AUCTION RECORD SET FOR PAPPY VAN WINKLE

AT SOTHEBY’S IN NEW YORK

Bottle of 23 Year Old Family Reserve Sells for $52,500,

More than 17x Low Estimate

NEW YORK, 13 December 2022 – This weekend at Sotheby’s in New York, a new auction record was set for Pappy Van Winkle when a bottle of 23 Year Old Family Reserve sold for $52,500 – more than seventeen times the pre-sale estimate (est. $3,000-4,000). Two collectors battled against each other to win the coveted bottle of their dreams, pushing the final sale price ever higher. Released in 2008, the whiskey was presented for sale with its original black velvet bag.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA, said: “It was exciting to be on the rostrum conducting the sale for this record-breaking bottle, which went far beyond anyone’s expectations. The auction marked a remarkable end to a year that has seen prices soar for American whiskey at Sotheby’s.”

All 14 of the individual bottles of Pappy Van Winkle on offer sold for sums in excess of their high estimates, achieving a combined total of $396,250 (est. $31,000-44,000). Individual records were also set for the Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old ($9,375) and 20 Year Old ($27,500).

The lots formed part of Whisky & Whiskey | Seasonal Spirits and The Yamazaki 55, which brought a total of $1,786,625, surpassing pre-sale expectations (est. $885,050 – 1,302,050). This year has seen sales of whisky at Sotheby’s in New York double, from $5.4 million in 2021 to $11.9 million in 2022.

Few names are more significant in the world of American whiskey than that of Julian ‘Pappy’ Van Winkle. Synonymous with enthusiasts, whiskeys bottled under the Van Winkle brand have gone on to become amongst the most highly rated and sought-after, gathering an almost cult-like following. Many of those were distilled at the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery, opened on Derby Day in 1935, which went on to create some of the finest and most sought-after bourbons ever produced before its closure in the early 1990s, with production moving to the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort.

The Old Rip Van Winkle brand was originally created before Prohibition, but it was not until 1972 that it was reintroduced following the repeal. The brand encompasses many of the most highly rated, collectible bourbon and rye whiskeys ever bottled.

About Sotheby’s Wine

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits hit a record $132 million in 2021, a 44% increase on 2020. Sotheby’s Wine currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction.

In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.

SATURN V ROCKET

It’s Back.
On the Lauch Pad.

SATURN V Rocket 50th Anniversary Edition

On the launch pad. They sold once before. This specially commission Launch Pad is made from ex-Scotch whisky casks! To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Saturn V rocket, we have selected a very special 2010 vintage single first fill bourbon barrel from Caol Ila distillery on Islay which ticks all the cosmic boxes!

Buy – Saturn V 50th Anniversary with Launch Pad

“Cask-strength Remus is a treat … this superb bourbon is the result of impeccably honed technical capabilities from one of the largest and oldest distilleries in the country.”
— K&L Spirits Buyer Andrew Whiteley on the Remus Cask #222

George Remus “K&L Exclusive” Barrel #222 Single Barrel Barrel Proof Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 05, 2022

Cask-strength Remus is a treat, but it can vary enormously from barrel to barrel, in part because it doesn’t have a consistent mashbill for the single-barrel program. This unusual cask features 51% corn and 49% rye—10% of which is malted. Made at MGP (now known as Ross & Squibb when selling their own distillate under the Remus and Rossville Union brands), this superb bourbon is the result of impeccably honed technical capabilities from one of the largest and oldest distilleries in the country. Arguably, no distillery has done more for the bourbon boom of the last two decades than MGP. Let’s taste. Liquid amber in color. The nose is a combination of sweet butterscotch and freshly cracked pepper. Sweetgrass, with its signature vanilla and herbal scented leaves, is prominent. A dusting of cocoa powder and baked apples is also present in the bright and lively aroma. The palate has tremendous kick to it. At 57.1% ABV, it’s not really a surprise, but damn is it spicy at first. It reminds me a little bit of some extra spicy Russell’s rye barrels. As you continue to taste, that spice first moves from herbal tones into more savory sawdust and then finally into the sweeter barrel components—vanilla, more butterscotch, caramel, and the like. The finish is medium length when it comes to flavor, but the texture of the whisky sticks around for a long time, leaving your mouth primed for whatever comes next. With the addition of a splash or two of water, the spice profile really takes a back seat, and much more fruit comes out. A little red fruit, mixed in with a lot more sweet, baked apples and brioche, comes forward on the nose. The softened palate feels gentle and welcoming compared to the up-front intensity at full proof. It’s an enticing pour for cocktail applications, because it sweetens up so much with just a little dilution but doesn’t entirely lose that beautiful rye backbone. The creative bartender will find that this can pop in many different ways based on how you use it.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

https://youtu.be/doJ6dyVOzpE

That time of the year again. Whisky of the year is always a tricky thing to pick when the time finally comes around. This year won’t be a surprise, but there is a small elephant in the room to deal with…

Follow the link to find out what finally got it.

Our Festive Auction is now LIVE!

Only 8.5% buyer’s commission.

Auction ends Friday 6^th Januray.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

www.highlandwhiskyauctions

A very rare old Macallan 43-Year-Old distilled in 1965!

An example of some of the unique & special bottlings available this month!

Just a small percentage of an unbeatable selection of miniatures up for grabs!

Click here to register as a user.

Looking to sell in our next auction? 0% Sellers commission & FREE* UK doorstep collections.

We offer FREE valuations to give you an idea of what your whisky may sell for at auction.

Contact us to arrange a valuation or collection.

www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com

GREAT WHISKIES FROM
AROUND THE WORLD

After an end-of-year treat or to try something a little different from the ever-popular single malt Scotch? Here are our picks of exceptional world whiskies by our head buyer Dawn Davies MW. From a Canadian rye whisky full of sweet cereal flavours, rich toffee and oak spice to a smoky, spicy New Zealand single malt made with malted barley that has been smoked with Manuka wood and a green and crunchy entry from Suntory’s Hakushu range. These are world whiskies worthy of a spot on your drinks cabinet.

  SHOP ALL WORLD WHISKY  

The final New & Trending of the year!

All the very latest whisky releases available at The Whisky Shop can be found here. When it comes to single malt whisky, these drams come from all around the world from a wide range of distilleries. Round off 2022 with a new dram on the drinks shelf…

Discover What’s New →

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Johnnie Walker

Ring in the Lunar New Year with this limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label. This one is special is a stunningly spirited design of 2023’s zodiac symbol from one of fashions freshest talents: Angel Chen. The rabbit symbolises longevity in Asian culture, something that Johnnie Walker echo’s with its motto ‘Keep Walking’.

Year of the Rabbit →

Expect waves of spice on the nose, complimented by vanilla and honey. On the palate we find flavours of caramel, hazelnuts and dark chocolate. The finish is a luxurious one: long, warming and slightly smoky.