March 2025 Auction

 Karuizawa 1980-1982 Thousand Arrows Collection 3 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.

The Thousand Arrows boxed set was sold as 257 3-bottle boxed sets, with the remainder of the casks sold as individual bottling with slightly different label designs. 

• Karuizawa 1980 Bourbon Cask #8317 56.5% 70cl bottled 2015 One of 257 bottles
• Karuizawa 1981 Sherry Butt #6355 59.8% 70cl bottled 2015 One of 257 bottles
• Karuizawa 1982 Sherry Butt #2510 55.2% 70cl bottled 2015 One of 257 bottles

This lot contains an attractive black gloss display, with matching artwork.

Please note that there will be a shipping charge for 20 bottles associated with this lot.

Macallan 62 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection No.5

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 2014, this is the fifth 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 decanter celebrates the Macallan \"Spiritual Home,\" and was designed by Marc Larminaux from Lalique, intent on capturing the legacy of Rene Lalique and Easter Elchies House.  The side of the bottle displays the initials JEG, as displayed on the original date stone laid for Easter Elchies House, they are those of Captain John Grant who oversaw the building of the manor house in the late 1700s.  Other aspects of Easter Elchies House are depicted in the decanter, such as the 'crow-steps' interpreted in the neck, and of course the stopper represents the chimneys.

American oak casks, seasoned with sherry were chosen and filled in November 1950.  After 62 years of maturation, only 400 decanters of this incredibly rare Macallan were ever produced.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a ten-bottle shipping fee.

Bowmore Arc 52 Year Old

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 1995. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year prior (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.

Presented in a numbered Bowmore x Aston Martin decanter, this whisky was matured for an extraordinary 52 years. It is a marriage of a single Sherry butt and a single American oak ex-Bourbon hogshead.

The decanter is presented in a display box and outer hardcase, which includes a book and magnetic key to assist with removing the lid of the decanter.

One of only 100 decanters.

Please note- due to the size and weight of this bottle and outer box, this lot will incur a fifteen bottle shipping fee.

Macallan 50 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 50 year old was launched in October 2020 as part of The Red Collection. The range also includes a 40, 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 50 year old was created by Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell 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.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Macallan 1952 Fine and Rare 49 Year Old​ #1250

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.

Distilled in 1952 and bottled from single sherry cask #1250, this is fantastically well-aged at 49 years old.

Unique reference: 6FEVLN

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1953 Fine and Rare 49 Year Old #516

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 was distilled in 1953 and then bottled 49 years later from single butt #516. One of 100 bottles.

• Unique reference:UJE7NK
• Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 16th June 2003.

Port Ellen 1978 Gemini 44 Year Old 2 x 70cl

For decades Port Ellen was the lost jewel in the Islay crown, closed down by DCL (now Diageo) in 1983 due to an oversupply of peated whisky for blending and a perceived lack of interest in it as a single malt. However, it developed a legendary status over the years and in 2017 Diageo eventually announced plans to re-open it. The work was completed in 2024, and the first spirit was distilled in March that year. A very rare 12 year old bottled for attendees of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1980 is believed to have been the only distillery bottling produced in its first years of operation. Diageo then bottled the first publicly available distillery bottlings as part of the Rare Malts Selection, followed by the annual special releases.

Upon the distillery's reopening in 2024, Diageo marked its historic return with this extravagant release, entitled Gemini. The release consist of two 44 year old bottlings, dubbed Original Cask and Remnant Cask. The spirit for this release was distilled in 1978, and initialy matured in European oak refill butts. The two 'siblings' were then seperated, and while one was left to continue maturing in European Oak, the other was finished in the distillery's remnant cask; a vessel used to measure the excess spirit of a filling run. When the distillery closed in 1983, the remnant cask was rescued from the filling store and stored for 40 years. It was then re-seasoned with sherry from Williams & Humbert, and used for the final maturation of part of the distillery's oldest release to date.

• Port Ellen 1978 Gemini 44 Year Old / Original Cask, 54.9% 70cl
• Port Ellen 1978 Gemini 44 Year Old / Remnant Cask, 53.6% 70cl

Gemini is presented in an incredibly-elaborate case, featuring a complex Klemens Torggler door system. The decanters, each featuring a small section of their respective cask in the stopper, are presented on a partially-rotating plinth.

One of 274 sets.

Please note that the folding door and moving parts of this presentation are extremely fragile and susceptible to damage.

Please note due to the size and weight of this item, it will carry a twelve-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 38 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #4365 / Platinum 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 Platinum Geisha releases, which were available to purchase for winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange. The whisky itself was matured for 38 years in single sherry cask #4365.

One of 137 bottles.

Karuizawa 40 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #1650 / Platinum 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 Platinum Geisha releases, which were available for purchase by winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange. The whisky itself was matured for 40 years in single sherry cask #1650.

One of 227 bottles.

Bowmore 1980 Queen's Cask 21 Year Old / Golden Jubilee - Charity Lot

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.

On August 9th, 1980, Bowmore distillery received a visit from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A sherry butt was filled in her presence, and left to mature in the distillery's No.1 Vaults for 21 years. It was bottled in 2002 to commemorate her Golden Jubilee.

One of 648 bottles.

This lot has been generously donated by the seller and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Springboard UK. Springboard offers help and support for disadvantaged and unemployed people, working closely with businesses in hospitality, leisure and tourism industries. The seller's commission and fees have been waived,

Laphroaig 1966 Intertrade 19 Year Old Cask Strength / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

This was distilled in 1966 and bottled at cask strength as a 19 year old.

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.

This particular bottle has been signed by Nadi Fiori.

Port Ellen 1969 Gordon and MacPhail 15 Year Old Cask Strength Celtic Label Intertrade Import / Signed by Nadi Fiori

For decades Port Ellen was the lost jewel in the Islay crown, closed down by DCL (now Diageo) in 1983 due to an oversupply of peated whisky for blending and a perceived lack of interest in it as a single malt. However, it developed a legendary status over the years and in 2017 Diageo eventually announced plans to re-open it. The work was completed in 2024, and the first spirit was distilled in March that year. A very rare 12 year old bottled for attendees of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1980 is believed to have been the only distillery bottling produced in its first years of operation. Diageo have bottled more since, but it is the independent companies that have given the whisky world the best chance to sample this sought-after single malt.

An exceptionally rare bottle, this is a 1969 vintage bottling of Port Ellen from Gordon & MacPhail.

This is part of the Celtic Label series, an Italian exclusive range bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Italian importers Giuseppe Meregalli, Donini and Nadi Fiori's Intertrade.

This is an Intertrade import from 1985.

Ardbeg 1975 The Awakening 38 Year Old

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

The Awakening honoured the launch of the original Ardbeg brand in the 1970s, and the birth of the famous stylised 'A' logo of a now-international fame. Bottled in July 2014, this impressive single malt was distilled in November 1975, drawn from some of the first spirit that was produced by the distillery with the intention of using it for single malt whisky. It was matured in a combination of bourbon and Oloroso casks for 38 years.

One of 200 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry an three-bottle shipping fee.

Clase Azul Master Artisans Extra Añejo Tequila 3 x 1 Litre

Clase Azul produce a high-quality Anejo tequila created with 100% Blue Weber Agave. 

These three decanters of extra añejo tequila form the brand's Master Artisans trilogy. Designed by husband and wife Fernando Jimón and María Elena López, the decanters adopt the traditional craft of barro bandera (“flag-colored clay”), utilising the three colours of the flag of Mexico. The tequila itself  has been matured for over 8 years, initially in American whiskey casks, then in a variety of wine cask finishes;

• El Baile de Los Nahuales (Green Decanter), 40% 1 Litre - “The Dance of the Nahuales” - finished in Tuscan red wine casks
• La Proeza del Águila (White Decanter), 40% 1 Litre - “The Eagle’s Prowess” - finished in Portugese fortified wine casks
• La Luna y El Conejo (Red Decanter), 40% 1 Litre - “The Rabbit and the Moon” - finished in Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé red wine casks

The base of each decanter is hand-signed by both artists, and this is one of 300 sets.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will include a twelve-bottle shipping fee.

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. Presented alongside a 5cl sample.

One of just 99 bottles.

Please note there is a common flaw with the printed lettering on the inside of the doors of these boxes. The laquer is prone to melting on to the faux leather furnishing, making the surface incredibly sticky and potentially damaging to the contents of the box.

Please note that due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1968 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #6223 / Water of Life

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1968 and matured in single sherry butt #622 for an incredible 50 years. It was bottled in 2018, and is presented in an impressive wooden display case.

One of 248 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry an eight-bottle shipping fee.

Bowmore 1969 Bourbon and Sherry Cask 50 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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.

Debuting in 2018, this is the 2022 and final edition of Bowmore's Vaults series. This vintage joins the 1965, 1966 and 1964, which complete the collection.  The spirit for this release was distilled in 1969 and matured in a combination of bourbon casks and Spanish oak Oloroso sherry casks. 

As you would expect, the bottle is immaculately presented in a beautifully-crafted display case which includes information regarding the release. It also includes a heavy wooden branded travel case. These bottles were first made available at London Heathrow Airport, followed by other Global Travel retailers across the world. 

One of 339 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this item, it will carry a twelve-bottle shipping fee.

Bowmore 1964 Oloroso Cask 38 Year Old 

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. This 38 year old is one of them.

Distilled in 1964, just a year after the Morrison's takeover of the distillery, this is regarded by many as a golden vintage, as are a number from the decade. This release was drawn from the same batch that produced the Black Bowmore, and was part of a trilogy which also contained a bourbon and a Fino sherry cask release.

One of 300 bottles.

Please note there is a common flaw with the printed lettering on the inside of the doors of these boxes. The laquer is prone to melting on to the faux leather furnishing, making the surface incredibly sticky and potentially damaging to the contents of the box.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a three-bottle shipping fee.

Caol Ila 1969 Gordon and MacPhail 15 Year Old Cask Strength Celtic Label Intertrade Import / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Caol Ila distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson, who was bought out from the venture a little over 10 year later by Bulloch Lade. The blending firm merged with DCL (now Diageo) in 1927, who still run the distillery today. In 1972 the original site was demolished and replaced by a new one. When distilling resumed in 1974, Caol Ila was the largest producer of single malt on the Isle of Islay. Despite this, due to its importance in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker, its single malt brand disappeared under United Distillers, and it was not until 2002 that it would return, when the 12 year old was revived by Diageo. The Flora & Fauna release was well-regarded in the meantime, but it was independent releases like this that gave the best opportunity to sample this much-loved single malt.

This Caol Ila was distilled in 1969 and matured for 15 years.

Gordon & MacPhail are one of the largest and most recognisable whisky companies in the world. Although they began distilling at the newly refurbished Benromach distillery in 1998, for most of their history they were an independent bottler. Their labels are recognised by whisky lovers the world over, and their licensed bottlings from distillery's like Macallan and Talisker in the 1970s and 1980s, when the companies were not bottling themselves, are a huge part of the success of those distillers today.

This is part of the Celtic Label series, an Italian exclusive range bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Italian importers Giuseppe Meregalli, Donini and Nadi Fiori's Intertrade.

Hanyu 1988 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9417 / Three of Diamonds

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.

The Three of Diamonds was distilled in 1988 and initially matured in a hogshead, then finished in single bourbon barrel #9417. It was bottled in 2007.

One of 273 bottles.

Laphroaig 1966 Intertrade 21 Year Old Cask Strength / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

This was distilled in April 1966 and bottled at cask strength as a 21 year old in June 1987.

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.

One of 168 bottles.

Ardbeg Special Liqueur D&J MacEwen 1950s

An incredible example of Ardbeg which hails from the 1950s. This extremely rare malt was bottled by D&J MacEwen & Company of Stirling, Scotland. 

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Caol Ila 1966 Intertrade 19 Year Old Cask Strength / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market.

A stunning cask strength bottling of Caol Ila. This 1966 vintage pre-dates the modernisation at the distillery later that decade, and will be heavier style of single malt than the current day product. It was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1985.

Caol Ila distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson, who was bought out from the venture a little over 10 year later by Bulloch Lade. The blending firm merged with DCL (now Diageo) in 1927, who still run the distillery today. In 1972 the original site was demolished and replaced by a new one. When distilling resumed in 1974, Caol Ila was the largest producer of single malt on the Isle of Islay. Despite this, due to its importance in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker, its single malt brand disappeared under United Distillers, and it was not until 2002 that it would return, when the 12 year old was revived by Diageo. The Flora & Fauna release was well-regarded in the meantime, but it was independent releases like this that gave the best opportunity to sample this much-loved single malt.

This particular bottle has been signed by Nadi Fiori.

Karuizawa 1969 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #538 / Water of Life

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1969 and matured in single sherry cask #538 for an incredible 50 years. It was bottled in 2019, and is presented in an impressive wooden display case.

One of 347 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry an eight-bottle shipping fee.

Caol Ila 1966 Intertrade 20 Year Old Cask Strength / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market.

A stunning cask strength bottling of Caol Ila. This 1966 vintage pre-dates the modernisation at the distillery later that decade, and will be heavier style of single malt than the current day product. It was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1986.

Caol Ila distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson, who was bought out from the venture a little over 10 year later by Bulloch Lade. The blending firm merged with DCL (now Diageo) in 1927, who still run the distillery today. In 1972 the original site was demolished and replaced by a new one. When distilling resumed in 1974, Caol Ila was the largest producer of single malt on the Isle of Islay. Despite this, due to its importance in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker, its single malt brand disappeared under United Distillers, and it was not until 2002 that it would return, when the 12 year old was revived by Diageo. The Flora & Fauna release was well-regarded in the meantime, but it was independent releases like this that gave the best opportunity to sample this much-loved single malt.

One of 216 bottles.

Kyoto Ki Noh Bi Gin Noh Mask Series x 30

Founded in 2015 by whisky enthusiasts Marcin Miller and David Croll, Kyoto Distillery is the first dedicated artisan gin distillery in Japan. Croll first visited the nation in 1985 whilst working for a bank and immediately fell in love with the historic city of Kyoto, to which he promptly moved to. After teaming up with Miller in 2006, the two formed the Number One Drinks Company and began exporting some of Japan’s the most legendary malts such as Karuizawa and Hanyu. In the early 2010s and inspired by the craft gin boom taking place in the UK and United States, they decided to get involved themselves. In 2014, they purchased an old warehouse in an area of the city famous for sake brewing and installed equipment. This included two custom-built copper pot stills produced by German manufacturer Christian Carl. These stills have the capability to adjust their specification giving the team the flexibility to produce different styles of spirit. When selecting botanicals for their recipes, the team dedicate themselves to harvesting local ingredients from in and around Kyoto. 

The Kyoto Distillery’s “Ki Noh Bi” Dry Gin is the first Japanese gin to collaborate with the Noh Theatre, like the legendary Karuizawa distillery did before it. Noh is one of Japan’s traditional performing arts, and like the Karuizawa bottlings, each release carries a mask used in performing.

This lot includes the first 30 editions of the series, produced from 2017.

• 1st Edition: Noh Mask “Shakumi”, 48% 70cl - One of 904 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, produced for Isetan Shinjuku, Japan
• 2nd Edition: Noh Mask “Magojiro”, 48% 70cl - One of 367 bottles drawn from a single American oak bourbon barrel, produced for Changi Airport, Singapore
• 3rd Edition: Noh Mask “Masukami”, 48% 70cl - One of 720 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, produced for the Japanese and European markets
• 4th Edition: Noh Mask “Magojiro”, 48% 70cl - One of 374 bottles drawn from a single American oak bourbon barrel, produced for Bar High Five, Japan
• 5th Edition: Noh Mask “Yaseotoko”, 48% 70cl - One of 329 bottles drawn from a single American oak ex-Caroni barrel, produced for La Maison du Whisky
• 6th Edition: Noh Mask “Koomote”, 48% 70cl - One of 852 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, produced for Changi Airport, Singapore
• 7th Edition: Noh Mask “Shiro Shakumi”, 48% 70cl - One of 1,026 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, produced for Isetan Shinjuku, Japan
• 8th Edition: Noh Mask “Chu-Jo”, 48% 70cl - One of 786 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, produced for Liquid Gold, Hong Kong
• 9th Edition: Noh Mask “Yoroboushi”, 48% 70cl - One of 829 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, produced for Sexy Fish, London
• 10th Edition: Noh Mask “Doji”, 48% 70cl - One of 372 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa red wine barrique, produced for Duty Free retailers in Singapore
• 11th Edition: Noh Mask “Fukai”, 48% 70cl - One of 1,002 bottles drawn from a vatting of an ex-Karuizawa sherry butt and a mizunara punchcheon, produced for Andaz Tojkyo (402 bottles) and Cask Liquid Marketing (600 bottles)
• 12th Edition: Noh Mask “Chorei Beshimi”, 48% 70cl - One of 350 bottles drawn from a single ex-Caroni barrel and sweetened with kokuto (black sugar), produced for the Japanese market
• 13th Edition: Noh Mask “Kasshiki”, 48% 75cl - One of 600 bottles drawn from a vatting of two ex-Karuizawa sherry casks and a virgin mizunara oak cask, produced for the American market
• 14th Edition: Noh Mask “Namanari”, 48% 70cl - One of 800 bottles drawn from a vatting of two ex-Karuizawa sherry casks and a virgin mizunara oak cask, produced for Whisky Live Taipei, Taiwan
• 15th Edition: Noh Mask “Yase Otoko”, 48% 70cl - One of 800 bottles drawn from a vatting of ex-Karuizawa casks and mizunara oak casks, produced for duty-free retailers Masters of Wine and Spirits
• 16th Edition: Noh Mask “Tenjin”, 48% 70cl - One of 420 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa cask, produced for Isetan Shinjuku, Japan
• 17th Edition: Noh Mask “Yorimasa”, 48% 75cl - One of 600 bottles drawn from a vatting of ex-Karuizawa casks, ex-Chichibu casks and mizunara oak casks, produced for the American market
• 18th Edition: Noh Mask “Ikkaku sennin”, 48% 70cl - One of 420 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa cask, produced for the House of Ki No Bi
• 19th Edition: Noh Mask “Washibana akujou”, 48% 70cl - One of 600 bottles drawn from a single ex-Karuizawa cask, produced for the Japanese market
• 20th Edition: Noh Mask “Hashihime”, 48% 70cl - One of 1,800 bottles drawn from a vatting of ex-Karuizawa casks, ex-Chichibu casks and mizunara oak casks, produced for Whisk-E, Japan
• 21st Edition: Noh Mask “Syoujyo“, 48% 70cl - One of 950 bottles drawn from ex-Caroni casks and sweetened with kokuto (black sugar), produced for the ELEMENTS online store
• 22nd Edition: Noh Mask “Zo onna”, 48% 70cl - One of 1,000 bottles drawn from a vatting of ex-Karuizawa sherry butts, ex-Karuizawa wine barrels and virgin mizunara oak casks, produced for the Japanese market
• 23rd Edition: Noh Mask “Magojiro”, 48% 70cl - One of 800 bottles drawn from a vatting of ex-Karuizawa sherry casks and mizunara oak casks, produced for the Italian market
• 24th Edition: Noh Mask “Douji”, 48% 70cl - One of 720 bottles drawn from a vatting of three ex-Karuizawa sherry butts and a mizunara oak cask, produced for Liquid Gold, Hong Kong
• 25th Edition: Noh Mask “Narihira”, 48% 75cl - One of 450 bottles drawn from a vatting of ex-Karuizawa wine casks and mizunara oak casks, produced for the American market
• 26th Edition: Noh Mask “Mai syoujyou”, 48% 70cl - One of 600 bottles drawn from a vatting of an ex-Karuizawa sherry butt, an ex-Kilchoman bourbon barrel, and a mizunara oak cask, blended with 'super-premium' Uji teas. Produced for the House of Ki No Bi and the ELEMENTS online store
• 27th Edition: Noh Mask “Kobeshimi”, 48% 70cl - One of 1,836 bottles drawn from a vatting of three ex-Karuizawa sherry butts, produced for duty free retailers in Kansai Airport, Japan
• 28th Edition: Noh Mask “Yase-onna”, 48% 70cl - One of 756 bottles drawn from a vatting of two ex-Karuizawa sherry butts, blended with well water from Ki No Bi House
• 29th Edition: Noh Mask “Heida”, 48% 70cl - One of 1,530 bottles drawn from a vatting of mizunara oak barrels, blended with gyokuro and ten-cha sakes from local sake producers Horii-Shichimeien. Produced for The Ritz Carlton 10th Anniversary
• 30th Edition: Noh Mask “Koushi-jhou”, 59% 70cl - One of 577 bottles drawn from a vatting of drawn from a vatting of three ex-Karuizawa sherry butts. Produced for Bar K6.

Please note this lot will include a thirty bottle shipping fee.

Caol Ila 1968 Samaroli Full Proof

Caol Ila distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson, who was bought out from the venture a little over 10 year later by Bulloch Lade. The blending firm merged with DCL (now Diageo) in 1927, who still run the distillery today. In 1972 the original site was demolished and replaced by a new one. When distilling resumed in 1974, Caol Ila was the largest producer of single malt on the Isle of Islay. Despite this, due to its importance in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker, its single malt brand disappeared under United Distillers, and it was not until 2002 that it would return, when the 12 year old was revived by Diageo. The Flora & Fauna release was well-regarded in the meantime, but it was independent releases like this that gave the best opportunity to sample this much-loved single malt.

This fantastic Italian import bottling of Caol Ila was distilled in 1968, prior to the expansion in the early 1970s. This is the only Samaroli bottling from the old version of the distillery and is highly sought after.

Samaroli is perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (if not English spelling at times!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved spots on the pantheon of whisky greats.

Silvano's early bottlings were filled for him Scotland by R.W. Duthie, a relationship that lasted until the early 1990s. This was bottled by Duthie & Co for Samaroli in 1982.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #3515 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #3515 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2016.

One of 160 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 35 Year Old #7427 

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 limited bottling was distilled in 1981 and bottled after 35 years in the cask. Cask number #7427 yielded only 208 bottles.

Laphroaig 1965 Intertrade 20 Year Old Cask Strength / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market

A spectacular Laphroaig, part of series of similarly labelled releases from Intertrade that contains several sought after 1960s and early 1970s vintages.

This was distilled in December 1965 and bottled at cask strength as a 20 year old in September 1986.

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.

One of 171 bottles.

This particular bottle was signed by Nadi Fiori.

Macallan 1975 Fine and Rare 30 Year Old #8845

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 whisky was filled into single hogshead cask #8845 on 8th May 1975 and aged for 30 years.

• Unque Refference: ygemfm
• Signed & Dated: A. Murray 14/11/06

Port Ellen 1970 Intertrade 16 Year Old Cask Strength / Signed by Nadi Fiori

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market.

A 16 year old Port Ellen, this was distilled in January 1970 and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in September 1986. This is one of many vintage Port Ellen bottled by Nadi Fiori with this label style.

For decades Port Ellen was the lost jewel in the Islay crown, closed down by DCL (now Diageo) in 1983 due to an oversupply of peated whisky for blending and a perceived lack of interest in it as a single malt. However, it developed a legendary status over the years and in 2017 Diageo eventually announced plans to re-open it. The work was completed in 2024, and the first spirit was distilled in March that year. A very rare 12 year old bottled for attendees of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1980 is believed to have been the only distillery bottling produced in its first years of operation. Diageo have bottled more since, but it is the independent companies that have given the whisky world the best chance to sample this sought-after single malt.

One of 258 bottles.