The Joy of Whisky: Jordan’s Great Value Picks at Auction
At Whisky Auctioneer, we’re proud to bring some of the most iconic names in whisky to auction - from legendary Samaroli releases to rare, vintage bottlings from well-established distilleries. While we love celebrating the world of old and rare whisky, great whisky isn’t just about chasing unicorns.
Some of the most rewarding bottles aren’t the rarest or most expensive - they’re the ones you open, share and come back to time and time again. Our auctions are packed with whiskies that invite you to explore something new, revisit an old favourite or simply find something great to enjoy.
This month, we asked our Senior Client Services Representative, Jordan, to pick five bottles from the live auction that he thinks offer superb quality at remarkable value for regular enjoyment.
First up is the Miltonduff 11 Year Old by Chorlton Whisky, a collaboration with The Rare Malt in Hong Kong. This is a bourbon cask-matured Miltonduff - one Chivas Brothers' lesser-known distilleries, tucked just south of Elgin. With only 176 bottles released and all sold out at retail, it’s a great example of a characterful Speysider at natural cask strength.
Personally, I am a huge fan of Chorlton Whisky and their independent bottlings. What David Bennett and his team have achieved is incredible. They always bottle at natural cask strength without chill filtration or added colouring and the labels have an iconic style, that is sure to turn heads. In my opinion, they are a future titan of collecting.
Jordan Edmundson
Next, Jordan's selected the Daftmill 2010 Summer Batch Release. This is a blend of 25 first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, all grown, distilled, matured, and bottled right on Daftmill’s estate in Fife. If you’re keen to explore more of what Daftmill has to offer, our auction also features plenty of distillery and partnership single cask bottlings, great for discovering unique cask character.
Daftmill is a true gem of Fife. Nestled on a working farm, this family-run distillery produces whisky only during the farm’s quiet seasons, using barley grown on-site and water from its own spring. Their focus on quality over quantity means releases are rare and meticulously crafted. This dram is exceptional.. and if you can snag one, I’d also recommend hunting down the unofficial fans edition!
Jordan Edmundson
Next up, Jordan’s eye is on the Caol Ila 2011 Kingsbury 9 Year Old Celtic Label - a reliable favourite from Islay. Caol Ila is an Islay staple loved by many for consistently delivering fantastic quality. This particular bottling comes from Kingsbury Wine & Spirits Co., a highly respected independent bottler in Japan known for their careful selection. Kingsbury releases are always worth a look, but this one really stands out for its value. Caol Ila from a top-tier independent bottler, at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Kingsbury, Caol Ila, expected to achieve around £50 - 70.. what more can I say? I think this is fantastic value.
Jordan Edmundson
It just so happens that the most watched lot in the auction so far is also a Kingsbury bottling - Bowmore 1992 25 Year Old.
Jordan’s next selection is Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old. Part of Diageo's Classic Malt range, this whisky is an excellent introduction to single malt.
Often overlooked, but endlessly dependable. Dalwhinnie 15 can make the perfect gift, or introduction to whisky. Famed for its gentle, mellow character – it can help new drinkers start their journey into whisky. It’s even a favourite of my “whisky averse” partner!
Jordan Edmundson
If you’re feeling particularly whisky curious, you could also try a little comparison tasting. In 1986, Dalwhinnie swapped out its worm tubs for shell and tube condensers, but the change in spirit character was so noticeable they brought the worm tubs back in 1995. Even now, many say the spirit’s character differs from the pre-1986 style. Our auction features 15 year olds from both before and after this change - your chance to put the theory to the test!
Last but not least, Jordan’s selected a vintage blend: Johnnie Walker Black Label circa 1970s. Like many old blends, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the blending style of a bygone era and can provide an answer to the question: what did whisky from the mid 20th century taste like? Spoiler alert: delicious!
The best-selling Scotch whisky in the world – for a good reason! It’s easy to forget that behind today’s biggest blended whisky brand is a remarkable history. Johnnie Walker is one of the most important to the industry, having kept so many distilleries open during times of trouble.
Also, the older bottlings include whisky from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries, many long-silent or changed beyond recognition. Try an old blend, you won’t regret it!
Jordan Edmundson
As Jordan reminds us, participating at auction is often about the fun of discovering something great to enjoy and at a fair price. Our auctions are full of opportunities to uncover quality expressions from top distilleries. Hopefully, this is a little nudge to change up your usual browsing - try a different filter, look beyond the familiar names and age statements, or maybe try something you haven’t tasted in a while as it might just surprise you. Trust us, your curiosity will lead you to something delicious and exciting. And if you're stuck, hopefully these five picks from Jordan are a brilliant place to start.
