Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.
Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.
Founded in 1948, in the wake of India’s independence from the British Raj, Amrut initially made rum and brandy for the Indian army. This spicy and tropical fruit-laden single malt, launched to critical acclaim in 2002, employs a distillation regime similar to Scotch whisky and maturation akin to Kentucky bourbon.
The Ultimate Expression of The Art of Blending, Honoring Generations of Master Artisans
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (October 3, 2024) – Today, The House of Suntory announces the release of Hibiki 40 Year Old – underlining the brand’s role as a leading pioneer of Japanese Whisky.
Hibiki 40 Year Old is an exclusive liquid with an extraordinary blend of high-quality Japanese Whiskies from Suntory’s globally acclaimed distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita each matured for over 40 years and meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.
This release solidifies The House of Suntory’s position at the forefront of Japanese spirits, crafting whiskies of unparalleled rarity and lineage, each a testament to their commitment to defying convention.
Handed down from one blender to the next, Hibiki 40 Year Old has been made possible thanks to decades of accumulated expertise and experience in the art of blending. It is the pinnacle of generations of learning and craftsmanship, and a unique and incredibly rare embodiment of the finest standards of Japanese mastery, making a statement of the spirit of innovation at The House of Suntory.
The blenders carefully selected a variety of The House of Suntory’s treasured, ultra-high-aged whiskies produced with great care by their earlier generations. The decadent and truly innovative result is a gorgeous taste with layers of unprecedented aroma and mellowness.
Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, diligently crafted Hibiki 40 Year Old – a perfectly harmonious blend. On the nose, it reveals aromas of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove. It unveils flavors of pure acacia honey and dry fig on the palate, culminating in an aromatic aftertaste.
Shinji Fukuyo said that behind the elegance and bloom that is typical of Hibiki, there is a sense of subduedness, like that of an old temple, and a wabi-sabi patina due to the long aging process.
“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquility of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them.”
Hibiki 40 Year Old demonstrates the next chapter for Hibiki, where its signature ‘Creating Harmony’ not only resonates with the complexity of Mizunara Japanese oak and the subtle sweetness of Spanish oak, but is further elevated with the smoothness of caramelized cacao palates from the aged American oak.
To honor Japanese craftsmanship, The House of Suntory has partnered with the renowned Japanese washi artist, Eriko Horiki, to hand craft the washi label on the Hibiki 40 Year Old box.
The bottle is fashioned from crystal glass, boasting 30 facets intricately crafted by a renowned glassware maker known as a trusted purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. It is decorated with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer to pay homage to our heritage and tradition.
This design amplifies the golden hue of the liquid within, epitomizing the essence of luxury and refinement.
The wooden box is made of 12 kinds of Japanese wood such as pine and zelkova, and has 12 faces, representing the 12 months of the year. Around the box, flowers and grasses of the four seasons of Japan are depicted in maki-e lacquer, representing the changing seasons and linking the past and future through Hibiki.
Only 400 bottles of the ultra-luxury Hibiki 40 Year Old will be released in selected markets, at selected retailers, with each bottle retailing for $35,000 USD.
For more information on Hibiki 40 Year Old, please visit us online here.
About The House of Suntory
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery.
As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. Last year, Suntory Whisky celebrated one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails. A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Larceny Bourbon Launches Bold, New National Campaign with “Seize Tonight” Ad and Community Ambassadors Program
The award-winning brand debuts partnerships with a curated group of high-profile influencers in the digital space to coincide with new advertising campaign.
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September 24, 2024) – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey today released an engaging new commercial to support the recently launched “Seize Tonight” campaign which encourages fans of Larceny to unleash their carefree spirit and get into some “good mischief”. The brand will also extend its reach with Community Ambassadors who embody this same spirit in the gaming, music and food scenes to create compelling content which highlights the craftsmanship behind Larceny Bourbon and their respective passions. The “Seize Tonight” campaign is centered around the idea that the most memorable moments happen when you let curiosity get the best of you and take a little risk – much like John E. Fitzgerald himself.
On the heels of its successful premium packaging redesign, the brand will debut an engaging new ad on premium streaming platforms directed by award-winning commercial film director André Betz. The spot shows how Larceny can be the catalyst for turning an ordinary evening into a memorable one. The hero seizes the opportunity to liven his friends’ night out by playing the piano after seeing a compelling vision of a keyhole ignite on the instrument. The crowd is surprised to hear the piano play, partly because the hero is so good, but also because the piano is clearly off limits. The spot reaches a pivotal moment when the stern bartender walks over to tell off the hero, only to reveal that she’s there to pour him a glass of Larceny in appreciation of his spontaneity. Both the 30-second video, as well as 15-second version, will be streamed on Connected TV and Online Video.
The “Seize Tonight” campaign’s manifesto will be brought to life by expanding the brand’s reach and appeal beyond the traditional bourbon drinker through influential Community Ambassadors in the gaming, music and food scenes. LP Giobbi is a celebrated DJ, producer, pianist, and activist, known for her innovative sound and impactful contributions to music and advocacy. BlackKrystel is a dominant force in in the world of gaming and has made her mark as an efficacious voice for carefree, authentic fun. Fabrizio Villalpando is a no-holds-barred home cook whose bold attitude towards entertaining through food has left a mark in the culinary scene. Justin Sajda is a self-described “average guy who makes above average cocktails” whose creative concoctions elevate the spirits he serves behind the bar and on social media where he can be found @thirstywhale_.
Unlike many other bourbons, Larceny is made with wheat instead of the traditional rye, using a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. The use of 20% wheat as the secondary flavor grain is 25% more than the leading competitor, resulting in exceptional smoothness. Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide at a SRP of $27.99 and the new, premium packaging is now shipping. Individual batches of Larceny Barrel Proof are released nationally on an allocated basis three times annually at a SRP of $64.99 and will be bottled in the new packaging starting this fall. Fans of Larceny are encouraged to enjoy it straight, on the rocks or in the classic Paper Plane cocktail.
ABOUT LARCENY BOURBON: The story of Larceny begins with John E. Fitzgerald, a bonded U.S. Treasury agent with a penchant for thievery of the best Bourbon. Using his keys to let himself into rickhouses at night, the “Fitzgerald Barrels”, as they came to be known, became one of America’s most beloved whiskeys after Prohibition with the launch of Old Fitzgerald. Today, the John E. Fitzgerald story continues through Larceny, an incredibly smooth and exceptional small batch Wheated Bourbon. First brought to market in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the brand offers Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since its inception, Larceny has been an award-winning, best in class Bourbon receiving accolades such as Double Gold at the 2024 San Franscisco World Spirits Competition and Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year in 2020. For more information, please visit www.larcenybourbon.com.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
Whisky Auctioneer September 2024 Auction
Our September auction ends tonight, featuring over 8,000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles.
This month, we are thrilled to partner with Lochranza Distillery and CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) to present ‘Ewan’s Cut’—150 hand-selected bottles from a 1998 cask gifted to actor Ewan McGregor by the distillery and exclusive to Whisky Auctioneer. The first 24 bottles are especially unique, as they have been personally signed by the actor himself. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to CHAS, supporting their invaluable work.
Alongside this special release, we’re excited to showcase some standout whiskies, including an incredible selection of SMWS first releases, the revered Ichirio Hanyu Cards series, Cadenhead’s Single Casks plus many more…Don’t miss your chance to explore these exceptional offerings!
Macallan 65 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection
Exclusive to Whisky Auctioneer : Ewan’s Cut
Incredible SMWS Karuizawa First Release Bottles
Our October 2024 collection schedule has now been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service.
We can collect lots for up to three auctions.
The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 14th October 2024.
Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.
Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.
Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.
It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.
It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.
A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery 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.
Isle of Arran
26 Year Old
70cl | 51.9% ABV
Distilled at Arran in 1997, the spirit was matured in a single refill sherry butt for 26 years. There are notes of BBQ’d pineapple and lemon tart.
Nose: Caramel and vanilla’d oak
Palate: Malt, apples and BBQ’d pineapple
Finish: Lemon tart, barley and sea breeze
£433.95
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 541: Shinshu Mars Komagatake & Tsunuki: 2 single casks
Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries two very different Japanese single cask releases. Hombo Shuzo Co is one of the oldest in Japan, buying and selling whisky since 1949. Currently, they also own two distilleries: Komagatake in the north and Tsunuki in the south of Japan. What sets them apart is the terroir, making for a rather ‘Speyside style’ whisky being produced at Komagatake, while at Tsunuki the style is more ‘highland’ and a touch maritime. Today, Mark puts two very different single casks head-to-head, both bottled at cask strength.
BONHAMS SKINNER PRESENTS A HISTORY-SPANNING RARE SPIRITS SALE
A bottle of Glenlivet Generations 80-Year-Old bottled by Gordon & MacPhail,
estimated at $44,000 – 55,000.
Boston – Barrels of History: Pre-Prohibition to Today – Bonhams Skinner’s latest offering of rare and fine spirits – will present over 300 lots from master distilleries, online from October 4 – 16. The quality on offer is showcased by an ultra-rare and ultra-aged Glenlivet Generations 80-Year-Old bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, estimated at $44,000 – 55,000. Distilled in 1940, this bottle transports one to another time and place when George Urquhart, a champion of single malts, felt the spark of innovation and decided to lay a barrel down for extended ageing. The dark amber color marks its journey through eight decades in barrel.
The sale will also present a breathtaking array of pre-Prohibition bottlings in excellent condition and a rare of opportunity to taste history offered at a scope seldom seen. Further expressions of American Whiskey through the 20th century make up the backbone of this sale with pioneering names such as Willet, Weller and Van Winkle in great supply. A highlight of these bottles is a Willett Bourbon 23 Years Old, estimated at $8,000 – 12,000, as well as a Pappy Van Winkle 20 Years Old, estimated at $2,000 – 2,600.
Additional sale highlights include:
Over 50 lots of well-kept whiskey from the prolific collection of Josh Raynolds (1962-2023), renowned international wine critic and passionate curator of both wine and spirits, will also be offered in the sale. The current offering is headlined by a bottle of E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, estimated at $4,000 – 5,000.
Additional highlights of the collection include:
| Sale: Barrels of History: Pre-Prohibition to Today |
| Location: Online |
| Date: October 4 – 16 |
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.
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
Our 160th auction is now live, and we have a tremendous collection of whiskies on offer from every region, not to mention wines, tequilas, bourbons or anything else that takes your fancy. With over 7000 bottles in this month, we’re sure you’ll find something to ease the burden as the nights draw in, so without further ado here are a few of the amazing drams on offer this month.
Karuizawa 30 Year Old Samurai Cask #7843
One of ten amazing casks which were bottled in 2014 and 2015, each with a different Samurai depicted on the label, this is the Karuizawa 30 Year Old Samurai Cask #7843. Aged for a whopping three decades in a single Sherry Butt this formidable dram has somehow retained an ABV of 58.3%. A rare dram indeed from Japan’s most coveted silent distillery this is one of only 458 bottles released.
St. Magdalene 25 Year Old Cadenhead’s 75cl Circa 1980’s
From a silent Japanese distillery to a silent Scottish one, this is the St. Magdalene 25 Year Old Cadenhead’s 75cl Circa 1980’s. Named for the leper colony which once stood on the site St. Magdalene distillery produced whisky in a lowland style until its untimely demise in the ‘Great Cull’ of 1983. This tremendous whisky was probably distilled at some point in the late 50’s or early 60’s and was bottled in the 1980’s by famed Scottish indie bottler Cadenhead’s.
Next up we have another Scotch whisky distilled in the 1960’s though this time from Campbeltown, this beauty is the Springbank 1965 26 Year Old. By most people’s reckoning Springbank is one of the finest distilleries in Scotland whose distinct medium peated, two and a half times distilled spirit produces a robust and complex dram admired the world over. This a well-aged 1965 vintage and is sure to be a must-have for any serious Springbank collectors out there.
Bowmore Black 1964 42 Year Old 75cl
From the idyllic Mull of Kintyre to the ragged charm of Islay, this special dram is the Bowmore Black 1964 42 Year Old 75cl. First of the fabled Trilogy of the 1964 Bowmore’s. The oldest release of the Black Bowmore was distilled on the 5th November 1964 and matured within five Oloroso sherry casks. Only 827 bottles were released 42 years later. This dram is the absolute definition of a sherry bomb, hence the black of the title, and is surely one of the most sought-after drams Bowmore has ever produced.
Heritage Distilling Co. American Single Casks
Finally, we have another couple of UK exclusives from American Single Casks, both from Heritage Distilling Co. an American craft distillery based in Gig Harbor, Washington. Both bottles are number 1 in their respective runs, and both are only available in the UK and Europe right here at Scotch Whisky Auctions. The 2015 6 Year Old is 100% Rye and was recently reviewed by Serge Valentin at whiskyfun.com where it received a mightily impressive 91 points! The 2018 5 Year Old was produced using heavily roasted chocolate malted barley, most often used in brewing dark beers and looks particularly delicious.
As well as these two new releases we are also selling 50 bottles each from the first two casks from last month as a buy-it-now here and here, so if you missed out last month here is your chance to snap one up before they are all gone.
As always, we have a wide range of high-quality drams available at all price points, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist. Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.
