Read what he has to say below. Do you agree with him? Disagree with him? And why?

WHISKY  ‘INVESTMENT’

By Ian Buxton

Can one invest in whisky?  And, if yes, should you?

There’s certainly a lot of excited chatter about this right now, perhaps a measure of the troubled economic times in which we live.  The idea seems to be creeping into the popular imagination that picking the right bottle is a worthwhile, not to say near essential part of your financial planning.

We can argue about the figures.  Elsewhere I’ve taken exception to sloppy journalism and the casual quotation of potential investment gains that ignore transaction costs – and can thus never be achieved in real life.  Call me old-fashioned but I believe readers should be able to trust what they read and citing illusory and unattainable rates of return is misleading at best.

What’s more, simple common sense suggests that returns of over 100% in just two or three years are never going to be sustained in anything but a feverish bubble. When you appreciate that those figures are being most enthusiastically trumpeted by people with a vested interest, such as distillers with a brand to promote, retailers with stock to move or auction houses keen to drum up business you might just want to look twice before committing your 401(k) pot.

But there’s a more fundamental philosophical point that the money men, with their hard, cold souls don’t seem to get: if the whisky you buy is just for investment, then – since it’s never going to be opened – the bottle may as well contain cold tea.  Today whisky; tomorrow pork belly futures.

Whisky is a drink, but it is more than that.  It is a metaphor for the spirit and soul of the people and place that produced it. The distillers of Scotland express part of the austere, Calvinist personality of their land; in Kentucky (as for Rabbie Burns) “freedom and whisky gang  the’gither” and for the brave new distillers in Brittany, France it encapsulates their Breton identity and culture, even their language.

Buying and hoarding bottles like some latter-day Ebenezer Scrooge while poring over spreadsheets to measure RoI and capital growth tears out whisky’s heart and spirit; confounds its generosity and desecrates the memory, skill and craftsmanship of the people who made it. And, call me a romantic, but that’s just wrong.

If you love whisky, set it free.  Mark my words: this ‘investment’ bubble will end badly and people – and whisky – are going to get hurt.

Looking at the catalog (which you can peruse here), I see some great whiskies being auctioned again, like this 1979 vintage release of The Macallan Gran Reserva (pictured on right).

This time, in addition to single malt scotch, there’s a greater emphasis on whiskies from other countries, including bourbon, Irish, Japanese, and Canadian whisky. For example, bourbon enthusiasts will drool at the 9-bottle case of Very Old Fitzgerald 8 year old bourbon distilled in 1948 at the defunct Stitzel-Weller distillery (pictured below).

I realize that many of you don’t have the means to buy some of these rare whiskies. For those of you who do, this is a great opportunity to perhaps procure that special whisky you’ve been looking for. And, to be honest, there are many lots of grouped “regular priced” whiskies that, depending on the bidding, might proved to be a bargain–even with the fees that are tacked on.

Regardless, it’s worth a look at the catalog, even if it’s only a stroll down memory lane for you.

The nice thing about whisky auctions is that they provide a platform for buyers and sellers to legally conduct business. It’s a chance to finally get that bottle of whisky you’ve always been looking for. It also provides an opportunity for whisky enthusiasts, who are struggling in this terrible economy, to sell some extra bottles they have to help make ends meet.

So, let me throw it out to all of you.  Have you bought or sold at a whisky auction? If so, which auction? Were you happy with the results? Why or why not?

Yes, you will probably pay more for it. But then again, you might not.

A few days ago, I received the Bonhams Whisky Catalog for an auction they are having in New York City on April 14th (two weeks from today). I’m drooling just paging through it.

Yes, there are some heavy-hitters like the Bowmore Trilogy (Black, White and Gold) and the Springbank Millennium Set (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 year old).  But there are also some really interesting–and high-quality–whiskies you can probably pick up for $200-300, like some older bottled Broras, Port Ellens, Bowmores, Springbanks, and Ardbegs. Oh, and some older Macallans too, like this “Private Eye” bottling (shown above). The estimated range on this one, however, is a little steep ($600-800).

I’ve never been to a whisky auction. And I can’t make it to this one either, because it conflicts with WhiskyFest Chicago. However, some of our writers have attended–and even participated–and they have really enjoyed the experience. Plus, I think you can even bid over the phone and on-line.

I’ll give you one example why I think you might actually get some of these whiskies at a bargain price. Lot #21 consists of two bottles of Dalmore: a King Alexander III and a Signatory 18 year old. The range is listed at $140-200. Binny’s is selling the King Alexander III for $200. You could score and get both bottles for less than this. (Well, maybe not, now that I’ve mentioned it…)

I think you get my point, though. You can find the link to a PDF of the auction catalog here. Have a look through it. (Also, my contact at Bonhams over the past few years has been Rik Pike, in case you have any specific questions. His email adress is richard.pike@bonhams.com.)

Do you see anything interesting in there?

On this given day, I was alone, so when I strolled past Soho Wines and Spirits, I bopped right in. The shop wasn’t very big (it is NYC after all), and it was mostly wines. But on the left wall were a few dozen bottles of whisky.

Nothing was out of the ordinary, except for a distillery bottle of Ladyburn, identical to the bottle on the left. I never saw a owner-bottled Ladyburn before, and I knew that it was rare. So, I bought it. For $28.

I took it home and that’s where it sat–for several years on display in my house bar. That is, until I received an email from a prominent UK whisky retailer who was inquiring about several different rare bottles of whiskies that some of his clients were interested in purchasing.

Now, I’m not big on collecting  just for the sake of collecting. If I buy a whisky, I intend to drink it. But the few reviews I heard of Ladyburn at the time were not very good ones, and that includes Michael Jackson.

I figured I am better of selling it for a handsome profit and spending the money on whisky that I will actually drink and enjoy, so that’s what I did. I sold this bottle for a great price (I don’t remember how much it was, because I also sold a couple other bottles at the same time as a package deal,  but it was under $1,000.) And that was the end of it. That is, until I noticed a bottle was up for auction at the recent Bonhams auction this past June 22nd in New York City.

What did it sell for? How about $3,570! Obviously, someone made a great profit on this whisky. Or was it some people?

I know there were very few of these bottles floating around. I don’t know what happened to my bottle after I sold it. I wonder if this is the same bottle I bought almost 20 years ago for $28. And I can’t help wondering if it was flipped a few times.

It’s a small world these days, isn’t it?

New York- Bonhams New York first sale of Whisky in 2010 will take place at 5pm on Tuesday June 22 at the company’s 580 Madison Avenue saleroom.

The auction features 554 lots, and marks the first various-owner auction devoted to Whisky to take place in the city since a 2007 law change allowed spirits auctions to take place in the state of New York.

The auction also marks the beginning of regular sales schedule for Whisky and Spirits at Bonhams in New York, with plans for at least two sale selections each year.

“Bonhams is committed to the sale of whisky and spirits across the globe. Along with our regular whisky sales in Edinburgh, we are now delighted to see the beginning of a regular auction schedule here in New York – and continue to develop our spirits offerings in Hong Kong,” says Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Group Managing Director.

The vast majority of the sale features single-malt Scotch whisky, along with a handful of blended Scotch and Irish whiskey lots. Estimates go to $9,000 a bottle, and the auction in its entirety is expected to fetch over $200,000.

Highlights include a 190-lot collection that features substantial quantities of Silent Stills, Rare Malts and Gordon & Macphail bottlings. Within this collection notable lots include a 37 year old Bowmore matured in Bourbon wood (estimate: $1,800-2,500), and The Springbank Double, bottled in 1994 (estimate: $800-1,000).

A significant selection of The Macallan features prominently in the auction, including a bottle of The Macallan 50 Year Old Anniversary Malt accompanied by a letter by Chairman Allan Shiach dated July 1983 (estimate: $9,000-11,000); an example of the 35^thPrivate Eye Anniversary bottling (estimate: $550-700); and The Macallan 52 year old distilled in 1946 (estimate: $3,750-4,500).

Elsewhere in the sale, a bottle of Gold Bowmore is on offer (estimate: $4,200-5,000); along with a 1940s bottling of ‘Pinch’ in excellent condition and in original Christmas wrapping (estimate: $250-300); and a 35-lot collection of Glenmorangie (estimate range $150 to $1,200) that includes The Culloden Bottle, The Grand Slam Dram, and a 1976 bottling that celebrates the first commercial flight of Concorde (estimate: $650-800).

The official listing on the Bonhams site is here, but there’s still no information (or images of the bottle) up there yet. Details below in the press release.

£20,000, VERY RARE BOTTLE OF 1937 GLENFIDDICH AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE 

An exceptionally rare bottle of Glenfiddich distilled in 1937 is for sale at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on 16 June. 

It is one of only 11 bottles of the 1937 produced by the distillery and is the first to appear at auction.  Having matured for 64 years it is also one of the oldest whiskies ever released onto the market.  It is estimated to make between £15,000 – 20,000 and is likely to be keenly sought after. 

Bonhams Whisky consultant, Martin Green, commented, “It isn’t very often that such a rare bottle comes along and it’s a privilege to be handling it.  As soon as I recognised the significance of the bottle I got in touch with the distillery to let them know that we were including it in the auction.” 

Libby Lafferty speaking for Glenfiddich said, “We were very excited when we heard that the 1937 was going into the sale and immediately invited Martin Green from Bonhams to bring the bottle back to its home distillery to photograph for our archives.  It really is that special.” 

ends 

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/mechanicalmusic 

For further press information please contact Andrew Currie on 0207 468 5871  or andrew.currie@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com

I know that some of you have complained about old, ultra-expensive bottles being released. Auctioning off the bottle for charity is a noble effort.

The Macallan and Lalique launch THE MACALLAN 64 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN LALIQUE : CIRE PERDUE

 Following an Eight Month, Global Fundraising Exhibition, Sotheby’s to Auction this One-of-a-Kind Piece in New York with all Proceeds Benefitting charity: water

Paris, April 6, 2010:  Iconic luxury brands The Macallan and Lalique have come together again on the 150^th anniversary of Rene Lalique’s birth, building on their highly successful partnership to produce a one-of-a-kind decanter, created by the ancient “cire perdue” or “lost wax” method. This decanter will hold the oldest and rarest Macallan ever bottled by this highly regarded distillery. The Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue decanter contains a 64 years old Macallan single malt whisky, destined for final auction by Sotheby’s on November 15, 2010 in New York. All of the proceeds of this remarkable piece will be donated to charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.  In an eight month traveling exhibit and fundraising journey, The Macallan in Lalique: Cire Perdue decanter will travel around the world from Paris to New York via Madrid, London, Moscow, Seoul, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. 

The Cire Perdue decanter has been designed by the legendary French crystal house Lalique, exclusively for The Macallan. Painstakingly hand crafted with the skills for which Lalique has achieved world-wide recognition and renowned since the first fabulous glass pieces were designed and made by Rene Lalique in the first half of the twentieth century, the inspiration for the design has come from the beauty of The Macallan’s 150 hectare estate in north-eastern Scotland.

David Cox, Director of Fine & Rare Whiskies for The Macallan, comments: “We have established a very close working relationship with Lalique over the past six years. We share a heritage based on a commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, underpinned by a genuine passion to strive for the best in all our endeavours. This extraordinary project has raised our partnership to new heights, combining the brilliance of Lalique’s designers and craftsmen and the outstanding quality and character from the masters of spirit and wood at The Macallan to produce a single decanter which will never be replicated, filled with the oldest and rarest Macallan our distillery has ever released. Having decided to donate the proceeds from the auction of this beautiful decanter and its rarest of whiskies to charity, we decided to partner with charity: water. Given the predictions of future water shortages and recent natural catastrophes, we felt we wanted to contribute something really positive to help. We are hoping for some extraordinary generosity at the final auction in New York in November.”

“We are delighted that the proceeds from this historic auction of The Macallan in Lalique: Cire Perdue decanter will benefit charity: water,” said Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water.  “Clean water projects bring communities together and offer improved health, a better quality of life and hope for a better future. I look forward to working closely with The Macallan and Lalique to bring clean water to some of the billion people on the planet without it.”

“Water is fundamental to the craftsmanship behind both The Macallan and Lalique,” continued Cox. “The word “whisky” derives from the Latin, “aqua vitae”, or “water of life”, and is one of the three natural ingredients of The Macallan, together with barley and yeast. Water is also critical for Lalique at the point of detailing, sanding and polishing the crystal pieces.”

The 64 years old Macallan has been vatted together from three casks, all built from sherry seasoned Spanish oak. The first was filled in 1942, the second in 1945 and the third in January 1946, from which the age of this great Macallan has been taken.

This Macallan is so rare for a couple of reasons; firstly The Macallan is widely recognized as one of the few single malts which can mature to a great age without losing its character to the powerful influence of Spanish oak maturation casks, seasoned with sherry, for which The Macallan is particularly well-known. The Macallan’s rich, oily spirit ensures the whisky achieves a balance and depth of aromas and flavours over many years in these casks, a balance often sought, but rarely achieved; secondly, this is the oldest Macallan ever released by the distillery in its 186 year history. Prior to the release of this 64 years old Macallan in the Cire Perdue decanter, the previous oldest Macallan released by the distillery was the 60 years old, distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986, of which only forty bottles were ever produced.

Character of The Macallan 64 years old:

• The 64 years old Macallan has a lovely rich oak colour.
• On the nose, notes of peat smoke, dried orange peel, muscovado sugar and cedar wood, mixed with spicy cinnamon sticks and cloves.
• On the palate, spicy, blood oranges, rosin, treacle, walnuts, cocoa chocolate and peat smoke.
• The finish is soft, smooth and spicy, with lingering peats and dark chocolate

The decanter has been designed at Lalique’s Design Studio in Paris, based upon a ship’s decanter of the 1820’s, the decade in which The Macallan was founded, in 1824. Lalique’s designer felt the shape lent itself perfectly to the beautifully crafted panorama of The Macallan estate by the river Spey, in north east Scotland.

Lalique’s designer and craftsmen then worked to highlight the beauty of The Macallan’s estate, with its fields of barley, its woodlands, the river Spey flowing past its borders to the south and Easter Elchies House, The Macallan’s spiritual home built in 1700, lying at the heart of the estate.

The Macallan’s estate is unique among Scotch whisky distilleries. Spreading over 150 hectares on a plateau above the River Spey, this beautiful place has sustained generations of farmers and landowners over the centuries. Today, many of its fields grow the exclusive barley which lies at the heart of The Macallan spirit, while spring water from the estate boreholes combine with the barley and yeast to create the sublime single malt that is The Macallan. Among the estate woods grow mighty oak trees, which echo the oaks of northern Spain and the United States from which The Macallan’s exceptional casks are made, and which contribute so much of the final character of the whisky.

The decanter itself has been created by the lost wax process, an ancient practice originally developed to cast large pieces in bronze. After first modelling a piece in wax, it is covered with plaster and then sent to the oven to bake the clay while the wax melts. Finally, molten crystal is poured in the emptied shape.  Up until 1930, Rene Lalique himself crafted glass pieces using the Cire Perdue technique, but abandoned it as arthritis increasingly affected his fingers.

Today, investing in the artistic and technical training of its artists to master again this extraordinary know-how, a new workshop has been created on the 150^th anniversary of Rene Lalique’s birth in 1860, dedicated entirely to the ‘lost wax’ process, to make the first Cire Perdue pieces in eighty years, including The Macallan 64 years old in Lalique. Every piece is unique. Complex, time consuming and costly, the process is reserved for the ultimate pieces. The technique brings to light a fineness of detail never seen before and a unique texture that is likened to a « crystal skin, giving each piece a truly realistic and vivid aspect.

Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique, commented, “We are enormously proud to be collaborating again with The Macallan, and in such a worthwhile cause.  In today’s highly interconnected world, we are all increasingly aware of the needs of those much less fortunate than ourselves. We have been working on a series of decanters with The Macallan since 2004 and, over that time, have come to appreciate our shared values of a passionate commitment to outstanding quality, artistry and integrity. These decanters, each holding Macallan whiskies of 50, 55 and 57 years old respectively, have proved hugely admired and sought after around the world by whisky consumers and connoisseurs, as well as collectors of Lalique crystal and lovers of beautiful objets d’art. This latest decanter, a remarkable, unique work of art, holding such an old and rare Macallan, takes our partnership to a new level. I wish every success to its “tour du monde” and to the final auction by Sotheby’s in New York in November”.

Of course, there’s plenty of trophy whiskies, like the Dalmore 50 yr. old (pictured below), several Black Bowmores, ’73 and ’74 Longrows. But if you look through the list more carefully, you’ll find some bargains.

For example, there’s a Longmorn Centenary 25 yr. old (lot 237) listed with a range of $130-160 (pictured on the left). I’ve tasted this whisky. It’s very nice (with even a hint of smoke). I have a bottle already, but at that price range, I’ll be happy to have another one.

 And there are a few Springbank 30 yr. old lots (25-27) valued around $300. That was the going price a decade ago, and it will be a while before Springbank comes out with another standard issue 30 year old, given that the distillery was closed for most of the ’80s.

And there’s plenty of whiskies from distilleries long gone, like Ladyburn, Killyloch, Glen Flagler, Kinclaith, etc.

In addition to old whiskies, there are young whiskies bottled decades ago, which are pretty rare.

Have a look through. Maybe you will find something that catches your eye. I was sent a press release on the auction, which I have included below.

The Willard S. Folsom Collection of Old and Rare Whiskies
To Be Offered At Bonhams New York This December

Aficionados of fine, rare Whiskies will be presented with an unparalleled collecting opportunity when the renowned Willard S. Folsom Collection goes to block on December 17th at Bonhams New York.

A sports fan, football handicapper, race car driver, master of finance, scuba diver, skydiver, and salsa dancer at various times in his life – Folsom began his love affair with Whisky in 1988 while reading a list of the best bars in the United States for Single Malt. Included in the list was a restaurant ten minutes from Willard’s home in Burlingame, California. After attending his first Single Malt Scotch tasting he immediately became a devotee of the Whisky arts.

For the next 18 years Willard amassed his private collection. Starting with establishing relationships within San Francisco’s Scotch community it was not long before he began travelling the world in search of rare bottles. Having toured the Highlands, the Lowlands, Speyside, Islay, and Orkney, he purchased whisky from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK- resulting in a collection of over 3,000 bottles.

Following the successful sale of a portion of the vast collection in Edinburgh and another sampling to be offered on November 27th in Hong Kong, part three of the sale will take place at the New York galleries of Bonhams and consists of nearly 900 lots of premier Single Malt Whisky. The meticulously selected collection ranges from Single Malts distilled in the 70s and 80s to a 1924 Royal Brackla 60 year old estimated at $2,400-3,300.  The New York sale is being held in conjunction with Bedford Wine Merchants.

Undoubtedly one of the most sought after lots will be the Dalmore 50 year old (pictured, top). It is beautifully presented in a crystal decanter along with a hand crafted wooden presentation case. Carrying an estimate of $6,500-7,300 it is sure to draw serious collector attention.

Also of great interest is the Dalmore 30 year old. This 150th Anniversary issue is offered in an Edinburgh Crystal decanter with sterling silver labelling. Bottle 37 out of a limited run of 50 and never for sale on the open market, the  lot is estimated at $2,400-3,300.
 
The Balvenie 50 year old is also highly anticipated. Distilled in 1937 and bottled 50 years later, the bottle is designed to replicate the bottling style of the 1930s when it was originally distilled. This nostalgic lot is expected to fetch $4,900-5,700.

Another lot certain to attract bidders is a group of limited edition Springbank whiskies. Bottled for the millenium at five year intervals from 25 to 50 years maturation in the cask, the lot is comprised of Springbank 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 year old. The six bottle lot carries an estimate of $3,000-5,000.

Two 1940s Macallan’s will also highlight the sale. Accompanied by a miniature for sampling purposes, the 1948 Macallan Select Reseve 51 year old is estimated at $3,500-$4,500. The 1946 Macallan Select Reserve 52 year old (pictured left) is numbered 536 and is expected to bring $2,000-2,300.

Also cause for excitement is an 18 year old Bowmore. Estimated at $3,300-4,100, this rarely seen bottle was distilled and bottled by Sherriff’s Bowmore Distillery in the 1950s. 

Other notable lots to be offered are a rare, limited edition 1963 Laphroaig 40 year old (est. $1,100-1,500); a limited edition Aultmore Centenary 16 year old only available to employees of the distillery (est. $900-1,200); and a 1963 Bowmore, bottled especially for a dinner at Chateau La Grange marking the 30th Anniversary of Morrison Bowmore’s ownership of the distillery (est. $900-1,200).

“We’re extremely excited to present this collection,” states Director of Whisky, Martin Green. “Not only is it the largest collection ever to come to auction; it is also distinguished by the fact that Folsom bought multiples whenever possible, which allowed him to take pleasure in actually drinking many of these bottles- highly unusual for a collector.”

 The sale will take place on December 17th at 4PM EST. The illustrated auction catalog for the sale will be online at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the auction.  For more information about the department, please visit www.bonhams.com/newyork.

Now you know what to ask Santa to put under your tree. Let’s hope he has a bigger line of credit than I do.

Glenfiddich Unveils its Masterpiece
Rare and precious 50 Year Old Single Malt Makes Long-Anticipated American Debut

NEW YORK, December 1, 2009 – Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, today announced the U.S. launch of its much-heralded Glenfiddich 50 Year Old expression.  One of the rarest and most precious expressions of authentic Single Malt Whisky ever released by Scotland’s most distinguished distillery, Glenfiddich 50 Year Old will be available in extremely limited supply, with only a handful of bottles available in the U.S.

Beginning in December, Glenfiddich 50 Year Old will be available exclusively at three U.S. hotels, with one additional bottle scheduled to be sold at a charity auction on December 7, making this one of the most sought-after expressions of Glenfiddich ever released.

For half a century, two casks of whisky have aged gently in Glenfiddich’s Warehouse 8, under the watchful eye of the industry’s longest-serving and most experienced Malt Master, David Stewart.  As a consequence of this care and attention, Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is imbued with a unique preciousness that only time can bring, and remains remarkably light and elegant on the palate. The nose is beautifully harmonious with an uplifting, vibrant and complex aroma. The taste is initially sweet with a zesty orange marmalade and vanilla toffee, which then cascades through a wonderful series of layers: aromatic herbs, floral and soft fruits, silky oak tannin and hints of gentle smoke. The finish is exceptionally long with a touch of dry oak and the merest trace of peat.

“Time and tradition, and a small, significant measure of the unknown have contributed to making every drop of this beautifully-matured fifty year old whisky, some of the most precious Glenfiddich has to offer,” said David Stewart.   “It is some of our finest whisky, nurtured over many years by generations of dedicated and distinguished long-serving craftsmen using techniques lost to most other distilleries. Only an independent, family-owned distillery can remain true to its founding principles and continually pioneer in its pursuit of excellence.”

In addition to this, the packaging, rich with authenticity and heritage, also reflects the excellence of the whisky: Design cues have been painstakingly taken from archives that record the distillery’s 120 year history; the hand-blown bottles are individually numbered and presented in beautifully hand-stitched, leather-bound cases, which were inspired by William Grant’s personal ledgers.

“As the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glenfiddich has a long tradition of innovation and setting the benchmark for quality” said Caspar MacRae, Category Director – Scotches, William Grant & Sons USA.  “The introduction of Glenfiddich 50 is a testament to the quality and pioneering spirit that has gone into the production of Glenfiddich for more than 120 years.”

American buyers will have the opportunity to bid for the sole bottle available for home purchase in the U.S. at a charity auction event, held simultaneously at New York’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, Miami’s Fontainebleau hotel and the Peninsula hotel in Los Angeles on December 7.  These hotels will also be the only places where the whisky will be available by the glass, until the next batch is released in 2010. 

Proceeds of the auction, which will be conducted by Christie’s Head of North American Wine Sales Charles Curtis MW, will go to Friends of Scotland, the charity founded by Sir Sean Connery, dedicated to advancing contemporary Scottish causes in the United States via educational scholarships, and to benefit veterans of foreign wars. In addition, Sir Sean has agreed to provide the winning bidder with a personal letter. Interested bidders should contact 646-356-8350 for the opportunity to take part in the auction.

ALL EYES ON THE DALMORE OCULUS AT RECORD-BREAKING BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

The exceptional one-of-a–kind Dalmore Oculus sells for a staggering £27,600 at Bonhams best whisky sale in history

Whisky enthusiasts worldwide raised their glasses to an outstanding result at today’s whisky sale at Bonhams Edinburgh. With over 90% of lots sold, the sale raised an impressive total of £211,518, the best on record in terms of value.

 One of the highlights of the sale was the rare and unique Dalmore Oculus, assembled from some of the most exceptional whiskies of the past 140 years. This extraordinary whisky sold for a phenomenal £27,600, against a pre-sale estimate of £15,000 – 20,000, as cheers rung around the sale room. This is the highest price ever paid for a Dalmore whisky, far exceeding any previous expectation.

 Other distinguished whiskies on offer included a Black Bowmore-1964 first edition, bottled 1993, beautifully presented in a wooden case, which sold for a sensational £2,100 (estimated £1,500-1,700), whilst the Black Bowmore-1964, final edition, bottled 1995 also reached £2,100 (estimated £1,500-2,000) and the Black Bowmore-1964 first edition, bottled 1993, selling for an equally impressive £2,040 (estimated £1,500-1,700).

 Elsewhere, The Macallan-56 year old-1946, officially bottled by hand at The Macallan Distillery exceeded its pre-sale estimate of £1,500-2,000, selling for £1,980.

 From the first section of the 3,000-strong Willard S Folsom Collection of Old and Rare Single Malt Whiskies, The Dalmore-50 year old-1926 presented in a splendid ceramic decanter sold for an sizeable £1,920 (estimated £1,500-1,700). Also from this collection, a Macallan Speymalt-1938 toppled pre-sale estimates of £800-1,000, reaching £1,920, whilst a Bowmore Oloroso Wood-38 year old-1964 single malt fetched £1,680 (estimated £1,200-1,400).

 Martin Green, Bonhams Whisky Specialist comments: “We are delighted by the results of today’s sale. The atmosphere in the room was electric with much excitement and frenzied bidding for the 583 first-class whiskies of offer. The Dalmore Oculus reached a fantastic sale price, especially in view of the current economic climate.”

 For Bonhams enquiries please call +44 131 225 2266

 For more information please contact Charlotte Hastings or Rosie Kempson at The Communication Group on 0207 630 1411 or email chastings@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk/ rkempson@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk

Lot   Sold Price     Whisky
164  $21,600        Bowmore Trilogy
165  $2,640          Bowmore 1957
166  $2,880          Bowmore 1964, Fino Cask
169  $240              Benrinnes 1989, Glen Garioch 24 yr old
170 $600              Highland Park 24 & 34 yr old
171  $180              Ardbeg 12 yr (OMC bottling)
172  $240              Bruichladdich 1986
173  $240              Auchentoshan 37 yr old
174  $420              Springbank 37 yr old (Dun Bheagan)
175  $360              Tomintoul 40 yr old
176  $180              Compass Box Monster & Canto Cask 46
177  $84                Redbreast 15 yr old
192  $540              Knockando 1977
193  $600              Ladyburn 1973
195  $2,280          Mortlach 50 yr old
198  $1,800          Glenlivet 1943
201  $5,040         Macallan 1946
202  $5,760         Macallan Millenium 50 yr old
203  $13,200      Macallan 55 yr old, in Lalique
         $58,884

My initial impression is that some of the winning bids were higher than what I felt the whiskies were worth. For example, Park Avenue Liquor is selling the Knockando 1977 right now for $215. (Let’s not tell the high bidder, okay? No use ruining his/her day.)

Still, I would be happy to pay $84 for a bottle of Redbreast 15, given how good and rare it is.

Your thoughts?

A LANDMARK EVENT FOR COLLECTORS OF FINE SPIRITS:
THE 1964 BOWMORE® TRILOGY TO BE OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN THE UNITED STATES

CHRISTIE’S NOVEMBER 14 AUCTION OF FINE WINES AND SPIRITS IN NEW YORK TO FEATURE A CAREFULLY-CURATED SELECTION OF WHISKY, COGNAC, BOURBON, ARMAGNAC, RUM AND MORE

New York – With the winter season fast approaching, Christie’s is delighted to announce its November 14 sale of Fine Wines and Spirits, with a special selection of spirits that are sure to ward off the chill of cold days to come.  Over 40 lots of carefully-curated whisky, bourbon, cognac, armagnac, and rum will be offered from prominent sources, including the Park Avenue Liquor Shop, one of the most respected spirits retailers in the country. 

In addition, Christie’s is honored to have been selected as the first U.S. sales site to offer the exceedingly rare 1964 Bowmore® Trilogy (pictured above) direct from the Bowmore distillery in Scotland.  An exceptional selection of fine and rare wines rounds out the sale, with recent and mature vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy in great supply, along with collector favorites from California, Italy, the Rhône Valley, and Champagne (separate press release available).  The total sale of wine and spirits includes over 800 lots and is expected to realize in excess of $2.1 million.

View our latest wine sale catalogues online here:
http://www.christies.com/departments/wine/wine-ecatalogues.aspx

The second one is by Bonhams in Edinburgh on November 18th. This one features a rare Dalmore Oculus (pictured), along with the 3,000 plus bottle collection by deceased whisky enthusiast Willard S. Folsom. Details from their press release:

BONHAMS SELLS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE WHISKIES, THE DALMORE OCULUS, IN 18TH NOVEMBER WHISKY SALE
 
Bespoke bottling created to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of whisky auction sales
 

As part of Bonhams Edinburgh’s highly-anticipated November 18th Whisky Sale, whisky enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to purchase an exceptional one-of-a kind The Dalmore Oculus, amongst other distinguished whiskies.
 
This rare and unique Dalmore Oculus is one of the most precious whiskies to ever appear at auction. It is both the first and last of its kind, assembled from some of the most exceptional whiskies of the past 140 years and is thus estimated to sell for a staggering £15,000-20,000.
 
Due to its rarity and depth of stocks The Dalmore has long been recognised as a brilliant single malt. Jim Murray, whisky guru comments it is “one of the world’s greatest and undervalued distilleries”.
 
This particular unique expression of the Dalmore Oculus was created by master-distiller Richard Paterson, drawing on some four decades of experience. With his intimate knowledge of the stocks, Richard Paterson fused an incomparable and brilliant assemblage, beginning with a rich spicy and orange zest core from cask 1781 (distilled in 1951), trace elements of the taste and smell of dried fruits, ripe bananas, treacle toffee and almonds from an original fifty year old are added to develop complexity. Alongside these elements, rare malts selected from vintages distilled in 1868, 1878, 1922, 1926 and 1939 add a depth of flavour. Finally, to intensify the whisky, an incredibly intense oak, spice and bitter dark chocolate long matured distillate from cask 1782 is added to the mix alongside the whisky’s ‘capstone’: a judicious amount of the revered 64 year old, proffering notes of coffee, aromatic spices and citrus zest.
 
Such alchemistic artistry creates a peerless whisky fusion, which is beautifully presented in a precious Baccarat crystal decanter. This exceptionally crafted bespoke decanter is decorated with an intricate solid silver iconic stag standing alongside the name of this extraordinary whisky.
 
Richard Paterson, master distiller at The Dalmore said: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and The Dalmore Oculus is without doubt a truly exceptional expression. This is the most exquisite expression I have personally crafted with all the loving reference it so richly deserves to seduce the most discerning and sophisticated plates imaginable. I am confident it will appeal to epicureans, investors and collectors”.
 
Alongside the Dalmore Oculus, Bonhams will also be selling the first section of the largest single-owner collection of whisky ever to appear at auction. The 3,000-strong Willard S Folsom Collection of Old and Rare Single Malt Whiskies has been amassed over an 18-year period and features wide ranges of Ardbeg, Bowmore, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Laphroaig, Springbank, Kinclaith, Killyloch, Ben Wyvis, Glen Grant, Glenmorangie, The Glenlivet, Strathmill, Mortlach and The Macallan.
 
Martin Green, Bonhams Whisky Specialist comments: “The 18th November Whisky sale is the most interesting to take place over a 20 year period and marks the 20th Anniversary of Whisky Auctions. The inclusion of the Dalmore Oculus is an exciting addition to this high quality sale. The Folsom Collection being sold in Edinburgh, Hong Kong and finally in New York in December makes this a very interesting and progressive year for Bonhams Whisky Sales”.
 
For Bonhams enquiries please call 0870 0273622

There are some pretty special whiskies in both collections.

I looked on the Bonhams site for details, but couldn’t find any. (Maybe I just wasn’t looking in the right place.)

NOT A DRAM LEFT AFTER YESTERDAY’S BONHAMS WHISKY SALE
 
 A packed saleroom of high-spritied bidders from all over the world competed vigorously for the 355 lots on offer yesterday at Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh. With hundreds of absentee bids already in place prior to the sale commencing, an astounding 100% of lots had sold by the end of the day.
 
The high demand for quality single malt and blended whiskies by international investors and collectors confirmed that growth in the market contiues to expand healthily, with the total sale reaching well over a staggering £138,000.
 
Among the top performing brands were Ardbeg, Bowmore, Highland Park, Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, Port Ellen, The Macallan and Springbank.
 
Highlights of the sale included a rare miniature of Springbank-1919 £1500, Black Bowmore-1964 £3000, The Macallan-1938 £1800, The Macallan-1950 £1020, The Macallan-40 year old £3600, Springbank-1958 £960, Laphroaig-40 year old £1200, Port Ellen Maltings-21 year old £1620, Bowmore-35 year old-1964 £2760, Macallan-1946 £1800 and Glenfiddich-40 year old £2040.
 
Bonhams Whisky specialist Martin Green, says: “This is one of the most successful whisky sales on record with the highest percentage of lots sold in the 20 year history of whisky auctions.”
 
The next upcoming Whisky sale will be a selection of quality whiskies, forming part of the tenth anniversary of Bonnhams Scottish sale in Edinburgh from 18th – 21st August.
 
Catalogues for upcoming whisky sales are published on our website and may be ordered (£10) on 01666 502200 or subscriptions@bonhams.com
 
Enquiries on 0131 225 2266 or martin.green@bonhams.com