Skene Scotch Whisky has just released a Skene Reserve “Macallan 1989 30 Year Old”,  which was drawn from 1^st fill Oloroso single cask 152034.   This naturally dark beauty was distilled in May 1989 and bottled in September 2019 at the cask strength of 43.2% ABV.

The cask yielded only around 100 bottles.   Some of this Macallan went to Japan.   Skene Scotch Whisky retained the remainder of the whisky in glass in bond,  with the plan of releasing it in new super-premium packaging.   However, having many, many challenges with suppliers before and through the pandemic,  the company thought it better to bottle now using the same bottles and boxes as used for previous Macallan bottlings.   This has enabled Skene Scotch Whisky to offer this sherried Macallan 30 Year Old for the incredible price of just £1,480 for a 70cl bottle.

Skene Reserve 1989 30 Year Old is available now from Skene Scotch Whisky’s online shop at MACALLAN 1989 30 Years Old Single Malt – Skene Scotch Whisky (skenewhisky.com)

SKENE RESERVE – MACALLAN 1989 30YO 

Notes about Skene Scotch Whisky – After a few years away from bottle sales, Skene Whisky are releasing bottlings from a number of ranges.  “Skene Reserve” are single cask premium bottlings of vintage malt whisky (eg the above-mentioned Macallan 30yo).   “Skene Sherry Editions” will be sherry-matured single malts (48% ABV) aimed squarely at drinkers.  “Skene American Oak “Editions” will be ex-bourbon single malt bottlings (again at 48% ABV).  “Skene Peated Malt Editions” will be peated single malt expressions (yet again at 48% ABV).

We’re offering a FREE personal courier collection service (UK)  

From Sunday 5th September, Andy from the TWSA team will be on the road from London to Glasgow (and everywhere in between!) to pick up your bottles from your doorstep. It can all be carried out contact-free, and we’ll take care of the cost.

Glasgow to London: Sunday 5th September
London Collections: Monday 6th September
There will be a drop-off point available on Sunday evening and Monday for London customers.
London to Glasgow: Tuesday 7th September
Edinburgh, Stirling, Dundee: Wednesday 8th September

At the moment, we’re accepting a minimum of 10 bottles or a minimum value of £1000. Please contact auctions@whiskyshop.com to discuss details.

Want to sell your whisky before September 5th?

We can organise a courier to pick up your bottle(s) free of charge and get you booked in the next available date.

To find out more or book your free collection:

✉️ Email auctions@whiskyshop.com
📞 Phone +44(0)141 427 2950

Please note that our offices are shut on weekends, but we’ll answer your query as soon as we reopen on Monday at 9am.

Extraordinary Value in Aged, Award-Winning Whisky
2007 George Dickel 13 Year Old “2021 Release” Bottled In Bond Tennessee Whisky (750ml) ($44.99)

Destined to be an instant best-seller, the new release of Dickel’s 13 Year Old Bottled In Bond Tennessee Whisky has just landed in our inventory. Last year’s highly rated version was also awarded the “#1 Whisky of the Year” from Whisky Advocate and proceeded to sell out instantly. This year’s release hits all of the same marks and remains an astonishing value at under $45. While we would recommend you read a bit more about this market-defying collectible below, we’ll also urge you not to hesitate, as this quality and age statement is nearly unmatched in American whisky at this kind of price. Don’t miss it.

2007 George Dickel 13 Year Old “2021 Release” Bottled In Bond Tennessee Whisky (750ml) ($44.99)

The famous Dickel 13 Year Old Bottled in Bond is back! Distilled in Spring 2007, the 2021 Release is the follow up to the multi-award-winning previous releases of Dickel Bottled in Bond. This special distillery remained in relative obscurity until the previous 13-year-old release of Bottled In Bond received the Whisky Advocate‘s coveted “#1 Whisky of the Year” award. Now the new version is back up to that old age statement, and excitement for the product has not diminished whatsoever. That’s because these new Bottled In Bonds are a direct result of one of the industry’s most exciting new palates, Nicole Austin. The young chemical engineer graduate started her career at the wonderful King’s County Distillery in New York before being appointed General Manager and Distiller at the historic Dickel plant in Cascade Hollow. She’s handpicked the special barrels that go into each Bottled In Bond release and re-established the brand as one of the country’s leading producers in terms of quality for your dollar. Few modern American whiskies are able to match the Dickel BIB for age and value. Expect classic flavors of old Tennessee whisky—rich vanilla, burnt sugar, maple syrup, and caramel balanced by heady wood spice and subtle herbaceous backend. We’ve secured a significant allocation on this always sought-after product, but don’t expect it to last long. So, don’t wait for Whisky Advocate to publish this year’s list to snag a bottle.

Glenglassaugh 50YO

Very limited numbers of this release available, and we’ve got one bottle remaining, bottle number 5.

Calculated at 3 bottles for shipping purposes (due to weight)

Glenglassaugh Distillery, overlooking the breathtaking shores of Sandend Bay on Scotland’s Moray Firth Coast, lay silent for over two decades, before it was reawakened in 2008. Its heritage stretches back to 1875, when the distillery was founded by local philanthropist Colonel James Moir. Glenglassaugh is still handcrafted in small batches, and its distinctively sweet, lush and coastal character is naturally shaped by the elements of its North Sea location.

Glenglassaugh 50 Year Old has matured for over fifty years within the finest Spanish oak wood, selected by Master Blended Rachel Barrie, which previously held Pedro Ximenez from Andalucia. It is an exceptionally rare and complex example of their Coastal Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Of natural colour, non chill filtered, and matured in their coastal warehouses, it presents a symphony of exotic fruit, on a gentle ocean breeze.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Dark manuka honey.

Nose: Deep, seductive layers of sweet almond frangipane, figs and blackberry, carried on a wave of ocean spice, toasted oak and salted honeycomb.

Palate: A complex symphony of cassis and soft exotic fruits with rolling waves of papaya, mango and cherry. Mellow oak and yellow plum add an elegant and memorable sophistication to this exceptional rare malt.

Finish: Savour the soft lingering finish of caramelised pear, pineapple and pomegranate, beautifully intertwined with almond and refined oak, on a gentle ocean breeze.

£5,490.00

(£4,575.00 excl tax)

Learn More

https://youtu.be/R13-1k-J1iw

I’ve not done a Jefferson’s video for a long, long time. But it’s better late than never.

As an NDP, Jefferson’s are still knocking out some of the best batch bourbon products on the market, and they’re doing it at a decent price point.

This is bottle 1032 of Batch 1, unsure of the liquids origins, but as a bottled product it is quite excellent. Loads of butterscotch, caramel and baked cheesecake on the nose. The palate is a complex and atypical style. It begins bitter with gentian root and loads of oak, but as that dies away, a wealth of mint, raspberry and cherry comes around, all backed up with spoonfuls of butterscotch and toffee on the finish.

Excellent bourbon, lovely bottle, appropriately priced when available, something worth trying if and when you can find it.

‘The Sleeping Beauty’ cask of Royal Lochnagar whisky

is awakened after 26 years

 A unique cask of Royal Lochnagar whisky, laid down in 1994, has now been bottled as part of Diageo’s prestigious Casks of Distinction range.

470 bottles will be sold at an auction hosted by online secondary market leaders Whisky Auctioneer 9-13 September 2021.

Bottle number one will include the original cask end painting of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ painted by Scottish artist Norman Edgar, based on a Scottish Ballet dancer.

All proceeds will go to the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund to support the future of
Scotland’s national dance company.

Today, Scottish Ballet, Diageo and Whisky Auctioneer announce the release of 470 bottles from a single cask of Royal Lochnagar whisky, which will be sold at auction 9-13 September 2021.

The unique cask was laid down in 1994 at the instigation of Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden, who was at the time Chair of United Distillers and Vice Chair of Scottish Ballet. Scottish artist Norman Edgar was commissioned to paint the cask end portraying Scottish Ballet Principal dancer Nicci Theis in the iconic role of Princess Aurora, the sleeping beauty. It was to be a donation with a difference, an investment in the future of Scotland’s national dance company.

Twenty-six years later, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ has been awakened and bottled as part of the prestigious Casks of Distinction range. This highly collectible bottle is now ready to be shared with whisky lovers and ballet fans alike, with every pound raised at auction contributing to the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund. All bottling and auction costs have been generously donated by Diageo and Whisky Auctioneer in support of Scottish Ballet.

The first auction lot will include bottle number one and the unique cask end painting by Norman Edgar depicting Princess Aurora, the sleeping beauty. The first ten lots will also include exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences with Scottish Ballet.

HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay and Patron of Scottish Ballet, said:
‘It is marvellous to know that this unique gift has been bottled and will now be offered for sale in support of the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund, ensuring a lifelong benefit to all those who love ballet and who love Scotland.’^[1]

Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, said:

‘Like all arts organisations, Scottish Ballet has endured a challenging eighteen months unable to perform live, and this income will be vital in ensuring the company’s long-term future and capacity to inspire future audiences, on stage and beyond. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played their part in bringing this whisky fairytale to life.’

James Mackay, Head of Rare & Exceptional Spirits at Diageo, said:

‘It is with great pride and pleasure that we have bottled ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ Cask of Distinction, beginning a new chapter in this beautiful story, and to offer lovers of Scottish craft and fine arts a chance to appreciate this unique single malt Scotch whisky, while benefiting Scottish Ballet.’

 Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer, said:
‘It’s a privilege to support the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund by hosting the online auction of this incredibly distinctive Royal Lochnagar release. This whisky has a story to tell and an important cause to support, so we are sure that both whisky and ballet lovers, as well as collectors around the world, will be excited to have the opportunity to acquire such an interesting expression.’

Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden said:
‘It is deeply gratifying that this Royal Lochnagar cask, which I presented to Scottish Ballet in celebration of its 25th anniversary in 1994, is now being awoken. I am delighted that people will now be able to taste this extremely special whisky, but even more importantly the legacy of our donation will be continued through the funds the cask will raise for the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund.’

Artist Norman Edgar said:
‘A great fan of the artist Edgar Degas, I had never painted any ballet paintings and enjoyed creating the pose after watching a performance of The Sleeping Beauty in Glasgow, with the shape of Aurora’s dress following the circular barrel ends. As a relatively young man at the time, I would also still be around to sample the result!’

Charles MacLean MBE, Master of the Quaich and whisky writer, said:
‘This is as good an example of Royal Lochnagar as I have ever tasted. It has retained the original distillery character, while long aging has developed layers of complexity.’

To find out more and register interest in the auction, visit
https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/whisky

 NOTES 

@ScottishBallet
Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
scottishballet.co.uk 

About Scottish Ballet

• Scottish Ballet, founded in 1969, is Scotland’s national dance company. Based in Glasgow, the company performs regularly across Scotland, throughout the UK and internationally – promoting Scotland’s pioneering spirit far and wide.

• Under CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet presents bold, adventurous performances rooted in strong classical technique, accompanied by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The company’s broad repertoire includes new versions of the classics and ground-breaking commissions, both on stage and screen.
• Scottish Ballet runs an extensive engagement programme, tailored to the needs of diverse communities, promoting confidence, fostering wellbeing, and encouraging creativity through dance.
• Scottish Ballet is funded by the Scottish Government.
• For more information, visit: scottishballet.co.uk 

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).

For more information, visit: diageo.com

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform, to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and geography. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits available online. Whisky Auctioneer is passionate about connecting these bottles with those who share in their passion and actively support their customers in their aims, whether that be consuming, collecting or investing.

In February 2021, the Perth-based online auction house made history during the iconic sale of The Perfect Collection when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old sold for a hammer price of £1m, the first time a single bottle of whisky has sold at an online only auction for one million pounds.

Whisky Auctioneer became the first online auction house to sell a million-pound bottle and outperformed the nearest traditional auction house by 200% in value from spirits sales in 2020, showcasing the move that whisky collectors, investors and drinkers have already made online and firmly establishing their leading position within the modern secondary whisky market.

The business currently sees over 100,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe. It also opened its first European base in Germany last year.

For more information, visit: whiskyauctioneer.com

SAZERAC COMPANY NAMED AMERICAN WHISKEY PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AT 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

Louisville, Ky (Aug. 25, 2021) –For the second year in a row, the Sazerac Company was named the American Whiskey Producer of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC).

Determined by a weighted points system, Producer of the Year Awards reflect the success of all brands entered into a single category. With 33 American Whiskey medals, including 19 Gold medals, the Sazerac Company came out on top in the category which had 127 total entries. Sazerac was also awarded this coveted title in the 2020 ISC Awards.

ISC Tasting Award winners are chosen over a rigorous 12-day process of blind tastings. Panels of experienced judges award a score for products’ aroma, appearance, taste and finish. Those scores are then combined to determine which medal can be awarded.

For a full list of results from the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, visit https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/live/en/page/isc-2021-winners.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac visit https://www.sazerac.com/.

2009 Blair Athol 12 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$59.99 View

We have bottled many casks of very old Blair Athol over the years as it is a staple in the independent bottling market and the spiritual heart of the famous Bell’s Blend. The whiskies in the 20+ year range are generally very, very good. It’s hard to mess up Blair Athol after decades in cask. We are however extremely picky when it comes to young whisky from this famous Pitlochry distillery. The young whiskies can easily overpower their barrels and leave a bit of a funky note that certainly isn’t for everyone. However, when appropriately casked in an active sherry barrel, 12 years is just about right to create pure magic. That funky weight of the spirit is balanced beautifully with the citrus zest, dark cocoa, and roasted nuts of the sherry butt. We don’t get too many shots at full term sherry with extremely sharp pricing – but when we do, we rarely miss. 59% ABV and taking no prisoners, this is a serious malt for sherry fans to stock up on.

Welcome Back
Ben Nevis Whisky

Ben Nevis 10 Year Old

A highly acclaimed and much loved whisky, Ben Nevis has been hard to come by in recent years. But now the famed 10 year old is back and in the newly re-branded design for 2021. Ben Nevis 10 Year Old Highland single malt Scotch whisky from the distillery in Fort William with the highest water source in Scotland. A big full bodied highland malt.

Nose: abundance of character on the nose with floral, fragrant, honey, citrus fruits of orange and beeswax with elements of toffee and vanilla aromas.

Taste: initial spicy notes lead to energy of cereal flavours. Smooth creaminess of dark chocolate invites you to sample another drop.

Shop Now – £53 / €51* / $60* / c$76*

Ben Nevis Coire Leis

A new release to the Ben Nevis range for 2021. Non-age statement whisky named after a scenic region and route up the famous Ben Nevis mountain.  Ben Nevis Coire Leis Highland single malt Scotch whisky from the distillery in Fort William. A big full bodied highland malt.

Nose: a rich and warming character with toffee and honeyed vanilla, a light woody aroma finishing with barley sugar sweetness.

Taste: initial notes of fresh apricots followed by a malty sweetness leading to a smooth, creamy and woody finish.

Shop Now – £46 / €45* / $53* / c$66*

BEN NEVIS SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Ben Nevis Distillery is a Highland malt whisky distillery established by John McDonald in 1825 at Inverlochy just north of Fort William and rests at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. A Coffey’s Still was installed in in 1955 and both malt and grain whiskies were produced simultaneously until 1981. The core range comprises Ben Nevis 10 Year Old, McDonald’s Traditional and single cask bottling are released from time to time. The distillery is owned by Nikka of Japan.