Scotch Whisky Auctions are on the road again!

Please see below for our final collection before Christmas. To register your interest in a collection please complete the form which can be found here. Please note home collections are available to those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000 and above in towns and cities where we do not offer a collection point. Please get in touch if your area is not listed below but you would like a home collection. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

Collections are limited and by appointment only. If you would like to attend please complete the form which can be found here. Please note dead lines apply for collection requests. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift. In addition the attached submission form and label should be completed. 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.

Submission Form & Label

ULF BUXRUD’S RARE MALTS  WHISKY COLLECTION
GOES TO AUCTION

Ulf Buxrud, renowned collector, connoisseur, author and leading educator in the whisky industry will exclusively offer his complete personal collection of Diageo’s ultra-collectible Rare Malts Selection, in a dedicated auction hosted by global market leaders Whisky Auctioneer. The Rare Malts Selection is one of the most highly regarded whisky collections  in the world and its provenance makes this an unmissable opportunity for whisky collectors around the world.

Buxrud has been at the forefront of the whisky world for over five decades and is perhaps best known in the industry for authoring his definitive book on the Rare Malts Selection in 2016, Rare Malts: Facts, Figures and Taste. The book provides a historical account of this legendary series of malt whiskies demonstrating Ulf as an expert authority on the collection.

The auction, running from 9 to 13 December, will feature over 100 expressions from the  acclaimed Rare Malts Selection, including complete verticals from legendary distilleries such as Port Ellen and Glenury Royal which are no longer producing liquid. It also features export editions which were bottled exclusively for the U.S. and South African markets.

Ulf Buxrud, said:

“It is a momentous occasion for me to see my complete Rare Malts collection come to auction. The series is one of the most iconic whisky series in the world and I am very fortunate to have tasted every expression. It was my admiration for these whiskies that set me onto a journey of research that led me to authoring my first whisky book.

“I am very excited to unveil my collection in partnership with Whisky Auctioneer allowing future whisky lovers and lost distillery enthusiasts across the globe the opportunity to get hold of these extremely rare bottles.”

Earlier this year Whisky Auctioneer achieved a record-price for a Rare Malts Selection bottle in their dedicated Brora Auction. The 1972 Rare Malt 22-year-old 60.02% sold for a hammer price £20,500, smashing the pre-auction estimate by over £8,000.

Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer said:

“Selling a private collection is always exciting for us, but handling the sale of one from such a prominent and respected name in the world of whisky is particularly special. Ulf’s book is the most comprehensive historical account of this legendary series so it’s truly a privilege for us to bring this to auction.

“Comprising over 100 expressions this is a rare opportunity for seasoned collectors looking for just one or two more bottles to complete a series, or equally for those just starting their collections.

“We are sure that the association and provenance of Ulf Buxrud’s name will entice connoisseurs from all over the world and I am in no doubt that any bottle from this dedicated auction would delight any whisky fan.”

In addition to authoring his book on the Rare Malts Selection, Buxrud authored Japanese Whisky, Facts, Figures and Taste. An important figure in the industry, he is one of the famous Malt Maniacs and also contributed to the very first issue of The Malt Whisky Yearbook.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

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About the Rare Malts Selection

As interest in single malt continued to climb in the 1990s following the newly-formed United Distillers (now Diageo) first committed play in the single malt market with the introduction of the ‘Classic Malts of Scotland’, one product of this was the historic Rare Malts Selection. This was a series of older, rarer single malt releases from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo from 1995 to 2005. The Rare Malts were predominantly from closed distilleries, each distilled in the 1960s – 1980s, aged for at least 18 years and bottled at cask strength. This powerful triptych combined with liquid scarcity set the world of whisky collecting alight.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at online auction. Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and geography. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare, and collectible whiskies and spirits available online. Whisky Auctioneer is passionate about connecting these bottles with those who share their passion and actively supporting their customers in their aims, whether consuming, collecting, or investing.

Whisky Auctioneer became the first online auction house to sell a million-pound bottle and outperformed the nearest traditional auction house by 200% in value from spirits sales in 2020. This showcases the move that whisky collectors, investors, and drinkers have already made online and firmly establishes their leading position within the modern secondary whisky market.

The business currently sees over 100,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe. It also opened its first European base in Germany last year. The business’ founder, Iain McClune, was listed as ‘One to Watch’ in The Telegraph’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2020 programme.

Background information on Ulf Buxrud

Ulf’s first contact with alcohol was at the European Club in the city of Abadan in Persia (now Iran), at the age of 15. It was the then famous blended whisky ‘Black & White’, which now is a bit hard to find. His infatuation was instant and intensive, and life lasting.

During a string of years his libation was the usual, traditional whisky blends, with an ice cube or a dash of soda water. Suddenly, around 1970, he found his salvation and his road. The saviour was The Macallan.

In the early 1980’s when overwhelmed with his burgeoning single malt collection, Buxrud began to utilise the techniques he had acquired in wine tasting and the descriptive lingo to systematically explore his accumulated stockpile.

By the end of the 1980s, Buxrud had developed a tasting scheme for guiding at first wine enthusiasts and close friends in Sweden, but then a large number of whisky enthusiasts. They all gained an understanding and knowledge of the world of whiskies under his pro bono tutorship. This activity was recognised and by that he received an invitation to join the illustrious ‘Keeper of the Quaich’, in 1995.

INAUGURAL CHARITY SCOTCH WHISKY AUCTION
– ORGANISED BY THE DISTILLER’S CHARITY IN COLLABORATION WITH SOTHEBY’S –
TOTALS £3.1 MILLION / $4.1 MILLION, TWO AND A HALF TIMES THE LOW ESTIMATE

Edinburgh, 3 December 2021 – Over 40 exceptional whiskies and experiences found new owners from all over the world on December 3rd, when the first in a series of auctions under the banner The Distillers One of One took place at Barnbougle Castle near Edinburgh, organised by The Distiller’s Charity, the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, in collaboration with Sotheby’s.

The auction was staged in the Banqueting Hall, during a lively lunch where the bidders regularly erupted into applause as records tumbled, new benchmarks were set, and funds were raised for the charitable causes. Collectors in the room, on the telephones and online competed for the 42 lots on offer, and by the time the sale drew to a close, the auction had reached a total of £3.1 million / $4.1 million, two and a half times the pre-sale low estimate. Participants from around the world were out in force with registrants from 24 countries.

Over £2 million will be divided between four charity partners of The Youth Action Fund, which has been created by The Distillers’ Charity to transform the life chances of 16 to 25-year-old people in Scotland, empowering them to create positive change in their lives and communities.

Jonathan Driver, Master of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, said: “We are truly overwhelmed by the amount that has been raised and are so grateful to all of the sponsors, brands and bidders who got involved, donated spectacular lots and showed us incredible support, for making this happen. To know that over £2.5 million will now be distributed to help young people across Scotland through our charity partners is really special. The success of our first auction is so exciting and we are thrilled that we can continue to support more people for at least the next six years, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Sotheby’s. This whole event wouldn’t have been possible had companies of all sizes from across the Scotch Whisky industry not come together in this amazing collective endeavour. It showcases just how extraordinary the people who work in the world of Scotch Whisky are and we are privileged to have been the catalyst for this landmark sale. We want to extend a huge thanks to everyone involved.”

Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Wine, said: “Our global wine and spirits team were delighted to partner with The Worshipful Company of Distillers and their philanthropic arm, The Distillers’ Charity, to create a new series of charity auctions that showcase the best of the Scotch Whisky industry and provide important funds to benefit disadvantaged young people in Scotland. The phenomenal outcome of this auction follows the significant success of the recent Hospices de Beaune wine sale and we look forward to our first auction with the Napa Valley Vintners early in the year. We are committed to working together with these charitable organisations to unite collectors with special opportunities to acquire rare bottles, while benefiting the communities of each region.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “Working with The Worshipful Company of Distillers to present the biggest charity auction project in the history of Scotch Whisky has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. This was a truly unique collection of whiskies, for which we can thank the creativity and generosity of the distilleries who willingly came on board. Equally generous were the collectors who participated, driving the overall total beyond expectations. Record prices were achieved for Bowmore, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Ladyburn, and Talisker, and more besides.”

Leading the sale was the spectacular four bottle set of Glenfiddich from the 1950s (1955, 1957, 1958 and 1959). An extended 30-minute bidding battle broke out as eight collectors competed against each other, driving the final sale price to £1,037,500 / $1,380,760 (est. £220,000-350,000). Provided by William Grant & Sons, this ultra-rare collector’s piece established a new auction record for Glenfiddich.

The second most valuable lot of the sale was the Talisker 1978 Cask of Distinction, which was competed for by several collectors in the room, online and on the telephones, selling to a private collector for a record price of £625,000 / $831,780 (est. £350,000-500,000). This 43 Year Old cask of still-maturing Talisker single malt Scotch whisky was offered with a cask-end that has been turned into an original work of art by acclaimed Scottish painter Callum Innes.

A new auction record was achieved when the Bowmore Onyx 51 Year Old 1970 – presented in a striking, hand-blown, 1.4l black glass vessel taking its inspiration from the terroir of its island home – surpassed its estimate, selling for £400,000 / $532,340 (est. £100,000-180,000).

A further auction record was achieved for ‘lost’ distillery, Ladyburn, when a bottle of 54-year-old whisky distilled in 1966, uniquely labelled with a highly sought-after, hand-signed photograph by David Bailey of John Lennon, made £81,250 / $108,132 (est. £15,000-30,000).

Other significant purchases on the day, from those looking to secure themselves a piece of liquid history, included The Glen Garioch Twin Casks in Cradle 1990 and 2021, which realised £112,500 / $149,720 (est. £100,000-150,000), and The Balvenie 56 Year Old 1964, which exceeded its estimate of £50,000-80,000 to sell for £175,000 / $232,900.

Several once-in-a-lifetime whisky experiences were included in the auction, including the Gordon & MacPhail One of One Selection Experience from the 1940s or 1950s – an unforgettable, immersive visit to Speyside with the opportunity for the lucky recipient to work alongside the team to create their very own whisky – which sold for £87,500 / $116,450 (est. £80,000-160,000).

As well as the incredible support that the auction received through lot donations, the Distillers One of One auction was delighted to have the involvement of five sponsors that made the event possible. Blyth & Blyth, engineering design consultants, Simpson’s Malt, makers of high quality malt, Glencairn Crystal Studio, inventors of the industry’s favourite glass, The Glencairn Glass, J.C. Ribeiro, makers of high-quality cork stoppers and McLaren Packaging, designers and manufacturers of premium packaging.

Notes

The hammer price total of the Auction will benefit The Distillers’ Charity with ninety percent going to its newly created Youth Action Fund which will be used to change the life chances of disadvantaged young people in Scotland. The remaining ten percent will be used by The Distillers’ Charity for its general charitable purposes.

For this year’s auction, the Youth Action Fund will work together with the following four charities on specific initiatives in Scotland:
• Aberdeen Foyer, a charitable organisation supporting people towards independent living, learning and work;
• ENABLE Scotland, which delivers a range of support services across Scotland, including the ENABLE Works service which provides employment and skills support, assisting people with disabilities or other challenges into employment;
• Street League, which uses the power of sport to support young people living in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities into work;
• The Alcohol Education Trust (AET), which will work across the UK to keep young people safe around alcohol

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 totaled an outstanding $92 million in 2020, with over 15,000 lots sold across 41 sales – a nearly 50% increase in the number of auctions held in 2019. Over $60 million of wine and spirits were sold to online bidders in 2020 versus $28 million in 2019, with 85% of all lots offered finding online buyers. Demonstrating continued strength in Asia, Sotheby’s led the market in the region for the third consecutive year, with over 70% of the total bid amount in all Wine and Spirits sales attributed to collectors in Asia.

Sotheby’s Wine’s has had the privilege of auctioning numerous record-breaking wines and spirits in recent years, with 2020 alone witnessing new world auction records for any bottle of Japanese whisky, any bottle of whisky produced by the Dalmore Distillery, as well as any bottle of Cognac. 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 expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most expensive 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.

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead 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 app for iOS and Android.

VERY RARE MACALLAN LALIQUE 55-YEAR-OLD LEADS BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH

View the catalogue: Bonhams : Whisky Sale

A decanter of the Macallan Lalique 55-year-old. Estimate: £65,000-85,000.

Edinburgh – When it comes to the finest malt whiskies, there is rare – and very rare. The bottle of the Macallan Lalique 55-year-old to be offered at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on Tuesday 7 December falls squarely into the latter category. Numbered 412 out of a limited edition of 420, the decanter comes in a presentation case accompanied by a crystal stopper. It is estimated at £65,000-85,000.

Martin Green, Bonhams Head of Whisky in Edinburgh, said, “Released in 2007, the 55-year-old was the second in the famous Macallan Lalique Six Pillars collection. The decanter is modelled on the Paquerettes Tiara perfume bottle, designed by René Lalique himself in 1910 for Roger & Gallet and the multicoloured crystal reflects the natural colour of the whisky within. This perfect marriage between two premier luxury brands has been described as legendary; many whisky collectors would agree.”

Other highlights of the sale include:

• Three unique decanters of Glenfiddich 1979 exclusively drawn by Malt Master Brian Kinsman from a hand-selected cask, which has lain untouched in the Grant family warehouse since 1979. Each hand-blown Baccarat crystal decanter is accompanied by a different motorsport experience at the Goodwood Estate. All the proceeds will go towards Race Against Dementia (RAD), the charity established by Scottish racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart and the official charity partner of the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard. RAD raises money to fund breakthrough and innovative dementia research. Each bottle is estimated at £6,500-10,000.  
• A bottle of Karuizawa Ruby Geisha-38 year old. Distilled by Karuizawa Distillery for Elixir Distillers. This is bottle 139 out of 223 and is offered in its original wooden presentation case. Estimate: £25,000-30,000. 
• A bottle of Port Ellen Casks of Distinction-40 year old-1979. Distilled and bottled by Port Ellen Distillery, Isle of Islay from a single cask. Bottle number 21 of 78, it too comes with its original wooden presentation case. Estimate: £18,000-22,000.

Sale: Whisky Location: 22 Queen Street, EdinburghDate: Tuesday 7 December at 11 am

View the catalogue: Bonhams : Whisky Sale

NOTES 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

BONHAMS LEADS THE WORLDWIDE WHISKY MARKET FOR MORE THAN A DECADE

 FINE AND RARE WHISKY SALE ON 19 NOVEMBER

·         More Than 100 Lots of Karuizawa Whisky 94% Sold and Totalling HK$16.2Million – Highest Total Realised for a Group of Karuizawa at Auction

·         Total Sell-Through Rate: 87%

·         Sale Total: HK$36.2million, eclipsing Pre-Sale High Estimate

·         Japanese Whisky more than 90% Sold

·         Macallan Lalique-57 Year Old Sells for HK$930,000, Exceeding High Estimate

·         Browse all results here: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/27053/

Top Lot of the 19 November sale:

A bottle of Karuizawa-1964-51 year old-#1917

Sold for HK$1,178,000; Estimate: HK$850,000-1,200,000 

Commenting on the result, Daniel Lam, Bonhams Director of Wine and Spirits, Asia, said: “2021 has been an extraordinary year for whisky at Bonhams. Our Wine and Whisky sales in Hong Kong, offering predominantly whiskies, have achieved a yearly total of HK$124million, once again hitting the HK$100million milestone since the record year of 2018. The market is clearly resilient, with robust demand for whiskies across all price points, and for Japanese and Scotch whisky alike. We are pleased to continue our worldwide market leadership in whisky and look forward to an exciting year in 2022.”

Please find below further notable results for Bonhams whisky in Hong Kong in 2021:

·         In January’s Hong Kong Whisky Sale, a classic Macallan Lalique-50 year old sold for an impressive HK$1,054,000, against an estimate of HK$750,000-900,000.

·         In March’s A Nippon Whisky Collection Online Sale, all 82 lots of Japanese whisky were 100% sold, with over 60% selling above their high estimates.

·         In May’s Fine and Rare Wine & Whisky sale, Bonhams set a new auction record for the Karuizawa ‘Samurai’ series.

·         In August’s Fine and Rare Whisky sale, a Macallan-1991 cask set a new auction record price. The cask yielding 202 bottles sold for HK$4,464,000 – the highest per-bottle price (HK$22,099) for any whisky cask at auction

Sale: Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky

19 November 2021Bonhams Hong Kong, 20/F, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

WHISKY SALE

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Raise a glass of something special this year with one of the rare whiskies coming up in Tennants Auctioneers’ Whisky Sale on 17^th December. Timed perfectly for stocking up for Christmas, the sale offers a fantastic selection of single malt whiskies for collecting and drinking.

The highlight of the sale, however, is a Hogshead cask of 1995 Tobermory Single Malt Whisky, to be offered for the first time at auction. Held in bond at Deanston Distillery, near Stirling, the barrel contains 137 litres of whisky and is on offer with an estimate of £15,000-20,000 plus buyer’s premium.

Further highlights from the whisky section of the sale include a bottle of ‘The Edwardian’, a private bottling of Macallan 31-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (estimate: £1,000-1,500), a 1980s bottling of Longrow 14-Year-Old Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky (estimate: £1,000-1,500), and a bottle of Benriach 1966 35-year-old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky (estimate: £800-1,000).

A fully illustrated catalogue for the sale will be available on our website, www.tennants.co.uk, leading up to the sale, alternatively, please contact the salerooms for further details.

NB: Prices quoted are an estimated hammer price, which is subject to 20% buyer’s premium plus VAT. Estimates are subject to change. 

SALE: WHISKY

Auction: 17^th December 2021

Private viewing can be arranged by contacting Wine and Whisky Specialist William McNab on william.mcnab@tennants-ltd.co.uk or calling 01969 623780 

A fully illustrated catalogue will be available on our website leading up to the sale. www.tennants.co.uk

• Tennants Auctioneers is a fourth-generation family business and is one of the UK’s largest international Antiques and Fine Art auctioneers. Situated in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, Tennants holds over 80 sales a year.

• Tennants connects more than 200,000 buyers and sellers a year.
• As a family business, Tennants stays true to its Yorkshire heritage and offers its clients unrivalled service, expertise and value.
• In 2014 Tennants expanded the Auction Centre to 80,000sq ft with the development of The Garden Rooms – a dedicated venue for events, weddings, conferences and exhibitions. The venue is one of the region’s largest event spaces with a capacity of over 600 people.

Beam Suntory to contribute rare Bowmore and Glen Garioch whiskies to inaugural Distillers ‘One of One’ auction

Well it’s nearly that time of year again … the most dram-derful time of the year and we’re all getting into the festive spirit here at SWA! Our little elves have been working tirelessly to bring you this colossal festive auction just in time for Santa.  Whether it’s Christmas Cocktails or dreamy fireside drams, we have something to tickle your tastebuds.  You snow the score by now….get stuck in, explore our winter wonderland and fill your boots!

View Auction Now

FREE UK COLLECTIONS

We continue to offer free doorstep collections for over 10 bottles or collectively worth a minimum of £1000. Contact us to find out more and check availability. Collection requests can be made here.

WHISKY.AUCTION
NOW LIVE!
Bid now on the greatest ever whiskies and fine spirits.
Auction ends Tuesday 7 December.
Get bidding and good luck!

WATCH LIVE AUCTION NOW

Our November auction ends SOON!

Place your bids until Sunday 28^th November, 2021

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!

Yamazaki – 55 Year Old

Macallan – 40 Year Old (2017 Release)

Karuizawa – 29 Year Old & 23 Year Old (Single Cask)

Flora & Fauna – Complete Collection (26 bottles)

Strathisla – 1953 (Gordon & MacPhail) Private Collection  

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.co.uk.