Whiskystats Reveals Significant Price Gap Between Retail and Auction Markets

Whiskystats, a leading authority in whisky data analysis, released today a comprehensive report documenting a growing disparity between retail and auction market prices for whisky.

The report reveals that in 2023 prices at retail were 50-75% higher than at auction, making it far more economical to purchase whisky at auction than at a whisky shop.

The report, ‘Has Whisky Become a Buyer’s Market?’, provides an in-depth analysis of whisky brand performances and trends. Notable takeaways:

• The number of whisky bottles traded at auction houses (-5%) and their cumulative hammer prices (-19%) decreased in 2023.
• More than 10,000 bottles failed to meet reserve prices—36% more than in 2022.
• The auction market’s three most value-losing brands were all Japanese: Chichibu (-43%), Karuizawa (-36%), and Yamazaki (-33%).
• Ratings winners for 2023 were Glendronach and Port Charlotte. The 2023 releases for the two Scotch brands scored highest in Whiskybase data analysed by Whiskystats.
• In contrast, Ardmore and Jura saw the biggest decline in quality perception, based on public ratings.
• Craigellachie was 2023’s most-improved brand, according to change in public perception.

Whiskystats also launched a first-of-its-kind ‘collector-drinker gauge’ to compare secondary market turnover to public ratings and reviews. The gauge reveals that Macallan, Hibiki, and Yamazaki are the most collector-oriented brands, while Ledaig, Kavalan, and Glen Scotia are the most drinker-focused. 

Johannes Moosbrugger, Founder and Head of Data at Whiskystats said:

‘Data shows that the whisky market is shifting. Buyers’ willingness to purchase whisky at listed retail prices has dropped significantly. And even for whiskies that eventually sell, bottles tend to remain on shelves far longer than in the recent past.

‘What we’re seeing in the auction market data is clear: prices are no longer reaching the peak prices of the COVID era, and there are some great bottles for sale at the lowest prices in years.’

A full copy of the report is available for free download at: whiskystats.com/reports.

Note:

Whiskystats is a Whiskybase company. Whiskystats and Whiskybase are independent: the report was not funded by any distillery group, bottler, whisky-adjacent agency, or related concern.

Each month, Whiskystats collects tens of thousands of auction price observations and tracks over 1.6 million whisky retail prices. Whiskystats incorporates ratings from Whiskybase, the world’s largest whisky database of more than 239,000 unique whiskies. Thanks to this unsurpassed dataset, Whiskystats is the standard bearer for whisky market analysis for collectors, producers, and investors.

On Whiskystats, users have access to reliable bottle-level details that allow them to accurately track auction lots, view historical and current auction prices, create and track the current market value of their whisky collection(s), set whisky watchlists, schedule notifications, and view millions of whisky ratings.

Rich, spiced single malt brings delicious new dimension to Glenmorangie’s core range

 — Bourbon casks, new charred oak and rye whiskey casks unite for deep harmony —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today unveils a rich and subtly spiced whisky which brings a delicious new dimension to its core range. Inspired by the natural splendour of the Highlands to create a deep harmony of flavours, the Distillery’s whisky makers have married together three carefully chosen types of casks in Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve. Uniting bourbon casks and new charred oak with rye whiskey casks – rarely used in the Scotch whisky industry – this bottling abounds with notes of pear, candied orange, honeysuckle and clove.

For 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators have been endlessly imaginative on their search to dream up delicious whiskies. They craft their more delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma. Then they age it in the world’s finest casks. Through this whisky’s judicious cask selection, they deliciously balance gentle spice with Glenmorangie’s signature elegance.

The Triple Cask Reserve arose from the Whisky Creation Team’s vision of a whisky inspired by Glenmorangie’s Highland surroundings. Their rugged, natural splendour evokes a sense of deep harmony, reflected in the harmonious flavours of this single malt. Fruity smoothness emerges from whisky aged in bourbon casks. Fuller, richer notes are brought by whisky finished in new charred oak casks. Those classic notes are balanced by drier, savoury hints of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon, from single malt wholly matured in rye whiskey casks. With its symphony of fruity aromas and creamy rich tastes, subtly cut through with spice, Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve is delicious served neat, on ice or in cocktails.

Glenmorangie’s Master Blender Gillian Macdonald said: “By uniting these three different cask types in Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve we have created a deeply harmonious whisky. Using bourbon and new charred oak, we celebrate our whisky’s classic, fruity sweetness. Laced with the savoury notes and subtle spice of rye whiskey casks – seldom used at Glenmorangie – this whisky brings a new balance of flavours to our core range. Inspired by the Highlands’ natural splendour, its luscious aromas of pear, candied orange peel and honeysuckle, and tastes of vanilla, maple syrup and clove, promise to delight everyone who tries our delicious single malt.”

Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve is initially available in the UK, Germany, France, the U.S. and South Africa. It is available now from Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Glenmorangie.com, RRP: £33.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Instagram and Facebook: @Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s at World of Wonder

TASTING NOTES 

Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve is bottled at 40% ABV

Colour: Paprika

Aroma:  Luscious and tropical, with a combination of pears, vanilla, candied orange peel, honeysuckle, grapefruit and pear-flavour boiled sweets. Some gentle spices are present, such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, followed by some more luscious sweetness, reminiscent of maple syrup and crème brulee. With a splash of water, there is a big burst of creamy vanilla, white chocolate, pears, melon and finally some soft, oaky notes.

Taste: The mouthfeel is creamy and viscous, with a burst of creme brulée, cherry chocolate, fudge, tangy orange sherbet, clove, sweet chilli and some chewy, ripe tropical fruits. This then leads into more of the influence from the oak wood, with maple syrup, almond marzipan and the gentlest of spices.

Finish: Rich, sweet, spicy and almost chewy in nature.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creators:

Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that their memories of a favourite place (A Tale of Tokyo), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more.

At the helm of the team is Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

Working hand-in-hand with Dr Bill is Gillian Macdonald, The Glenmorangie Company’s Master Blender. Gillian combines art and science in her role, with her main responsibilities including the daily sensory analysis of the new-make spirit, core range recipes and the co-ordination of the Company’s sensory panel. Gillian manages the New Product Development pipeline for Glenmorangie which involves nosing hundreds of casks a year for final recipe selection.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Fettercairn Reveals Refreshed Domestic And Travel Retail Ranges 

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Fettercairn, has launched refreshed ranges in both their domestic and global travel retail markets as they look to continue their ongoing momentum.

Marking the start of their bicentennial year, Fettercairn will now offer a refreshed domestic range and exclusive global travel retail range, which each comprise of three whiskies that showcase Fettercairn’s unique tropical house style at different maturations.

The domestic range will enjoy Fettercairn 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 24 Year Old and global travel retail will exclusively offer Fettercairn 14 Year Old, 17 Year Old and 25 Year Old.

These updated offerings will provide consumers with new age statements to try and easy to understand ranges at different maturations, price points and purchase points, aligning to both the target drinker and shopper.

Each of these whiskies have only been finished in American White Oak ex-bourbon, perfectly showcasing Fettercairn’s unique tropical house style and how it intricately changes with time, over the varying maturation periods.

The domestic range will continue to open with Fettercairn 12 Year Old, a 40% ABV which captures the very essence of the Highland distillery and offers the perfect introduction to the flavours of Fettercairn.

With tasting notes of sweet and fruity nectarine and tropical fruit, followed by subtle roasted coffee, clove and ginger, Fettercairn 12 Year Old leaves a memorable finish of sultanas and black toffee. A versatile whisky, Fettercairn 12 Year Old also makes for a great cocktail base, particularly for refreshing highballs or fruity sours.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old has previously been a limited, annually released expression with a variety of different finishes. From 2024, Fettercairn 16 Year Old will shine confidently on its own, enjoying a finish in ex-bourbon casks and will be non chill-filtered, with natural colour at 46.4% ABV.

Bottling at 16 Years Old and moving to an ex-bourbon finish only, has been a deliberate and purposeful decision by Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and Distillery Manager Stewart Walker. Fettercairn 16 Year Old offers curious whisky lovers natural progression from the 12 Year Old and the opportunity to experience a deeper tropical house style. Grilled pineapple and vanilla notes give way to passion fruit, rich honey and Turkish Delight in this expression, with a finish of mandarin, cacao and moist ginger cake.

Completing the core domestic range is a completely new expression, Fettercairn 24 Year Old. Natural colour and non-chill filtered, Fettercairn 24 Year Old is 46.5% ABV and the pinnacle of the core range, ideal for those looking for the richest flavours, coupled with higher age statement. Fully exploring the depth of Fettercairn’s house style, this expression captures sweet and cooked tropical fruits, Madagascan vanilla and red liquorice, with a sweet, spiced finish.

The innovative Fettercairn 18 Year Old will continue to be available annually in select domestic markets, on a strictly limited release. Finished in 100% Scottish Oak, Fettercairn 18 Year Old is the first release from the award-winning Scottish Oak Programme, led by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass. Fettercairn’s Scottish Oak programme was created to ultimately create a circular economy for the whisky industry as a whole, where local and sustainably sourced Scottish oak, can be used in whisky making.

For global travel retail, Fettercairn will now offer an exclusive range featuring a 14 Year Old, 17 Year Old and 25 Year Old, all of which are non-chill filtered, natural colour and available in 70cl format. 

Fettercairn 14 Year Old showcases the ripe and fresh side of the tropical house style with orchard fruit flavours intertwined with delicate sweet spice for a truly special drinking experience.

Second in the range, Fettercairn 17 Year Old shows the house style at a transformative stage, with deeper, richer notes combined with honey, crème brûlée and coconut.

Fettercairn 25 Year Old completes the range and offers a glimpse into Fettercairn’s rare and aged treasures. This whisky offers the depth of sweet and cooked tropical fruit, with notes of passion fruit, warm vanilla and fresh baked bread, with a sweetly spiced finish.

The refreshed ranges will be available from April and mark the beginning of celebrations for Fettercairn, who will celebrate their 200^th anniversary throughout 2024 from specialist and luxury retailers

Domestic Range:

Fettercairn 12 Year Old.40% ABV.  RSP $66 / £52

Fettercairn 16 Year Old.46.4% ABV. RSP $110 / £87

Fettercairn 24 Year Old.  46.5% ABV. RSP$635 / £500 

Exclusive Global Travel Retail Range:

Fettercairn 14 Year Old. 46% ABV. RSP $89 / £70

Fettercairn 17 Year Old. 47% ABV. RSP $153 / £120

Fettercairn 25 Year Old. 46.3% ABV. RSP $667 / £525

OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER – April 2024

John Lamond is now on board with MCLEAN WHISKY TOURS, a great addition to the team. John can host whisky tastings, be your driver guide on tours, teach you all about whisky!

He was accredited with the Best Spirits Course 2017: The Scotch Whisky Trail Certificate Course, International Whisky Educator of the Year 2021. He is adaptable, confident public speaker and extensive experience of the drinks and hospitality industries for over 40 years.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS.; Drinks Writer to “Whisky Magazine”, “Fine Expressions”, “The Herald”, “Scottish Life”, “New Yorker”, in-flight magazines of British Airways, Swissair, Sabena, Air France. Master of Malt title. President, Institute of Wines & Spirits (Scotland). Judge – Malt Whisky Bar of the Year, Scottish Licensed Trade Awards. “Most Discerning Whisky Connoisseur 2017” in the Lux Wine & Spirits Awards. Whisky Educator of the Year 2018 in the Lux Global Excellence Awards. Best Scotch Whisky Connoisseur – UK in the Lux Life Food & Drink Awards 2020, and Keeper of the Quaich – in grand company! Charles Maclean; was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1992, for ‘his services to Scotch over ten years’, and elevated to Master of The Quaich, the industry’s highest accolade, in 2009. Also a good friend Ingvar Ronde.

John will be our new driver and whisky host from April 2024, welcome to the family John! With friends and contacts all over the whisky industry, you cannot find better than MCLEAN WHISKY TOURS

www.whiskytours.scot

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY DEBUTS ABRAHAM BOWMAN OAK SERIES: AN EXPERIMENTAL WHISKEY SERIES EXPLORING OAK VARIETALS

Launching with French Oak, this limited-edition whiskey will be available through an online lottery

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the launch of Abraham Bowman Oak Series, a new set of experimental American whiskeys joining the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection. This exciting new series demonstrates A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of American whiskey making methodologies while celebrating the legacy of Abraham Bowman, the great-grandfather of the Distillery’s founder, Abram Smith Bowman.

The Abraham Bowman Oak Series explores cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as the effect charring has on the flavor of whiskey. For the inaugural release, A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak. This unique whiskey is made from an award-winning mash bill and brings a flavor profile unlike any of its counterparts in the collection, blending a mix of liquids aged for 12 years in French Oak barrels both with and without char.

“These barrels sat for an extended period of time to maximize the differences among them,” said Head Distiller David Bock. “Once blended together, the vanilla from the no-char barrels helps balance out the pepper notes from the charred barrels, creating a dynamic and delicious blend. We are very pleased with the final result.”

Bottled at 100 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak has a muted caramel color, similar to that of a newly minted penny. On the nose, the aroma of cherry and caramel engulf your glass. A sweet vanilla and a spice note are very pronounced on the pallet, as is the oak from the extended aging. The finish is a crisp cinnamon apple.

“French Oak is teaching us that experimenting with wood can bring some exciting nuances to the flavor profile of a distillate,” said Bock. “As the upcoming Oak Series releases continue to age, we are excited to explore what will come next in the Abraham Bowman collection.”

Inspired by his pioneering spirit, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection honors Abraham’s legacy of innovation, mastery and adventure. More than 150 years before his great-grandson established Virginia’s oldest distillery, Abraham traversed the territories of the Thirteen Colonies as a Colonel of Virginia’s 8^th Regiment. The 8^th regiment was heavily engaged in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, solidifying their role in the American Revolution.

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 with the release of Abraham Bowman Rye Whiskey. Each edition of the Abraham Bowman Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from our Master Distillers Brian Prewitt, the late Truman Cox and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.

The opportunity to purchase a limited bottle of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak will occur through an online lottery taking place from April 4 – April 11. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery, however winners MUST purchase in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop within three weeks of winning. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected on April 15, 2024 and notified via email immediately following the selection. Each 750ml bottle will be sold at the suggested retail price of $99.99, excluding state taxes and fees.

For more information about the Abraham Bowman Collection, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.

About A. Smith Bowman Distillery 

As Virginia’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s rich history dates back to 1927, when Abram Smith Bowman purchased 7,200-acres in Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Sunset Hills Farm, the Bowman Family were grain and dairy farmers until the fields became so abundant that Bowman needed a use for the excess grain. In 1934, he built a groundbreaking distillery on the farmland and, with the help of his two sons, produced the first-ever batch of Virginia Gentleman Whiskey

Today, the historic distillery has relocated 60 miles away to Fredericksburg, where it operates as a small, family-owned company continuing the time-honored traditions on which it was founded, producing premium handcrafted spirits in small batches and experimental editions that embody innovation at its core. Award-winning products produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery include Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection, Deep Run Vodka, Sunset Hills Gin, George Bowman Caribbean Rum and Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream, among others. In 2023, Cask Strength won Gold medals at multiple competitions including the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the American Whiskey Masters.

For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, visit asmithbowman.com.

Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers Welcomes Fresh Wave of Flavor with Four New Varieties

Lochlea reveals the final chapter of Seasonal trilogy series:

Sowing Edition (Third Crop)

Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire is revealing the third ‘Crop’ of its renowned and much celebrated Seasonals range of whiskies, kicking off with the third and final part of the trilogy series – Sowing Edition (Third Crop) at the end of April.

The multi-award winning grain-to-cask distillery celebrates the farming calendar with the four Seasonal releases during the year, each one showcasing a different side to Lochlea’s house style of spirit. The four whiskies in the First Crop were released from early 2022, followed by Second Crop kicking off last spring with Sowing, ending with Ploughing in March earlier this year.  Once the Third Crop has been released this year, there will be no more Seasonal releases from the distillery.

This latest and final release of Sowing has been matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels, allowing floral, fruity notes to really shine through in the final dram. All the casks that have gone into the final recipe have been hand-picked by John Campbell, Lochlea’s Production Director, and his team at the distillery. With each new Crop, the whiskies in the Seasonals range are getting older, with this latest release being nearly the same age as the recently released and sold-out Lochlea 5 Year Old.

Sowing marks the point of the year that the new barley crop is sown around the distillery on the farm – the start of spring and new life appearing. This spring will be the 8^th year of barley grown on the farm at Lochlea.

John said: “Our third and final Crop of the Seasonal releases will offer whisky lovers the chance to taste our maturing limited-edition releases and even compare them with the past two Crops, so they can see how our whiskies are evolving.

“The Seasonal Editions have been a brilliant platform for us to showcase our whisky in different cask types and highlight the farming calendar.

One of the main differences between our last Sowing Edition (Second Crop) and our new Third Crop is when the spirit was distilled. Second Crop was distilled in warmer months, whereas the new release in colder months. Distillation during warmer periods results in more of a stewed fruit flavour, whereas in the colder months we see much more of a crisp, fresh fruit flavour – in the case of this spirit, delicious green apple and pear.”

In terms of what the distillery plans next, John continued: “We have a wealth of ideas at Lochlea within the team and our ability to explore and innovate easily without too many constraints means there will be many more exciting whiskies to emerge from Lochlea beyond our Seasonals.”

Lochlea Sowing Edition (Third Crop) will be available from 25th April onwards via Lochlea stockists whilst stocks last, RRP: £51.50. And for those looking to enjoy other whiskies within the trilogy, First and Second Crop whiskies can be sought out via Lochlea’s retail partners here. Those who want to then taste with John and the team can take part in a live, virtual vertical tasting the distillery is planning this spring – for further information sign up to Lochlea’s mailing list at www.lochleadistillery.com  or follow the distillery on Instagram @lochleawhisky

In addition to the seasonal limited edition releases, Lochlea has a core whisky expression available all year round – Our Barley. This unpeated single malt has been matured in a combination of three different casks: first fill ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry casks and STR barriques, all of which add depths of flavour to the spirit. Launched in July 2022, Our Barley has received much acclaim as a superb example of a young non-age statement (NAS) Lowlands whisky, made entirely from the distillery’s own home-grown barley.

Sowing Edition (Third Crop) tasting notes:

Nose: Almonds, rose petals

Palate: White pepper, a vibrant burst of apple blossom

Finish: Warm straw, fresh grass

46% ABV

Non-chill filtered

Natural colour 

About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222 acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully-operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

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

NEW RELEASE: 100% NY grain Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon completes the Brooklyn distillery’s core line up

Brooklyn’s Fort Hamilton Distillery announces the addition of a bourbon made entirely from New York grain to its Single Barrel range. Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon is a classic bourbon made from 100% New York grain that’s sourced from the Hudson Valley.

Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon will join the company’s flagship Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Rye, which is also sourced from 100% New York grain from the Hudson Valley, to complete its core lineup of Kosher-certified, craft spirits.

The mash bill for Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon is 85% corn, 10% rye and 5% malted barley, which represents the highest corn content of any of the Fort Hamilton whiskey range to date.

Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon is a 4.5-year-old bourbon matured in 53 gallon Char 3 American oak. It’s a bourbon for the bourbon enthusiast that sings of New York and is bottled at 47.5% ABV unadulterated and non-chill filtered.

Alex Clark, who co-founded Fort Hamilton alongside his wife Amy Grindeland, comments: “This is a classic bourbon for bourbon lovers with a nod to our home of New York. As our Fort Hamilton Single Barrel NY Rye comes of age, with batch 14 released this year at 5 years old, it was time to extend our hospitality into bourbon with a Single Barrel Bourbon made from all NY grain. Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon is a spirit born of that same independent, revolutionary spirit and is built for the bourbon enthusiast and is true to our New York roots.”

Tech specs:

Product name:  Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon Batch #1

Age:                     4 ½ years

Cooperage:        53 gallon Char #3 American white oak

Mash bill:           85% NY Corn, 10% NY Rye, 5% NY Malted Barley

Bottled at:          95 proof / 47.5% ABV

Barreled at:        125 proof

Filtration:           Non-chill filtered, certified kosher

SSP:                      $54.99

Tech specs:

Product name:  Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Rye Batch #14

Age:                     5 years

Cooperage:        30 gallon Char #3 American white oak

Mash bill:           90% NY Rye, 10% NY Malted Barley

Bottled at:          90 proof / 45% ABV

Barreled at:        120 proof

Filtration:           Non-chill filtered, certified kosher

SSP:                      $54.99

Fort Hamilton Distillery & Tasting room:

Fort Hamilton Distillery is a great example of a New York founder-led business with a hustle mentality and sense of community. The husband-and-wife team of Alex Clark and Amy Grindeland have built this brand from the ground up. Alex’s background in bartending influences many of the decisions behind the brand and ensures the liquid always hits the spot, behind the bar and in the glass. Amy is no stranger behind the stick either. Hospitality is in her blood, from a career spent as a flight attendant coupled with an upbringing in the South. These days, Amy’s feet are mostly firmly on the ground as she oversees the Fort Hamilton Distillery Bar & Tasting Room – a destination for whiskey lovers in New York looking for a good time and a great drink!

The mission for the Fort Hamilton Distillery was to recreate the original whiskey style of America, New York Rye. Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Rye was the first bottling and was inspired by a pre-prohibition era traditional 90% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill. Along the way, Fort Hamilton has extended into bartender-friendly Double Barrel bottlings of rye and bourbon, as well as producing the revolutionary Fort Hamilton New World Gin that’s bursting with fresh watermelon, cucumber and citrus and is inspired by the watermelon patch where the Battle of Brooklyn commenced and a NY corn-based vodka called Fortress Vodka, alongside other innovative bottlings. Fort Hamilton Single Barrel Bourbon released in Spring 2024 completes the core line up.

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Celebrates National Pet Day with 

Two Whiskey Releases and On-Site Festival on April 13

Event Includes Limited Edition Whiskeys Adoptable Animals, Food Truck and More

FRANKFORT, KY (April 4, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, created by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly, will celebrate National Pet Day on April 13^th with an on-site festival complete with animals available for adoption from the Anderson County Humane Society, Buddy Love’s Food Trailer, and two limited-edition whiskeys, RuhRoh Rye and CIB Bourbon.

Both whiskeys have a special tie to animals and are limited editions.  The RuhRoh Rye is a playful nod to the Scooby Doo cartoon and is a rye whiskey just under five years of age bottled at 113 proof.  RuhRoh Rye’s nose includes buttery caramel and orange peel with other candied fruit and baking spices.  It is very aromatic and expressive.  The palate provides a huge “jammy” orange and citrus entry with leathery oak and caramel.  The caramel continues to the finish and aromatic baking spices follow.  RuhRoh Rye retails for $120 for a 750 mL bottle.

The CIB Release is the latest bourbon release in J. Mattingly 1845’s CIB series, or Combat Infantry Badge.  Combat Infantry Badges are awarded to Army enlisted infantry or special forces officers in the grade of Colonel or below who were engaged in active ground combat.  Each year J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery donates a portion of the sales of the CIB bottles to a miliatry-related nonprofit.  This year’s recipient is Forgotten Coast K9, a nonprofit organization that helps provide service dogs to veterans and first responders with the mission to stop suicide in those communities by getting them the service dogs they need.

The 2024 CIB bourbon was aged for six and half years and bottled at 116 proof.  It has a smokey, brown sugar and banana nose with hints of sweet tobacco and baking spices.  On the palate, expect banana, oak and brown sugar forward, with leathery oak on the mid palate and a finish of sweet tobacco and baking spices.

J.Mattingly 1845 Distillery has not released a CIB bourbon since 2021, and historically the bottles have sold out fast.  The first initial 50 bottles of the 2024 release will be available when the doors open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday the 13^th.  The remaining 450 bottles will be available for sale at a later date.  Suggested retail pricing for a 750 mL of CIB is $155, with $30 of each bottle sale going to Forgotten Coast K9.

Details for the National Pet Day Event are as follows:

Who: J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

What: National Pet Day Festival

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, located at 20 Reilly Road, Frankfort, KY

Why: To celebrate National Pet Day. Visit with animals for adoption from the Anderson County Humane Society, enjoy Buddy Love’s Food Trailer (Buddy is the name of the food truck owner’s dog, a brindle boxer), and two limited edition whiskeys from J. Mattingly, Ruh Roy Rey and CIB will be for sale.  Admission the festival is complimentary, and pets are allowed.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/

For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.