottle, est. $13,000-16,000 (lot 5010)
Bowmore Fino Cask 37 Year Old 49.6 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $13,000-18,000 (lot 5374)
The Macallan Over 49 Year Old 48.8 abv 1951, 1 bottle, est. $12,000-15,000 (lot 5007)
The Macallan 48.8 abv 1951, 1 bottle, est. $12,000-15,000 (lot 5009)
The Macallan Exceptional Cask 2017/ESB-9182/01 46.6 abv 1997, 1 bottle, est. $12,000-18,000 (lot 5130)
The Macallan Over 40 Year Old 54.1 abv 1961, 1 bottle, est. $10,000-15,000 (lot 5006)
Bowmore Black First Release 50.0 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $10,000-15,000 (lot 5361)
The Macallan Archival Series Folio No. 1 43.0 abv NV, 1 bottle, est. $10,000-15,000 (lot 5117)
VIEW ONLINE CATALOGUE HERE
About Sotheby’s Wine
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare 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 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits hit a record $132 million in 2021, a 44% increase on 2020. Sotheby’s Wine currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection 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 auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.
Below you will find our May 2022 collection schedule. This month we will be including a trip to Orkney. Our Islay and Campbeltown collections will tie in with the Feis Ile. We will update the collection information as the dates have been confirmed. To register your interest in a collection please complete the form which can be found HERE no later than 12noon on Monday 9th May 2022.
Scotland
Collection Points
Inverness – Tuesday 10th May 2022 – From 11am by appointment
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Tuesday Tuesday 10th May 2022 – From 11am by appointment
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 2022 at 12 noon
Aberdeen – Wednesday 11th May 2022 – from 11am by appointment only
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Islay – May date TBC
Home Collections
Perth – Wednesday 11th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May at 12 noon
Dumfries – Monday 16th May/Tuesday 17th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Ayrshire – Tuesday 17th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Fife & Kinross- Thursday 19th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Stirlingshire – Thursday 19th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Edinburgh – Monday 23rd May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Orkney – Tuesday 24th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Campbeltown – May date TBC
England
England – Home Collections – Thursday 12th May 2022 – Monday 16th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Collection Points
Manchester – SK8 – Monday 16th May 2022
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
London AM – NW2, SW16, E16 – Sunday 15th May 2022 – from 10am by appointment only
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
London Evening – W14 – Sunday 15th May 2022 – from 10am by appointment only
* Request deadline Monday 9th May 2022 at 12 noon
Wales
Newport – NP18 – Saturdday 14th May 2022
*Request deadine Monday 9th May 2022 at 12noon
Collections are limited and by appointment only. If you would like to attend please complete the form which can be found here. Please note deadlines apply for collection requests.
It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift. In addition a submission form and label should be completed. Submission forms can now be completed via your main accounts page.
A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery (to collection point) 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.
BONHAMS LAUNCHES FIRST WHISKY SALE IN PARIS
EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE BOTTLES ON OFFER
View the catalogue: Bonhams : Whisky d’Exception
15-year-old Laphroaig, 1967 (Estimate: €28,000 – €38,000)
Paris – Bonhams is holding its first whisky sale in Paris. The 189-lot sale of exceptional Whisky will take place on Tuesday May 10, at Bonhams, 4 rue de la Paix, Paris.
Diego Lanza, Senior Whisky Specialist at Bonhams, said: “For our first whisky sale in Paris we have selected rare bottles, notably from Italian collections, that will delight international whisky enthusiasts. Samaroli, one of the last Italian whisky trading companies, is represented here with rare bottles including the now coveted 15-year-old Laphroaig, 1967 (Estimate: €28,000 – €38,000). Not only does it score 98 points on Whiskyfun.com, but it’s also ranked as the best whisky on Whiskybase.com. A truly legendary whisky, which we are very proud to offer at our first spirits auction in our Paris saleroom.”
This international whisky giant, selected and imported by Silvano Samaroli, is appreciated by whisky lovers around the world. It is generally regarded as one of the best sherry bottlings from the Islay distillery.
Other key lots from the May 10 sale include:
· Springbank-12 year old. Interest in Springbank among collectors has really increased in recent years. This 12-year-old bottle is considered by connoisseurs to be the best ever produced and a single malt icon. Selected by the legendary Italian bottler Silvano Samaroli, it is part of a small batch produced and imported exclusively for the Italian market. The level of this bottle of Springbank is perfect. (Estimate: €15,000-€20,000).
· Highland Park-19 year old. The 19-year-old Highland Park was only distributed on the Italian market and produced in small quantities. This bottle is from a limited edition of 60 and is accompanied by a numbered Edinburgh crystal decanter. It is one of the rare examples on the market. (Estimate: €1,600 – €2,000).
· Macallan-10 year old. It’s no secret that the Macallan is probably the most collected brand of whisky. Macallan 10-year old bottles bottled by Gordon & MacPhail are particularly rare and sought after by whisky lovers, especially when bottled at high strength like this one at 100° Proof (57% volume). (Estimate: €1,100 to €1,400).
· Longmorn-1974. Distilled in the 1960s, Old Longmorn is still highly sought after for its sherry undertones. This bottle celebrating the 20th anniversary of Samaroli is particularly remarkable, with notes of coffee, soy and grapefruit on both the palate and the nose. It’s as easy to collect as it is to drink. (Estimate: €2,200 – €3,000).
Sale: Fine Whisky and Spirits Location: 4 rue de la Paix, ParisDate: Tuesday 10 May
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewellery, watches, wine and whisky. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com
As our 131st auction progresses we thought we’d take the opportunity to pick out some curiosities that you might otherwise have missed.
An unusual bottling from Ardbeg this one, a 33 year old marriage made in heaven of a 1974 bourbon cask and a 1975 sherry cask. The result is a unique and coveted expression, released in 2015 to celebrate Ardbeg’s bicentenary.
Mortlach 1968 Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail
This marvelous looking liquid was distilled at Mortlach, the so-called ‘Beast of Dufftown’, before man had even been to the moon! Bottled from a First Fill Sherry Hogshead as part of celebrated Indie bottler Gordon & MacPhail’s Private Collection, this would be a welcome addition to any collection.
Ben Wyvis 1972 Munton & Fison 75cl
An unusual and exceptionally rare bottle this one. Distilled at Ben Wyvis in 1972, the distillery itself was only operational for 11 years, closing permanently shortly after in 1977. This whisky was distilled using malts solely from esteemed malting company Munton & Fison, and was bottled for them too. This lot is a genuine piece of whisky history.
The auction will draw to a close on Sunday night, so make sure to get bidding now to secure your most coveted bottles this month.
WORLD’S LARGEST BOTTLE OF SCOTCH WHISKY TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT LYON & TURNBULL
Record-breaking the intrepid stands at almost 6ft tall and contains 311 litres of 32-year-old The Macallan single malt whisky
Range of charities will benefit from the sale of bottling inspired by passion for exploration
The world’s largest bottle of Scotch whisky, The Intrepid, standing at 5ft 11 inches tall and filled with a record-breaking 311 litres of 32-year-old The Macallan, will be auctioned by leading international auction house Lyon & Turnbull, which is headquartered in Edinburgh, on 25 May.
The auction, which will be live online at 12 noon (GMT) on 25 May at Lyon & Turnbull, is set to attract interest from bidders across the globe. It is hoped the bottle may break the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold which is $1.9m. For any amount the sale achieves above £1.3m, 25 per cent will be donated to the Marie Curie charity.
The Intrepid was officially certified by Guinness World Records when it was bottled last year. The bottle, which contains 32-year-old whisky from world-renowned The Macallan Distillery, contains the equivalent of 444 standard bottles.
Daniel Monk and the team behind The Intrepid, a partnership between Fah Mai and Rosewin Holdings, were inspired by a passion for adventure, exploration and a desire to help raise money for several charities.
They named The Intrepid to celebrate the drive and record-breaking achievements of 11 of the world’s most pioneering explorers who are featured on the bottle. These include such luminaries as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dr. Geoff Wilson, Karen Darke MBE, Olly Hicks, Sarah Outen MBE, Dwayne Fields FRGS, Levison Wood FRGS, Felicity Aston MBE and past Scottish Adventurers of the Year Jamie Ramsay and Will Copestake.
The project is supporting the explorers chosen environmental, physical and mental well-being charities. These include Marie Curie, selected by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), chosen by Jamie Ramsay.
Colin Fraser of Lyon & Turnbull, who will lead the auction, said: “I’m sure there will be significant global interest in the auction of The Intrepid, a unique collection spearheaded by the record-breaking bottling standing at an incredible 5ft 11 inches tall.
Bidders will have the chance to buy a piece of Scotch whisky history. They will become the owners of an exclusive 32-year old single-malt Scotch from what is widely regarded as one of the world’s best distilleries, The Macallan.”
Founder of The Intrepid Project, Daniel Monk, said: “The Intrepid could only have been made possible by the explorers and their commitment. They showed unquestionable personal drive and through the auction we will support a wide ranging group of charities with significance to the explorers. This will become part of The Intrepid’ s legacy and leave a lasting impact.”
After maturing in two sister casks in Macallan’s Speyside warehouse for 32 years, the exclusive liquid was bottled last year by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, one of the leading independent whisky bottling companies.
To commemorate this momentous event, a small number of exclusive bottle sets were also produced. These comprise a collection of 12 bottles, each filled with the remaining 32-year old The Macallan whisky from the same casks used to fill the record-breaking bottle. Each set includes a replica of the main bottle design along with individual versions dedicated to each of the explorers associated with the project.
The entire Intrepid Collection, led by the 311-litre bottle, will be auctioned at Lyon & Turnbull and is set to generate international interest.
Charles MacLean MBE, renowned whisky expert and Master of the Quaich, said: “The Intrepid is an elegant whisky, with subtle complexity. Its pale hue implies second or third fill casks, which has prevented the flavour being dominated by wood extractives. Intriguing and easy to enjoy straight – with (many!) friends – on any occasion.”
For more information please visit: www.lyonandturnbull.com/the-intrepid-whisky
TASTING NOTES
Full tasting notes of this incredible whisky available on request.
AUCTION
THE INTREPID World Record Whisky
25th May 2022 at 12noon
Live Online
www.lyonandturnbull.com/the-intrepid-whisky
ABOUT LYON & TURNBULL
Operating since 1826, Lyon & Turnbull are one of the UK’s premier fine art and luxury auctioneers. The company’s galleries in London and Glasgow complement the historic Georgian headquarters and main saleroom in Edinburgh. Hosting nearly 45 specialist auctions per year across the UK there is always something to see at Lyon & Turnbull: from jewellery and watches to fine furniture; traditional British and European art to Modern & Contemporary stars; European decorative arts and design to fine Asian art from China and Japan. www.lyonandturnbull.com
ABOUT CHARLES MACLEAN MBE – MASTER OF THE QUAICH
Charles MacLean has been described by The Times as Scotland’s leading whisky expert . He has been researching and writing about whisky for nearly forty years, and has published 15 books on the subject, including Malt Whisky, which won a Glenfiddich Award, and Whisky: A Liquid History, which won ‘Wine & Spirits Book of the Year’ in the James Beard Awards 2005 and ‘Best Drinks Book’ in the International Food Media Awards 2005. He was founding editor of Whisky Magazine (1997), contributes regularly to many publications and has written historical and promotional materials for all the leading Scotch whisky companies.
He is a member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International Wines & Spirits Competition, was runner-up as ‘Communicator of the Year’ in the 2003 IWSC Awards and won ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Scotch Whisky’ in the 2012 Awards. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1992, elevated to Master of the Quaich in 2009.
Auction Ending Soon!!
Auction closing from 2000 GMT Friday 6th May.
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Highland Whisky Auctions, a rapidly growing bespoke online whisky auction with some of the lowest rates on the market. Founded in 2021 by Ryan and Cherie, their passion and pride for whisky with growing up in the heart of Speyside as well as working in the industry has driven them to start this new journey and provide fellow whisky enthusiasts an extremely user-friendly auction platform. Whether you are a beginner, drinker or already a collector of whisky, we provide something for everyone with a huge variety of bottles every month. 0% Sellers & only 8.5% Buyers commission.
Auction ending 6th May.
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AUCTION LIVE!!
Browse a stunning selection of over 350 lots in this month’s auction.
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0% Sellers & only 8.5% Buyers commission.
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Auction ends Friday 6th May.
Click here to register as a user, (only £4+VAT).
We offer FREE valuations to give you an idea of what your whisky may sell for at auction.
We also offer FREE* bottle collections across the UK.
Contact us to arrange a valuation or collection.
www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com
