BONHAMS SETS NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WHISKY CASK

Hong Kong – An exceedingly rare 30 year whisky sherry hogshead cask from the famed Macallan Distillery achieved HK$4,464,000/ US$572,000, setting a new world auction record for a whisky cask at Bonhams sale of Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky on 15 November. Estimated at HK$3,600,000 – 4,600,000, this is one of the oldest editions of Macallan whisky cask currently available in the market.

Distilled in May 1989 and never since been moved from the distillery, this cask with perfect provenance can be stored at Macallan for as long as the buyer wishes, or yielded into a total of 261 bottles by an independent bottler.

Daniel Lam, Bonhams’ Director of Wine & Spirits, Asia, explains: ‘Not only has this 30 year-old cask set the new world auction record for a whisky cask, but it is also the most expensive per bottle cask ever sold at auction, and is expected to produce 261 bottles valued at HK$17,103/ US$2,200 per bottle.’

This marks the second whisky world auction record set by Bonhams in 2019. Only three months ago, Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series established a new record for a Japanese whisky collection for HK$7,192,000 (US$917,000), selling to an Asian female collector.

About Bonhams 

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.

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon Partners with Beehive Cheese to Launch “Pour Me A Slice”

SMOKEHEAD MOTORCYCLE READY TO BE UNLEASHED

The Smoker will launch at The Bike Shed, Shoreditch on 12^th November with craftsman Tyler Lunceford in attendance 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has teamed up with Tyler Lunceford over the past nine months to build a one-of-a-kind, customised Ducati, inspired by vintage motorcycles. The time has come to reveal ‘The Smoker’.

The expertly crafted motorcycle will be unveiled to media, trade and bike fanatics on 12^th November in London at The Bike Shed, Shoreditch.

Hosting the evening will be bike blogger Motobob who will run a Q&A with Tyler, while custom motorcycle helmet designer Piers Dowell paints two Smokehead helmets live on the night. Bike fans will enjoy video footage of the creation of The Smoker, including the final video of the bike on the open road.

Mind-blowing cocktails made with Smokehead, Smokehead High Voltage and Smokehead Sherry Bomb will be served throughout the night, including The Smoker serve, created exclusively for the project – a robust mix of Smokehead, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger liqueur, a pinch of activated charcoal, shaken over ice and strained into a rocks glass, garnished with crystallised ginger.

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club is a collective who celebrate bike builders, riders and fans, and is one of the UK’s best-known venues for customised motorcycles.

US born Lunceford of North Motorcycles is a renowned global biking sensation (known as the Ducati Whisperer of the New York tri-state) with over 20 years experience customising bikes for obsessive bikers and rock stars. He owned a workshop in Brooklyn but recently relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland to raise a family, and this is where he crafted The Smoker.

Commenting on the partnership with Smokehead and the finished bike: “Smokehead’s support of unique craftsmen and women resonated with me immediately. Building a customised bike is an incredible process. And it’s a slow process. Notching, welding, grinding, every single detail needs to be accounted for. I wanted to make sure this bike was phenomenal before unleashing it.

“I wanted to make a bike for the street, something that’s comfortable, with a really vintage appeal. This isn’t a bike that’s going to be polished and put in a museum.

“Smokehead whisky is not for everyone and neither is The Smoker – it’s bold, it’s intimidating and it’s loud. It’s really loud. It attracts a certain crowd. It’s certainly not for everyone. I can’t wait for the unveiling at The Bike Shed.”

Adding his thoughts, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We’re overwhelmed with how The Smoker has turned out. Tyler has exceeded expectations and created something incredible for Smokehead. Just like our whisky, The Smoker is bold, daring, independent and most importantly, not for everyone.”

The Smokehead Refinery
The campaign shares stories of partnerships with the boldest of craftsmen and women that Smokehead is proud to rub shoulders with. Chapter 1 of the project was unleashed in 2018, a successful partnership with Dram & Smoke creating a series of ‘Smokehead Feasts’ for media and trade across the UK. Chapter 2 celebrates the collaboration with Tyler.

In late 2018, Smokehead released Sherry Bomb, a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks; following hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, along with their louder and bolder look, which was unveiled in April.

*Smokehead encourages everyone to drink responsibly. Do not drink and ride, obviously*

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES:

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2005, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

GORDON & MACPHAIL REVEALS UNIQUE SINGLE MALTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Single malt whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled a duo of special bottlings from its iconic Connoisseurs Choice range for Christmas gifting.

The Connoisseurs Choice 1999 from Old Pulteney Distillery is joined by a Connoisseurs Choice 2004 from Glenlivet in a celebration of the Speyside and Highland regions.

The Connoisseurs Choice range, which marked its 50^th anniversary last year, has featured more than 2,000 bottlings with releases from almost 100 distilleries from all over Scotland.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail said: “These Connoisseurs Choice releases are exceptional one-offs from some of Scotland’s most admired distilleries and are the perfect gift for whisky fans looking to explore and try unique, never-to-be-repeated expressions that are unavailable anywhere else.

“Passion for single malt Scotch whisky has been at the heart of our family business for four generations, with each sprit hand-selected from distilleries and matched with our casks before being patiently monitored throughout the maturation process, bottled only when it is ready.

“This careful process has resulted in a huge variety of vintages, finishes, flavours and strengths, creating something for every palate.”

Each whisky bottled by Gordon & MacPhail is the result of close relationships built over decades with distilleries, resulting in a collection of rare whiskies created by unique experience.

Gordon & MacPhail 1999 from Old Pulteney Distillery [RRP £141]

Located in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, Old Pulteney Distillery was established in 1826 in the historic Caithness fishing port of Wick. Known as a ‘maritime malt’, the liquid, distilled in close proximity to the coast, has an edge of salt to its otherwise sweet and malty style.

The Gordon & MacPhail 1999 from Old Pulteney Distillery is a warm and rich 19-year-old whisky laid down on 26 October 1999 in cask no.1457, a refill Sherry butt. Spending its whole life in the hand-selected cask, the liquid has taken on the spiced fruit aromas reminiscent of the festive season.

Just 554 bottles are available for purchase from selected specialist whisky retailers internationally.

Gordon & MacPhail 2004 from Glenlivet Distillery [RRP £101]

Glenlivet is one of the Gordon & MacPhail’s longest standing relationships, dating back to the 1930s when Glenlivet was one of only three operational distilleries in Scotland.

Only 162 bottles are available of this 14-year-old whisky from what has grown to become one of Speyside’s most sought-after distilleries. Following selection, the spirit was matched with refill bourbon barrel no.800670 and laid down on 10 November 2004.

A 14 year maturation in an ex-bourbon cask has left the whisky with fresh, wooded and sweet aromas combined with delicate floral notes from the distillation.

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#GordonandMacPhail

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Tasting notes

Gordon & MacPhail 1999 from Old Pulteney Distillery

56.5% ABV, outturn of 554 bottles, UK RRP of £141. Matured in cask no. 1457, a refill Sherry butt.

Aroma: Rich SHERRY aromas combine with HAZELNUT and creamy MILK CHOCOLATE. A FLORAL note develops alongside sweet HONEY and CINNAMON with a refreshing hint of MINT.

Flavours: Initially smooth and sweet with STEWED FRUIT flavours. A hint of zesty LEMON develops, complementing subtle ALMOND notes with an undertone of mouth-warming BLACK PEPPER.

Finish: Long and lingering with nuances of warming SPICE.

Gordon & MacPhail 2004 from Glenlivet Distillery

64.0% ABV, outturn of 162 bottles, UK RRP of £101. Matured in cask no. 800670, a refill bourbon barrel.

Aroma: Delicate notes of LAVENDER accompany creamy VANILLA and fresh HERBS.  Cracked BLACK PEPPER complements notes of BROWN SUGAR. Hints of CUSTARD develop with nuances of OAK.

Flavours: MILK CHOCOLATE compliments fragrant PEACH notes with ALMONDS developing and leading to a hint of LIME.  Undertones of BANANA and CUSTARD linger.

Finish: A long sweet and NUTTY finish with LIME and HAZELNUT.

Cinderella tale of legendary master distiller is a treat this Christmas

SCOTCH – THE GOLDEN DRAM
DVD and Digital Release

 “A heartfelt tribute to a meticulous craftsman and the tipple that is the lifeblood of Scotland” RADIO TIMES

“A loving, beautifully shot tribute to Scotland’s original national drink” THE HERALD

Whisky lovers rejoice this Christmas, as feature documentary Scotch – The Golden Dram heads for a DVD and digital release in time for the festive season.

Andrew Peat’s handsomely crafted feature documentary, which tells the story of the Scotch whisky industry through its most ardent enthusiasts, is released on DVD on November 18. It is available now on digital platforms.While capturing stunning Scottish landscapes, the heart of the film is the fascinating men and women who bring Scotch whisky to life. This includes the Cinderella tale of legendary master distiller Jim McEwan, an industry veteran who takes on a dilapidated distillery on his home island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides and turns it into an award-winning blend.

Scotch – The Golden Dram premiered at the Glasgow Film Festival this year ahead of its cinema release in March. Now Peat’s spirited feature can be enjoyed in the home. The DVD is released on November 18, available to order from online stores including Amazon.co.uk and to buy at select retail outlets. It is available to buy or rent now on digital platforms; iTunes, Sky Store, Amazon Prime, Google Play and Rakuten.

For further details, please visit www.scotchthegoldendram.co.uk

Featured participants:

Jim McEwan, Richard Paterson, Dr Bill Lumsden, Ian MacMillan, Charles MacLean, Lynne McEwan, Brodie Nairn, Georgie Bell and Robbie Hughes.

Featured distilleries:

BRUICHLADDICH (Islay), LAPHROAIG (Islay), GLENMORANGIE (Tain, Ross-shire), TOMATIN (near Inverness), LAGAVULIN (Islay), THE DALMORE (Alness), GLENGOYNE (Dumgoyne, nr Killearn)

DVD/Digital Release by Parkland Entertainment and Munro Films, through Spirit Entertainment.

Watch the trailer
https://youtu.be/GzLi6-65PXE

Synopsis
For more than a century, Scotch whisky has been the premier international spirit of choice. Uisge beatha, Gaelic for “water of life”, is enjoyed in more than 200 countries, generating over $6 billion in exports each year. While capturing stunning Scottish landscapes, the real heart of the film is the fascinating people who make Scotch whisky. This includes the Cinderella tale of legendary master distiller Jim McEwan, an industry veteran who takes on a dilapidated distillery on his home island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides and turns it into an award-winning blend. Directed by Andrew Peat.

JUST WHISKY LAUNCHES ROADSHOW & GUIDE TO

AVOID FAKE WHISKY INVESTMENTS

Rising prices mean investing in whisky is an increasingly popular investment option. But the downside is that the market is now attracting the unwelcome attention of counterfeiters. With the potential for fake whisky on the rise, online auctioneers Just Whisky will be travelling to venues across Scotland in November holding a series of free valuation sessions and advising customers on what’s fake and what’s not.

To coincide with the valuation roadshow, Just Whisky is launching a simple guide to help buyers invest safely and know the tell-tale signs of a fake. It aims to arm investors with the basic information needed to avoid forgeries and make intelligent investment decisions. Crucially, the guide defines what a fake actually is. That can range from a basic label swap (taking a label from a more expensive bottle and transferring it to a cheaper bottle) to refilling an empty bottle with a cheaper whisky, to counterfeiters simply creating their own labels.

The guide also offers tips on what else to look for to avoid purchasing a fake in error. For example, bottle codes can also be a very useful tool. Sometimes, on more modern bottles, the glass is imprinted with a unique code. Usually it’s a code printed directly to the glass, which the distillery will do as part of the bottling process, including information about where it was bottled, what time and even what the whisky is inside. Sometimes, the difference between a £500 bottle and £3000 one will be a vintage identifier shoulder label. It may well say ‘1937’ or similar. Check that the label hasn’t been replaced as that’s one of the most common attempts at counterfeit.

But Just Whisky offers reassurance that there’s no need to be Sherlock Holmes when it comes to identifying the real thing. Graham Crane, Co-founder of Just Whisky, explained:

“Paying attention to something as simple as the colour of the whisky is a simple but effective way of identifying that all is not well. Buyers should ask is the colour what they would expect – How does it compare with other sold examples?

“Where a bottle is being sourced is also an indication of whether it may be fake. Is it from a reputable supplier, does it have a box and certificate as it should? If in doubt, always buy from a reputable source, then the buyer has some form of comeback. Auction houses will deal with any discrepancies swiftly as it is not in their interest to sell fakes or to damage their reputations.

“Investing in an appreciating asset like whisky is both enjoyable but carries an element of risk when bought privately – for buyers parting with substantial cash, it is essential that it is the genuine article. Our roadshow and guide are designed to take some of the guesswork out of making what might be a very costly mistake.”

The Just Whisky Valuation Roadshow will be taking place in the following locations:

• Islay on 25^th November at The Bowmore Hotel
• Glasgow on 27^th November at the Hallmark Hotel
• Aberlour on 30^th November at Speyside Whisky Shop

To register your interest to attend one of these events please visit www.just-whisky.co.uk

NOTES 

About Just Whisky

Just Whisky Auctions, owned by Just Whisky Limited, specialise in selling Whisky online to a worldwide market.

Just Whisky is a whisky auctioneer setting new records in prices achieved. Hosting a monthly online sale, customers can browse the catalogue of whiskies and bid to win some of the most rare and collectable malts in the world.

www.just-whisky.co.uk

Islay whisky collection up for auction in aid of RNLI

The Islay Sea Collection, a group of seven malt whiskies from each of Islay’s coastal distilleries presented in a one of a kind display case is set to go under the hammer in this month’s Just Whisky auction with all proceeds going to the Portrush and Islay volunteer lifeboat crews. The bottles and cask staves, which form the display case, were collected by a group of keen sailors who rowed 110 miles from Northern Ireland to Islay earlier this year.

The crew of seven, all passionate supporters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Scottish islands, wanted to recreate the journey made over the generations using only manpower to raise money for the volunteer lifeboat crews based in Portrush and Islay.

Setting off from Ballintoy on the north coast of Northern Ireland, the group rowed in the ‘Home to Portrush’, a local boat famous for crossing the Atlantic in record time in February 2018. The expedition to Islay took nine and a half hours to complete and followed by three days rowing around the Hebridean Island, visiting each coastal distillery to gather the whisky.

Following the return row to Northern Ireland, team member and architect Graeme Montgomery designed and created a unique display case to hold the bottles with each piece of wood marked with its origin. It’s a one of its kind piece and will attract attention from Islay whisky fans.

The team created a short film documenting the adventure and how the display case was made. View it at https://youtu.be/77ZRWUO35D4.

Commenting on the charity auction, Graham Crane, Director at Just Whisky said: “This is a really exciting collection and we are honoured to have been asked to auction it in support of the RNLI. We are in awe of the journey these men took and hope to fetch a substantial amount for the charity. We look forward to seeing the bids rolling in.”

Keith Gilmore Lifeboat Operations Manager at Portrush Station said: “This is a really exciting and novel way to raise funds for the two stations. We often have to work with Islay, and this is a great way to work with one of our neighbours and local supporters to raise funds for the RNLI.”

There is no reserve on The Islay Sea Collection and all proceeds, including the registration fee, will go to the charity. The collection includes;

• Bespoke cask created with wood from each distillery
• Bowmore 15 Years Old – Feis Ile 2018 52.5%
• Caol Ila 12 Years Old 43%
• Bruichladdich Scottish Barley – The Classic Laddie 50%
• Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old – Small Batch Distilled 46.3%
• Laphroaig 10 Years Old 40%
• Ardbeg An Oa 46.6%
• Lagavulin 16 Years Old 43%

The auction will until 8pm Sunday 17th November and uses a proxy system which bids on the customers behalf up to their maximum bid. Visit www.just-whisky.co.uk to take part.

NOTES  

About Just Whisky

Just Whisky Auctions, owned by Just Whisky Limited, specialise in selling Whisky online to a worldwide market. Just Whisky is a whisky auctioneer setting new records in prices achieved. Hosting a monthly online sale, customers can browse the catalogue of whiskies and bid to win some of the most rare and collectable malts in the world.

www.just-whisky.co.uk

AUCHENTOSHAN^® ANNOUNCES NEW SAUVIGNON BLANC EXPRESSION

The Amazon exclusive will target Urban drinkers with a brand-new addition to the single malt category that’s ‘better shared’

Monday 11^th November – Auchentoshan^®, the urban malt inspired by the city of Glasgow, has today announced the launch of Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc, a new special edition whisky available exclusively on Amazon.

Available to purchase on 15^th November (pre-order here), Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc is a unique combination of two worlds – the smooth triple distilled taste of Auchentoshan and the unique flavour of Sauvignon blanc casks that gives a fresh, vibrant take on Auchentoshan, setting out to reflect the ever-changing needs of the urban millennial.

The brand new urban malt is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Sauvignon Blanc Barrique casks, which gives it a distinct, smooth and high-quality taste. Distilled at 47% ABV, the result is a unique single malt that’s ‘best served chilled’ allowing the fresh flavours of citrus and apple to excite the pallete.

The release of Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc follows the recent announcement of the brand’s vibrant new look packaging and brand positioning, aiming to reach a new generation of whisky drinker who are looking for a smooth and exciting whisky to be enjoyed together with friends.

Eileen Livingston, Senior Director of Scotch Whisky for Beam Suntory, comments: “Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc is a unique innovation that disrupts the category and provides consumers with a drinking experience out of the norm. This enables us to connect with urban millennials who are looking to sample new expressions and shared experiences.”

Ron Welsh, Master Blender for Auchentoshan, says: “We set out to create a never-seen-before whisky on the market. Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc was crafted to be enjoyed chilled, allowing us to innovate on the key occasions when the product is shared.”

Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes are included below:

Ex-Bourbon barrel matured, followed by Sauvignon Blanc Barrique finish

47.0%

Pale Gold

NOSE

Subtle citric notes of white grapefruit with light sweetness of white peaches and green apple, light perfume of eglantine, honeysuckle, Scotch broom and Jasmine.

TASTE

Lightly peppery with zesty notes, green grapes, light acacia honey and lemon curd, vanilla sweetness, lychees and honeydew melon, but also dried grass and hay notes.

FINISH

The finish is hot and peppery with lingering notes of custard apple with a salty mouthfeel.

The limited edition whisky will be available as an e-commerce exclusive on Amazon from 15^th November.

facebook.com/Auchentoshan

instagram.com/theauchentoshan

twitter.com/Auchentoshan

http://www.auchentoshan.com 

Notes:

Awards for Auchentoshan:

Bartenders’ Brand Awards 2018 | Silver for Auchentoshan Bartenders’ Malt 01

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan American Oak

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Three Wood

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 12 Year Old

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 18 Year Old

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 21 Year Old

IWSC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Blood Oak

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Three Wood

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan Blood Oak

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 12 Year Old

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 18 Year Old

ISC 2017 | Silver for Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 

About Auchentoshan^®

After 200 years of urban life in Glasgow, living through The Industrial Revolution, Auchentoshan is part of the city and the city is part of Auchentoshan. It is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to triple distil every last drop to create its delicate flavour. Smooth, yet gutsy. Approachable yet deep. Auchentoshan is the alternative malt for newcomers and whisky lovers alike.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.