March 2023 Auction

Macallan 78 Year Old The Red Collection

A truly historic moment from arguably the most famous name in Scotch whisky.

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This incredible 78 year old was launched in October 2020 as part of The Red Collection. The range also includes a 40, 50, 60, 71, and 74 year old, some of the oldest whisky ever bottled by the distillery. The colour Red has a myriad of significance for Macallan, from its founder's name, Alexander Reid, meaning \"the red one,\" to the label aesthetic being an homage to the oldest vintages bottled from the distillery in the late 1970s and Allan Shiach marking them with red ribbons in the 1980s.

The 78 year old was created by Whisky Maker, Sarah Burgess and is presented in a oak box hand-crafted in the UK using the same European wood used to make Macallan casks. The interior of the box has been upholstered by Bridge of Weir using high quality, sustainably sourced Scottish leather.

Macallan 65 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

Released in 2016, this is the sixth and final decanter in a highly limited, exclusive Macallan collaboration with crystal makers, Lalique. The series is called The Six Pillars collection, and saw 6 decanters released over an eleven year period, each celebrating one of the six facets that Macallan believe set them apart from Scotland's other distilleries. The Macallan Six Pillars are: Exceptional Oak Casks, Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit.

This beautiful decanter champions the \"Peerless Spirit\" pillar, and according to Macallan, \"the decanter captures and suspends The Macallan's Peerless Spirit. At 65 years old, the whisky encased in this crystal masterpiece is a true testament to the skill of each and every one of our craftsmen and a unique celebration of our unwavering commitment to sourcing, nurturing and maturing The Macallan single malt in exceptional oak casks.\"

Limited to just 450 decanters.

Karuizawa 1971 Noh Single Cask 41 Year Old #1842 / Prineus 

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This series features different masks used in Noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. This image features the mask of the Noh character, Hannya, a sorrowful female serpent-demon.

This whisky was distilled in 1971 and aged in single ex-Bourbon cask #1842. It was bottled at cask strength in 2013 for German Importer, Prineus.

One of 82 bottles.

Karuizawa 1965 Single Bourbon Cask 50 Year Old #8636 / LMDW

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This is one of a trio of 1965 vintage releases produced by Number One Drinks for La Maison Du Whisky in 2015. A 1965 vintage Karuizawa matured in a bourbon cask. 

One of 199 bottles drawn from bourbon cask #8636.

Karuizawa 1980-1982 Single Cask Samurai Collection 2015 3 x 70cl

Titled the Samurai Collection, this is a beautiful presentation set of three different single cask bottlings.

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtaain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

• Karuizawa 1980 Single Bourbon Cask #8317 56.5% 70cl
• Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask #6355 59.8% 70cl 
• Karuizawa 1982 Single Sherry Cask #2510 55.2% 70cl 

Each one of the three single casks releases in the collection were bottled in 2015 and limited to 257 bottles.

NOTE: Due to the size and weight of this lot, it will include a six-bottle shipping fee.

Hibiki 35 Year Old Kutani Decanter

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

The 35 year old blend is presented within a beautifully decorative handmade ceramic decanter and accompanied by a finely crafted wooden box.

This limited edition bottle was designed for Suntory's Hibiki by Tokuda Yasokichi III. 

One of only 150.

Red Hook 23 Year Old Single Barrel Kentucky Rye #2 / LeNell's

In 2007 and 2008, Tonya LeNell Smothers, owner of LeNell's Ltd in Brooklyn, New York met with Drew Kulsveen of Kentucky Bourbon Distillers in Bardstown. Together they selected just four barrels of 23- and 24-year-old rye from the depths of Warehouse G. These casks were individually bottled between 112.8 to 117.6 proof. This example was drawn from barrel #2.

The title Red Hook is taken from a nickname given to the 21,000+ Brooklyn dockworkers who were provided with purpose-build accommodation in the early 20th century. These became known as Red Hook Houses. A total of just 852 bottles were drawn from the four single barrels.

Kentucky Bourbon Distillers are the owners of the Willett distillery in Bardstown. Willett distillery was built in 1936, just a few years after the repeal of National Prohibition by Lambert Willett, a former distiller for Max Selliger & Co. The distillery was initially a success, principally through its Old Bardstown and Johnny Drum brands, however it was hit hard by the bourbon slump of the 1970s. The result was an ill-advised move into producing ethanol for the production of \"gasohol,\" spurred by the 1979 energy crises. When that market re-stabilised, Willett was left floundering and eventually closed in the early 1980s. Lambert's granddaughter, Martha Willett and her husband, Even Kulsveen, then purchased the distillery and established Kentucky Bourbon Distillers in 1984. They originally bottled the remaining barrels of 1970s-distilled stock, however as that gradually diminished, they began sourcing barrels from other producers in order to replenish it, becoming one of the most important independent bottlers in Kentucky. The majority of their barrels were believed to have come from neighbouring Heaven Hill, and with these casks they developed a wealth of important brands, including the Willett Family Estate, Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. In addition, they contract-bottled brands for other companies, such as the Very Olde St Nick and Black Maple Hill brands. Revered for the quality of their whiskey, their products have become some of the most collectible to come out of Kentucky. One January 21st, 2012, the company re-opened Willett distillery, and have been slowly replenishing its warehouses with its own whiskey ever since.

Karuizawa 1965 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #2372 / LMDW

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This special release is one of a trio of 1965 vintages produced by Number One Drinks for La Maison Du Whisky.

One of 300 bottles drawn from sherry cask #2372.

Macallan 1949 Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This was released by Macallan to commemorate the turn of the millennium. This whisky is among the most desirable and sought after whiskies on the market, and represents the most luxurious of Macallan, not only in presentation and quality, but also in rarity and age.

This whisky was highly rated by Michael Jackson, the late whisky connoisseur and author, and remains a proud accomplishment of then Master Distiller, David Robertson. Bottled in May 1999, this Macallan 50 years old was crafted by marrying 3 butts that were filled on the same day, 14th January 1949.

Glenfarclas 1953 Pagoda Sapphire Reserve 63 Year Old #1677 1.5 Litre / One of 45

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.

This impressive single malt was distilled in 1953 and aged in singe cask #1677 for 63 years. The pagoda shaped decanter is displayed in a fabric lined display case and is limited to just 45 magnum sized bottles.

NOTE: Due to the size and weight of this item, it will include a six bottle shipping-fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Wealth Solutions Sherry Casks 2 x 70cl

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

Contains.

• Karuizawa 1981 Wealth Solutions #4059
  This limited release was distilled in 1981 and originally bottled in 2017 by Number One Drinks. This has been rebottled and presented by Wealth Solutions.
  Produced from single ex-sherry cask #4059. 60.6%
• Karuizawa 1981 Wealth Solutions #6183
  This limited release was distilled in 1981 and originally bottled in 2017 by Number One Drinks. This has been rebottled and presented by Wealth Solutions.
  Produced from single ex-sherry cask #6183. 56.5%

A two bottle shipping fee shall be applied to this lot. 

Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release Decade 1-6 / Globe Trotter with Prints

\"A whisky which celebrates the legacy of 007\"

The following lot is for the complete 2022 James Bond 60th anniversary collection from Macallan. The set is presented in a luxurious travel case produced by Globe Trotter.

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. This lot consists of the following:

• Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release Decade 1-6 43.7% 6 x 70cl - This is the complete six-bottle series that celebrated the 60th anniversary of the James Bond films in 2022. The packaging of each bottle displays production sketches used throughout the six decades of filmmaking.
• Globe Trotter Presentation / Travel Suitcase - Established in 1897, Globe Trotter is a luxury manufacture of travel luggage. They became famous for their high-quality craftsmanship and the use of a patented and sturdy Vulcanised Fibreboard lining in their suitcases; of which this example features. As you would expect, the case is well made and features fine leather tags, straps and strong lockable catches .
• Limited Archival Pigment Prints x 6 - These are six beautiful prints that feature the artwork used in the packaging for the James Bond releases. They are printed on smooth fine art paper which is made from 100% cotton (dimensions 60.5 x 41.65 cm)

One of only 300 sets produced.

NOTE: Due to the weight and size of this lot, it will include a eight bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 36 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #5077 / Sapphire Geisha

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed  in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This is one of two sought after 'Sapphire Geisha' releases from early 2020, which were available to purchase by winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange.

Aged for 36 years in sherry cask #5077, this bottle is number 18 of 105. 

Glendronach 1971 50 Year Old

When released in early 2022, this incredible bottling became the first ever 50-year-old age-statement officially bottled by the GlenDronach distillery. 

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

Distilled in 1971, this whisky has been aged in a combination of ex-Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks. It is presented with a small booklet which has been personally signed by D. Rachel Barrie, Master Blender.

One of 198 bottles.

Springbank 1919 50 Year Old 

If you had propositioned the rarity of this whisky at the time when it was distilled, you would find have found few who would entertain such a fanciful notion. Although 1919 was approaching the end of the Campbeltown distilling heyday, it was still very much a powerhouse region in its prime. When Alfred Barnard visited Campbeltown in 1885, he counted no fewer than 21 distilleries, all but one of which were in the town itself.

Sadly this was not to last. Campbeltown had once thrived on its perfect cocktail of proximity to coal, a good water source and fertile barley farms, all within an 8 mile radius. Its coastal location on the Kintyre peninsula also served it lavishly, allowing easy import of peat and barley from the Western Isles and Ireland, and an unrivalled proximity to export markets in the US. Sadly, this latter hand was to take back all that it had given. So strong was the Campbeltown distilling industry that it was able to survive the enforced closures of the first world war, but it was no match for Prohibition, a two-headed snake that eliminated both a key market, but perhaps crucially, a supply of used bourbon casks.

The Volstead Act of 1920, which banned the production, sale and consumption of alcohol in the US, partnered with the closure of the Drumlemble coal mine and a loss of favour among blenders for the traditional Campbeltown whisky character, created a perfect storm which saw off 17 of the region’s distilleries in the 1920s.

Springbank, thankfully, was one of the two eventual survivors. While the distillery today reserves all of its production for single malt, this was not always the case, and it is close to miraculous that a vintage like this was still warehoused by the time it was bottled in 1970. This whisky survived not only a long period where the single malt category was an unfashionable corner of whisky, but an era when its entire industry seemed to be collapsing around it, seeing more whisky dumped into Campbeltown Loch than actually bottled. With a 10 year old age-statement this would have been impressive, at 50 years old this is unprecedented.

This is the original \"pear-shaped\" bottle release of the 1919 vintage. It was later rebottled in the late 1970s and early 1980s as the equally illusive release which once held the Guinness world record for most expensive bottle of whisky.

Widely misdescribed as 43%ABV, this is known to be bottled at 66.3 proof.

Macallan 1978 Fine and Rare 39 Year Old #13810

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This one was distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2018, from remade, refill cask #13810.

• Unique Reference: 060LW9
• Signed and dated on 30th July 2020 by M Bennett.

One of only 245 produced.

Bowmore 1964 Single Cask 35 Year Old #3709 / Oddbins - One of 99 bottles

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

The unique microclimate of the No.1 Vaults warehouse at Bowmore distillery means casks share very little with the angels, and has allowed the distillery to bottle some spectacular age-statements over the years. These early Morrison Bowmore era vintages are considered classic in the whisky world.

Released for Oddbins in the year 2000, this was bottled from single cask #3709. A sherry hogshead, this was from the same batch of casks as the legendary Black Bowmore series. Unsurprisingly for such a limited release, this is extremely rare. 

One of just 99 bottles.

Karuizawa 31 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #3667 / Golden Geisha

Originally known as Speciality Drinks, Elixir Distillers was established in 1999 as the independent bottling arm of The Whisky Exchange, which launched its online retail site the same year. Their first bottlings were under the Single Malts of Scotland label in 2005, followed by the Elements of Islay range and Port Askaig single malt brand in 2006 and 2009, respectively. The company was renamed Elixir Distillers as of 2017.

This Karuizawa is one of two highly sought after 'Golden Geisha' releases, which were available to purchase by winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange. 

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed  in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

One of 225 bottles.

Macallan 40 Year Old The Red Collection

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This impressive 40 year old was launched in October 2020 as part of The Red Collection. The range also includes a 50, 60, 71, 74 and 78 year old, some of the oldest whisky ever bottled by the distillery. The colour Red has a myriad of significance for Macallan, from its founder's name, Alexander Reid, meaning \"the red one,\" to the the label aesthetic being an homage to the oldest vintages bottled from the distillery in the late 1970s and Allan Shiach marking them with red ribbons in the 1980s.

The 40 year old was created by Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell.

Yamazaki 1993 Single Sherry Cask #3T70070 / LMDW

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Single cask Yamazaki are very rare and hard to find these days. This one was distilled in 1993 and matured in a single sherry butt #3T70070 until bottling in 2012 for La Maison du Whisky in Paris.

Yamazaki 1993 Single Sherry Cask #3T70070 / LMDW

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Single cask Yamazaki are very rare and hard to find these days. This one was distilled in 1993 and matured in a single sherry butt #3T70070 until bottling in 2012 for La Maison du Whisky in Paris.

Suntory Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary

Whisky Auctioneer are delighted to present at auction the striking Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary bottling from Suntory. 

This remarkable blend was released in 2012 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band's formation, with the blend itself containing 50 year old malt whisky distilled at Yamazaki in 1962, the same year that the band was formed. 

The Yamazaki component was matured in mizunara casks, with other components of the blend chosen to represent key milestones in the history of the Rolling Stones. For example, whisky from 1971 was chosen in recognition of the year the famous 'tongue and lips' logo was launched. Other notable elements are Hakushu 1990 and Chita 1990, chosen to celebrate the year in which the band played their first concert in Japan. 

One of only 150 bottles, presented in a wooden display case with stopper. 

Macallan 40 Year Old 2005 Release

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

A fantastic, slightly older release of the Macallan 40 year old before it became a staple of the annual release calender.

This limited release was bottled in 2005.

Macallan 1951

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

Bottled in 2001, this is a precursor to the Macallan Fine & Rare series which was lunched the following year and borrowed heavily on the aesthetic used here. 

Distilled in 1951, this was bottled from two sherry butts selected for their exceptional quality, #1541 and #1542.

One of only 632 bottles.

Balvenie 1937 50 Year Old Pure Malt

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times. 

In 1987 John & Wallace Milroy were invited to the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distillery. What was originally supposed to be a casual visit turned out to be quite the shopping spree. John Milroy recalls...

\"Peter Grant Gordon invited us to visit Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries, when we noticed four casks of Balvenie 50 years old gathering dust in a corner of the warehouse. After a few drams Peter agreed to bottle these and sell most of it to us exclusively.\"

John and Wallace paid a total of £62,100 for 360 bottles (£163,577 in 2018) which were sold through the brothers' famous bottle shop on Greek Street in London, with the ramainder of the 500 exported to the Japanese market via the Seven Importers Group.

This incredibly rare malt was distilled in 1937 and bottled in 1987.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9102 / 2nd Queen of Hearts

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

This is the second release of the the Queen of Hearts, distilled in 1990 and bottled this time in 2006.

Matured in a traditional hogshead before a second period of maturation in a french oak cognac wood, cask # 9102.

This bottle is number 300 of 324.

Glenfarclas 1954 Pagoda Ruby Reserve 62 Year Old #445 1.5 Litre / One of 62

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.

This impressive single malt was distilled in 1954 and aged in singe ex-Sherry cask #445 for 62 years. The pagoda shaped decanter is presented in a glass display case and is limited to just 62 magnum sized bottles. A flight-case is also included.

NOTE: Due to the size and weight of this item, it will include a twelve bottle shipping-fee.

Karuizawa 31 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #3558 / Sapphire Geisha

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed  in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This is one of two sought after 'Sapphire Geisha' releases from Elixir Distillers in early 2020, which were available to purchase by winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange.

Aged for 31 years in sherry cask #3558, this bottle is number 112 of 146. 

Originally known as Speciality Drinks, Elixir Distillers was established in 1999 as the independent bottling arm of The Whisky Exchange, which launched its online retail site the same year. Their first bottlings were under the Single Malts of Scotland label in 2005, followed by the Elements of Islay range and Port Askaig single malt brand in 2006 and 2009, respectively. The company was renamed Elixir Distillers as of 2017.

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch #1 / Distillery Shop

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times.  

The original Balvenie Tun 1401, this was hand-selected by Malt Master, David Stewart. Four traditional whisky casks and two sherry butts were combined and rested for several months in Tun 1401 – The Balvenie’s traditional oak marrying vessel.

Released in 2010, Batch #1 of the Balvenie Tun 1401 was only available at Balvenie distillery.

Dalmore 1926 50 Year Old Decanter

Dalmore is undoubtedly the prize single malt in the Whyte & Mackay portfolio. This was not always the case though. The blenders purchased it from the Mackenzie family in 1960, having been long-standing customers. Due to the long-running importance of it to their blends, their distillery bottlings of its single malt were limited to a 12 year old expression. Nowadays however, it is positioned as a luxury brand, rubbing shoulder with the likes of Macallan, and is globally recognised.

A spectacular Dalmore distilled all the way back in 1926, just a few years after the distillery had re-opened after spending three years being used as a factory to produce American missiles. It was bottled in the 1970s by oweners, Whyte & Mackay.

Bowmore 1964 Black Bowmore 29 Year Old 1st Edition​

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

The unique microclimate of the No.1 Vaults warehouse at Bowmore distillery means casks share very little with the angels, and has allowed the distillery to bottle some spectacular age-statements over the years. These early Morrison Bowmore era vintages are considered classics, particualrly this parcel of 1964 vintage sherry casks. Indeed, it is hard to fathom where whisky collecting would be today without the Black Bowmore. 

This is the first release of three, bottled in 1993. The Black Bowmore not just a whisky but a true artefact from the history of the spirit, representing a turning point for single malts. Appearing at a zenith in the popularity of sherry-casked whisky, which was for the first time creating a fashionable buzz around single malt whiskies, seeing it replace cognac as the after dinner drink of choice at banqueting tables, and customers now willing to pay the heady sum of £120 for a bottle. We may look back and scoff at this now but this was a princely fee back in the early 90's when the Black Bowmore was first stocked by Oddbins in the UK.

One of 2000 produced.

This example comes with the original wax seal many of which were recalled and re-sealed with the more common foil seal.

Shirakawa 1958

Shirakawa was opened in Fukushima Prefecture, approx. 200km north of Tokyo, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu, a large wine and spirits producer. The distillery was then acquired following the Second World War by Takara Shuzo in 1947. The Shirakawa distillery operated for over six decades, however, only produced malt whisky between 1951 – 1968. In its latter years, its buildings were used solely as a bottling plant before being eventually demolished in 2003.

The land where Shirakawa once sat was gifted by Takara Shuzo in 2011 to build emergency housing to accommodate the locals who had been displaced by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

The whisky produced at Shirakawa was rumoured to be of exceptional quality, however, like many distilleries of the time it was destined only for blended whisky, the population's preference at the time. Under Takara’s ownership, Shirakawa produced both whisky and beer, and the “King Blended Whisky” became a prominent brand in the 1950s and 60s. The distillery released the first whisky to bear the Shirakawa name at some point in the mid-1980s, a 'King Whisky Shirakawa Pure Malt' 12 Year Old bottled at 43%.

Shirakawa’s whisky has rarely been seen, even on the secondary market.

One of 1,500 bottles.