Values for Rare Whisky Continue to Climb

In spite of a significant increase in the volume of rare whisky traded during 2012, values are still rising according to figures published today by whisky investment experts Whisky Highland.

Last year saw a record number of full sealed bottles of single malt Scotch whisky sold in the UK on the open market. In 2011 there were 8,696 bottles sold, this increased by 62.7% in 2012 to 14,150. Early 2013 figures suggest this rapid growth in the market is continuing. Quarter one 2013 saw 3,789 bottles sold which represents a 34.5% increase on quarter one 2012’s 2,818.

Whisky Highland’s founder Andy Simpson commented “With this rapid increase in supply we would have expected to see a stabilisation or even a slight decline in overall values. Quite the opposite has happened, with rare and old bottles of whisky continuing to outperform many other alternative asset classes”.

The top 1,000 performing bottles of Investment Grade Scotch (the Whisky Highland IGS1000 Index) increased by 23.27% over the course of 2012, yielding an overall increase of 123.01% between 2008 and the 31^st of December 2012.

Quarter one 2013 saw a continuation of this bullish market in what is typically the quietest quarter of the year. In quarter one 2012, the IGS1000 increased by 2.68% compared to a 6.05% increase in quarter one 2013.

At the top end of the market, the IGS10 (the top ten performing bottles of Single Malt Scotch) saw a second quarter of declines to the end of 2012, when overall 2008 – 2012 yields moved from 557% to 508%. To a large extent, this decline was reversed in quarter one 2013 when the index increased to 542%. This positive momentum is being led by rare bottles from iconic distilleries. The Whisky Highland Index top 10 brands are:

No. 1 – The Macallan

No. 2 – Port Ellen

No. 3 – The Dalmore

No. 4 – Balvenie

No. 5 – Ardbeg

No. 6 – Brora

No. 7 – Bowmore

No. 8 – Glenury Royal

No. 9 – Highland Park

No. 10 – Glenlivet

Simpson commented “We are still witnessing continued increases in value for the right bottles from the right distilleries. The story is not quite so attractive at the other end of the scale with the worst performing bottles of single malt Scotch continuing to tumble further into red territory.”

The negative index, the IGS(neg)1000, saw a further decrease in value through 2012. The worst performing 1,000 bottles would have yielded an overall loss of 28.65% between 2008 and the 31^st of December 2012 (2008 – 2011 loss was 22.75%). The continuing decline in values for the worst performing bottles seems to have stabilised into early 2013 with quarter 1 figures showing an overall loss (2008 – 2012) of 28.12%.

From an investment perspective the most sought after brand remained The Macallan. Continued increasing demand is pushing prices to new record highs. The 2011 Macallan ‘Royal Marriage’ bottle originally retailed at £150. This bottle now sells for around £900.

Many silent (closed) distilleries are now suffering from exceptionally short supply as existing maturing stock continues to deplete rapidly. The likes of Port Ellen, Brora, Rosebank and Glenury Royal are experiencing unprecedented demand for an ever decreasing pool of both bottles and whisky still in the cask.

The current dynamics of increasing global demand and decreasing stock of suitable investment grade bottles has maintained a very bullish market in the face of an ever more challenging economic climate.

Simpson concluded “These results are very impressive and further cement rare Scotch’s credentials as a viable alternative investment. While it must be borne in mind that whisky values can fall, as has been seen in some areas of the market previously, the current situation remains exceptionally buoyant. I still maintain whisky should be viewed as a long term investment of 10 to 20 years although clearly short/medium term increases are being experienced at the moment.”

Notes:

For more information, visit www.whiskyhighland.co.uk

About Whisky Highland
Andy Simpson launched Whisky Highland in 2010 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service for whisky collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at auction over the past eight years, the business now offers the world’s first and only online single malt Scotch whisky ‘Valuation Library‘.

DRAMBUSTERS CLYNELISH 1997 15YO 56.6%

From the same cask as the Landscapes bottling we decided to put out a limited number (100) at cask strength and we’re really pleased we did!

COLOUR: Faded Copper
NOSE: Applewood smoke, butterscotch, Werther’s Originals; creamy toffee with a touch of cinnamon and dunnage warehouse.
TASTE: Blood oranges, milk chocolate and honeycomb; caramel essence and earthy spice
FINISH: Crystalised ginger, sugared almonds and a wee bit of marzipan

Tasting notes by Ranald Watson & Lea Gibson

£58

If you are a member of our Drambusters Whisky Club, please call to order with your 2013 club membership number to claim your £5 discount off this bottle.

OLD PULTENEY PRESENTS THE ‘LIGHTHOUSE’ SERIES

Old Pulteney is proud to present three new additions to its single malt family, the ‘Lighthouse’ Series. The new whiskies have been developed for the Travel Retail and will be available exclusively from airport duty free stores and other travel retail outlets from August 2013. The three new expressions of the famous Maritime Malt showcase the iconic Old Pulteney coastal style from three different maturation angles. The whiskies are presented in striking packaging and highlight Pulteney Distillery’s maritime heritage by celebrating prominent local lighthouses – Noss Head, Duncansby Head and Pentland Skerries.

Old Pulteney Noss Head

The whisky featuring the distinctive Noss Head lighthouse, located just four miles north of the distillery, was matured wholly in ex-bourbon American oak casks. It’s bottled at 46% ABV, non chillfiltered and presented at its natural light golden colour. The spirit is full-bodied with pronounced notes of lemons, oranges, creamy vanilla, coconut and spices. RRP is £39.99 for 1 litre bottle.

Noss Head

Lattitude 58° 28.788’N

Longitude 003° 03.088’W

4 miles north of Pulteney Distillery

Built in 1849 by Robert Arnot. The name comes the Old Norse word ‘Snos’, a nose, relating to the nose-shaped headland where it is situated.

Old Pulteney Duncansby Head

The Duncansby Head lighthouse located slightly further north graces the packaging holding a classic Old Pulteney matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and Spanish ex-sherry casks of the highest quality. The style of the whisky is sweet and full bodied with notes of chocolate, honey and oranges. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, non chill-filtered and at its natural colour. RRP is £44.99 for 1 litre bottle.

Duncansby Head

Lattitude 58° 38,641’N

Longitude 003° 01.521’W

18 miles north of Pulteney Distillery

Situated near John O’Groats at the very northern tip of Scotland, the lighthouse protects a dangerous part of the Pentland Firth where the Atlantic waters meet the North Sea. Built just after WW1 it is now equipped with a low-power self operating racon. Fully automated since 1997.

Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries

The most premium of the three new releases, Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries celebrates two lighthouse towers of the same name located at the eastern entrance to the Pentland Firth. The whisky was matured wholly in Spanish ex-sherry butts and has a robust, full-bodied style with top notes of raisins, dark chocolate and spices. Similarly to the other two, it’s bottled at 46% ABV, non chill-filtered, and not coloured. The RRP is £54.99 for 1 litre.

Pentland Skerries

Lattitude 58° 41,408’N

Longitude 002° 55,484’W

18.5 miles from Pulteney Distillery (as crow flies)

Developed with input from renowned Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson, the Pentland Skerries lighthouses were built in 1794 on the uninhabited Muckle Skerry island off the far north eastern coast, en route to Orkney. Two towers, 80ft and 60ft high, standing 60ft apart, guard the eastern entrance to the Pentland Firth.

Maritime Malt for the Traveller

Margaret Mary Clarke, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney commented:

‘Old Pulteney’s Lighthouse Series represents a further investment in bringing distinctive, high quality products to the travel retail trade for the enjoyment of travelling consumers. The association with the great lighthouses of Scotland’s north easterly coast brings to life another aspect of Old Pulteney’s maritime heritage.’

The ‘Lighthouse’ Series follows the hugely successful ‘Boat’ Series for Travel Retail, which related to exceptional vessels associated with Wick Harbour. The new ‘Lighthouse’ Series will be showcased for the first time at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore this May.

Notes·

• Old Pulteney’s core range includes Old Pulteney 12 Year Old, Old Pulteney 17 Year Old and Old Pulteney 21 Year Old. Old Pulteney 30 Year Old and a super premium 40 Year Old are also available.·
• Old Pulteney 21 Year Old was named by Jim Murray as the World Whisky of the Year in the 2012 edition of his popular Whisky Bible
• Pulteney Distillery was established by James Henderson in 1826, at the peak of the local herring fishing boom
• The distillery uses one pair of stills, the wash still featuring a very large boil bulb, and condenses spirit with the use of traditional worm tubs

Simon Brooking at Miner’s Delight Inn Bed & Breakfast

Laphroaig Master Ambassador Simon Brooking will conduct a tasting of five Laphroaig single malt Scotch whiskies for the Second Saturday tasting at Miner’s Delight Inn Bed & Breakfast in Atlantic City,Wyoming, onMay 11, 2013.

OnMay 31, 2008, Barbara and Bob Townsend hosted the inn’s first single malt Scotch tasting. In July that year they began monthly Second Saturday tastings and haven’t skipped a month. The selection of single malts on their Two-bit Cowboy Saloon’s backbar has grown from 20 in 2008 to 86 this year. In their continuous rotation of bringing in new malts the couple has retired more than 100 whiskies.

The innkeepers met Simon when they attended their first Scotch Malt Whisky Society Extravaganza inDenverin April 2009. They’ve seen Simon at every subsequent Denver Extravaganza and twice in grand, mid-winter trips to the Victoria Whisky Festival. This year Simon will join them in their saloon to pour Laphroaig whiskies for Wyomingites and guests from bordering states.

The tasting’s featured Laphroaig whiskies include 10 year old, 18 year old, Cáirdeas Origin, Quarter Cask, and Triple Wood. Smoked Scottish salmon and two cheeses from the Isle of Mull will accompany the whisky.

Atlantic   City, Wyoming—with its dirt streets, three saloons, two restaurants, a gun shop, and the inn—is a remnant of the 1860s South Passgold mining era. The inn was refashioned from the Carpenter Hotel, which operated from 1904 till 1961 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/NationalRegister/Site.aspx?ID=513).

For more information visit the inn’s site: http://www.minersdelightinn.com.

ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is excited to relay the news that Kilchoman distillery has announced their latest release – Machir Bay 2013.

The MachirBayrange is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious International Wines and Spirits Competition 2012 Gold Medal Best in Class.

Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the whisky industry winning various awards including two IWSC Golds and a Silver in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, GQ’s best 100 things of 2012.

Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature casks, allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures.

Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-Bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso Sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.  

John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager: “The 2013MachirBaydisplays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours.”

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”

Machir  Bayis bottled at 46% ABV and is available through ImpEx Beverages, Inc. with RRP $60.00.

The product will be available in May 2013.

Tasting Notes

Colour:  light beech, Nose:  soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas, Palate: mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness, Finish:  a long lingering finish – A classicIslay malt now showing the benefit of additional aging.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ONLY £21

Ticket price includes a dramming glass, unlimited water,
programme and a full range of whiskies to sample plus
a few rums and gins for good measure.

There will, as before, be a shop on site so that you can take your favourite dram away with you and we will also be running the ‘Golden Dram’ competition once more… which whisky will be your favourite?!
Last year’s winners were Tomatin Distillery with their 1992 Single Cask bottling

NEW Talisker Port Ruighe

We are delighted to announce that the NEW Talisker Port Ruighe is now available to purchase for dispatch on Thursday 9th May 2013.

 PURCHASE NOW – £42.95

TWE Karuizawa Whisky Trip Pt.8: Japanese Whisky Bars

Welcome to the penultimate episode of TWE’s epic Karuizawa trip, in which we visit some amazing Japanese whisky bars. The previous posts can be found on the blog. Our friends from France and Taiwan had departed, but it was time for the … Continue reading >>

Rumford Rides Out ‘Rollercoaster’ To Win 2013 Ballantine’s Championship

Inspired by Adam Scott’s Masters victory, Australian Brett Rumford sank an incredible four-foot eagle putt on the first playoff hole at 18 to win the Ballantine’s Championship at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea; his fourth European Tour win and first since the 2007 Omega European Masters.

In addition to taking home the Ballantine’s Championship Trophy, Rumford also took away a prize money cheque for €367,500 (about US$487,000) and a rare bottle of Ballantine’s 2013 Championship Blend (pictured), co-created by 2012 champion Bernd Wiesberger and Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Rumford received the first of only 10 bottles produced, none of which will be sold.

Earlier, Scotland’s Peter Whiteford faced a similar-length birdie putt on the last hole to win in regulation play, but missed it to card a 69, joining the first Ballantine’s Championship playoff at Blackstone with Rumford and fellow Australian Marcus Fraser.

While Whiteford was signing his card, Rumford made a phone call to swing coach Pete Cowen in England to help him regroup following tee-shots into the trees on holes 17 and 18. After practising on the first tee, Rumford’s fresh ‘swing thought’ helped him drive long and straight on the 543-yard, par-five 18th in the playoff. He then struck a tournament-winning five-iron to four feet for an eagle putt he needed to sink, with Whiteford holing his seven-foot birdie putt and Fraser, the 2010 winner, only left with a short birdie putt.

“It’s an honour to win the Ballantine’s Championship, but it was an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions out there this afternoon,” said Rumford, the father of two young twins. “The last five holes from the third round and the first nine holes today put me into position, but one shot can really turn events, and obviously 17 proved that. Peter [Whiteford] had the opportunity to close out the tournament, so obviously hard luck for him, but that opened up the door once again.

“I battled with my driver constantly, so I had a quick word with Pete, hit five or six balls off the first tee and it obviously did the trick.”

The 35-year-old admitted that Scott’s win at Augusta two weeks earlier had inspired many Australians, and said it added a sub-plot to his battle with Fraser throughout the final day.

“Adam Scotty has been a huge inspiration, and obviously Greg Norman before that. ‘Scotty’ is such a fantastic role model for all Australians. He really is a down to earth, typical Australian, represents everything that we are as a country, so he certainly inspired me, for sure,” Rumford said.

“‘Frase’ kept the pressure there all day, so full credit to him. He’s been playing great golf for such a long while and has always played well around here. But we’re all fiercely competitive, us Australians, so although there was a bit of banter, it was business for most of the day.”

Fraser was unable to capitalise on the opportunities while Rumford was in trouble, but the Melbourne-based 34-year-old was full of praise for his friend’s decisive five-iron in the playoff, even congratulating his compatriot after the shot.

“I got beaten by some pretty good golf today. That was pretty impressive, that shot into the playoff hole. He’d easily agree it’s one of the best shots he’s ever hit. To eagle to win a tournament is pretty impressive, so full credit to him,” said the soft-spoken Fraser, who carded a bogey-free final round.

Playing in the final flight, Whiteford had watched all the drama unfold on 17 and 18. After setting himself up with a delightful chip to four feet at the last, the 32-year-old Scot was unable to convert and will continue to bid for a first European Tour victory to add to his three Challenge Tour wins.

“Guys like me don’t get many chances to win tournaments, and whatever it was, four or five feet, I hit a decent putt and didn’t go in,” Whiteford said. “But to be fair, at least we got beat by a three on the last and didn’t throw it away. Brett deserves it in the playoff there.”

Oosthuizen birdied his last two holes for a closing 69 to match his opening-round score on his Ballantine’s Championship debut. Although disappointed with his form on the undulating greens, the South African’s performance will be remembered for a stunning six-under front nine on Thursday, featuring birdies in his first four holes.

“I’m going to take a lot of positives out of it. I probably haven’t hit the ball this good in a while. After my first nine, my first round, I struggled on the greens and couldn’t really make anything,” said the 2010 Open Champion.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, a five-time European Tour winner, equalled the course record of 65 to share sixth on seven-under with Korean Kim Hyung-sung (67), Scot Stephen Gallacher (68), Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal (73) and Sweden’s Alex Noren (74), the third-round leader.

The 2013 Ballantine’s Championship took place from 25th – 28th April 2013 at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 129 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008
• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the BMW Masters, The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open & The Mission Hills Golf World Cup
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

NEW CHIVAS DOUBLETAKE: THE APP THAT HONOURS THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA – MAKING YOU PART OF THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE

For moments that are better together

Chivas, the Scotch whisky for modern gentlemen, has today announced the launch of Chivas DoubleTake – a photo app that honours the man behind the camera, as well as the subject in front.

Using the iPhone’s camera technology to show both the subject and the photographer in the same photo, Chivas DoubleTake creates memories that really give the full picture. Simultaneously activating the iPhone’s self-facing camera and the one shooting the subject, the app instantly creates a unique side-by-side image that’s ready to share via email, Facebook and Twitter.

Whether capturing a moment with friends – on holiday, on a night out or at a live show – Chivas DoubleTake shows that life is better together – making photographers part of the photos they take. The app also shows an evolution from the recent phenomenon of the self-portrait allowing photographers to add context to their ‘selfy’ by showing their point of view.

Speaking of the launch, Global Brand Director for Chivas, James Slack said: “Chivas DoubleTake is a fun way to capture the situation from another perspective, ensuring the photographer is a part of the shot as well. The app uses clever iPhone camera technology in a way that also helps you remember the person who took the photo and gives you a fun and easy way to share everyday moments with friends via social media.”

Chivas DoubleTake is great for group situations, adding something special to each photo: the person who took it. To find out more about the app and download for free, visit www.ChivasDoubleTake.com.

Notes:

• The free download is available now from iTunes
• Chivas DoubleTake is compatible with all  Apple devices with a front-facing camera, including the iPhone 4, 4S, 5 and iPad 2, and is also optimized for iOS6

About Chivas

Chivas is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18 and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old.