May 2024 Auction

Macallan 71 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 71 year old was launched in October 2020 as part of The Red Collection. The range also includes a 40, 50, 60, 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 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 71 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 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter

One of two \"Genesis\" releases bottled in 2018 to celebrate the opening of the brand new Macallan distillery. The first was the infamous Genesis 2018 Release, followed by this, the Spectacular Genesis Decanter.

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.

Presented in a beautiful Lalique crystal decanter, at the time of release, this was the oldest Macallan single malt ever bottled. This was distilled in the 1940s, in period of post-war optimism both in the whisky industry and the world as a whole. Having lay maturing for a staggering 72 years, this was bottled in a year Macallan themselves describe as a \"new dawn,\" representing a new period of optimism for the future with their new, behemoth distillery opening in June that year.

The decanter and its presentation are designed to evoke and celebrate the architecture of the new site:

\"Lalique has captured the character of the new Distillery in crystal, with the horizon of the decanter rising and falling in reflection of the roof line and incorporating the clean lines and natural curves. Each decanter is encased in a bespoke presentation case inspired by the interior of the Distillery, with a curved wooden roof over the decanter, and a footprint taken directly from the circular layout of the three new still houses.\"

It was designed by Burgess Studio, and was handcrafted by Royal Warrant holding cabinet makers, NEJ Stevenson.

One of only 600.

Macallan 1950 Tales of The Macallan Lalique Decanter / Volume I

Volume I - The Laird of Easter Elchies (1659-1715)

Released in late 2021, this is the first edition in the Tales of The Macallan series. The range celebrates the people and history behind the brand's iconic legacy.

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. 

Volume I in the series pays homage to Captain John Grant, who is regarded as Macallan’s first true custodian. Captain John foresaw the potential of the Easter Elchies estate and invested a great amount of time towards refurbishing it and the surrounding land into a working and liveable facility. His investment would be one of the most significant steps towards whisky production eventually taking place at the site. 

This single malt was distilled in 1950 and bottled in 2021 by lead whisky maker, Sarah Burgess:

Concealed in an 800-page almanac book, this rare malt is presented in a beautiful handmade decanter produced by long-standing collaborator, master French crystal-maker, Lalique. The book itself is made of fine leather and decorated with gold. The responsibility of printing was handed to Imprimerie du Marais of Paris who used a specially developed paper for the project. While the almanac details the story of Captain John, illustrations by English artist Andrew Davidson are also included. Davidson's previous work has involved postage stamps for the UK's Royal Mail, the Harry Potter book-covers, and the glass doors at Wimbledon's Centre Tennis Court.

One of 350 decanters produced.

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.

• 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 4 bottles associated with this lot.

Dalmore 50 Year Old Crystal Decanter / One of 60

A truly stunning and highly limited release of Dalmore single malt which has been aged for half-a-century. 

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.

This incredible whisky has been aged in dark sherry casks for 50 years before being bottled in a crystal decanter at cask strength. It is presented in a weighty wooden case alongside a stopper and certificate of excellence.

Serge Valentin of the whisky reviewing website WhiskyFun.com was fortunate enough to be presented with a sample of this liquid by Dalmore Master Distiller, Richard Paterson. After tasting the dram, he immediately awarded it his highest score ever for a Dalmore at 96/100. Valentin was also informed by Paterson himself that a small part of this release was distilled as far back as June 1868!

One of just 60 decanters.

NOTE: Due to the weight of this particular item, it will include a four-bottle shipping-fee.

Macallan Archival Series Folio 1-7

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.

• Macallan Archival Series Folio 1 43% 70cl
• Macallan Archival Series Folio 2 43% 70cl
• Macallan Archival Series Folio 3 43% 70cl
• Macallan Archival Series Folio 4 43% 70cl
• Macallan Archival Series Folio 5 43% 70cl
• Macallan Archival Series Folio 6 43% 70cl
• Macallan Archival Series Folio 7 43% 70cl

As with all the Folio releases, the bottles are presented with a book inside an elegant book-shaped tin box. 

NOTE: Due to the size of this item, it will include a fourteen bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1965 Elixir Distillers 50 Year Old 50cl

A truly spectacular decanter of single malt courtesy of Japan’s most famous silent distillery.

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 whisky was distilled in 1965 and aged in single ex-Sherry cask #3037 for half a century. It was bottled in 2017 by Elixir Distillers and released in 2022.

Presented in a beautiful etched decanter which is housed in a slick, wooden display case. A small book is also included.

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.

One of 318 decanters produced. 

Chichibu Cigar Label Single Cask Collection 10 x 70cl / Takashimaya

Chichibu distillery in Saitama, Japan was opened in 2008, and was the country’s first new distillery since Suntory opened Hakushu back in 1973. Chichibu was the brainchild of Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the legendary Hanyu distillery. The Ichiro’s Malt brand appeared in 2005 and rose to fame through the bottling of the last casks from Hanyu, particularly the sought after ‘Card’ series. The first Chichibu releases appeared under it in 2011.

This lot is for a collection of ten single cask expressions from Chichibu distillery, bottled exclusively for Takashimaya Nihombashi in Tokyo.

• Chichibu 2009 Newborn Single Cask #461, 61.9% 70cl - One of 332 bottled in 2011
• Chichibu 2009 Single Chibidaru Cask #388, 62.9% 70cl - One of 159 bottled in 2014
• Chichibu 2012 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #2090, 62% 70cl - One of 182 bottled in 2016
• Chichibu 2013 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #2662, 62.9% 70cl - One of 217 bottled in 2017
• Chichibu 2012 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #2056, 62% 70cl - One of 172 bottled in 2018
• Chichibu 2013 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #2669, 63% 70cl - One of 219 bottled in 2018
• Chichibu 2013 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #2686, 61% 70cl - One of 208 bottled in 2020
• Chichibu 2014 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #3563, 64% 70cl - One of 181 bottled in 2021
• Chichibu 2015 Heavily Peated Single Bourbon Cask #4669, 65% 70cl - One of 155 bottled in 2022
• Chichibu 2015 Heavily Peated Single Virgin Cask #4735, 62% 70cl - One of 286 bottled in 2023

Presented here with additional wooden presentation boxes.

Please note this lot will carry a twenty bottle shipping fee.

Bowmore 1967 Largiemeanoch 12 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.

This is an incredibly rare example, bottled under the Largiemeanoch label, a brand devised for a series of private bottlings for The Howgate Wine Co in Edinburgh in the late 1970s. The Whisky Connoisseur later revived the name for a series on collectible miniature bottlings of Bowmore, but they are far from the quality of this.

A legendary bottle of whisky, distilled at Bowmore in 1967 and bottled from a vatting of three sherry casks. A 10 year old was also bottled.

NOTE: It should be understood that these bottles were originally produced without the sealed caps or capsules. Every effort has been made to examine both the liquid and the provenance of this bottle in order to verify the contents as being original and authentic. 

Glenlivet 1940 Gordon and MacPhail 70 Year Old / Generations​ 2nd Edition

This is an incredible bottling of Glenlivet, matured for 70 years old.

Distilled at the height of the second world war in 1940, during a period where rationing had slashed whisky production by over a third and just prior to Glenlivet ceasing production for full 3 years, with the grim realities of the international stage casting the shadow of doubt over whether it would ever even re-open again. Cask #339 was then largely forgotten about, left to mature in the mothballed warehouses of the distillery as the world fell apart and was rebuilt around it.

Bottled into a hand-blown crystal decanter in the signature Generations tear drop shape and sealed with a sterling silver stopper, this is a stunning release. Reintroduced after 70 years in 2010 by Gordon & MacPhail directors Michael and David Urquhart, the cask was hand-selected by their own grandfather, John. The Generations range from Gordon & MacPhail is intended to evoke, through single incredibly well-aged casks (each watched over and cared for by as many as 4 generations of the Urquhart family) the care, love and attention the family-run business affords to every drop that they bottle.

Part of release number 2, this is one of 100 bottles.

Bowmore 1964 Fino Cask 37 Year Old 75cl

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.

This Bowmore was distilled on 5th November 1964 and matured in Fino Sherry casks for 37 years. It was bottled in 2002.

The bottle is displayed in an individual oak presentation case, hand crafted by the Master Cabinet Makers of Charles Kirkby & Sons of Sheffield, England. Each case has an individually numbered brass plaque which corresponds with the bottle number on the back label. 

One of just 300 produced.

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

Balvenie 1951 Vintage Cask #1236

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 vintage cask range of whiskies from Balvenie are a fantastic insight into single casks released from this popular distillery.

Distilled in 14th June 1951 and bottled on 7th November 1996, this was drawn from cask #1236 and bottled at cask strength with an impressive ABV for a 45 year old Scotch whisky.

Bottle number 15 of only 90.

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength Sherry Casks 1980s / Samaroli Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.  

This is a ludicrously rare and highly sought after Springbank, officially bottled for Samaroli Imports. This dates from the early 1980s when Silvano Samaroli's independent bottling business was still in its infancy, and he was still operating as an official importer. Taking inspiration from the legendary Edoardo Giaccone, proprietor of Edward & Edward (aka Whiskyteca Garten) in Salo, Samaroli imported outwith the standard distillery offerings, and sought out exclusive cask strength and sherry cask offerings like this for his clients. The back label of the bottle includes his tasting notes.

This Springbank was awarded 98 points by Serge Valentin on WhiskyFun.com

One of 2,400 bottles.

Tormore 1966 Samaroli Sherry Wood / Silver Cap

An incredible example of Speyside single malt from a not-often bottled distillery at the time. This is a 1966 vintage Tormore, bottled for Silvano Samaroli by longtime partners, R.W. Duthie of Aberdeen in 1982.

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 sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

This is part of the three bottle, much sought after Silver Cap series that also includes a 27 year old Glen Grant and a release many consider the finest whisky ever committed to bottle, the 1967 Laphroaig.

All three bottles in the series are sherry wood matured. Whisky author and owner of Singapore's Auld Alliance bar, Emmanual Dron, describes this as \"a sherry moster!\", while Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun scored in 95 points.

Tormore is one of Speyside's most aesthetically pleasing distilleries, designed in 1959 by Sir Albert Richardson (then president of the Royal Academy). It was built by the Schenley company in order to provide malt for their Long John blends. Despite this, its single malt has been bottled by all of its owners over the years, including as part of the short-lived Caledonian Malts range from Allied Distillers, alongside Laphroaig and Glendronach. Despite this, distillery bottlings are still something of a rarity, and independent releases like this tend to be the most accessible.

Glen Grant 60 Year Old Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary

Glen Grant is one of Speyside's most recognised distilleries. It was built in 1839 by James and John Grant, and was a huge facility for its time. Its size increased exponentially over time, in the hands of John's son, John \"The Major\" Grant (who also built the short-lived Caperdonich next-door), and twice in the 1970s following the merger with The Glenlivet Distillers and its subsequent takeover by Seagram. Glen Grant was bottled as a single malt as early as the late-19th century, and developed a global export market. None perhaps as important as in Italy, where their agent in the 1960s, Armando Giovinetti, turned it into the nation's favourite whisky, after discovering the palate preferences of his countrymen for very young single malts. So loved is Glen Grant in Italy, that the distillery is now owned by Gruppo Campari, who bought it from Pernod Ricard in 2006.

This Glen Grant was filled into single ex-Oloroso sherry cask #5040 on 24th October 1960. When it was released in late 2021, it became distillery’s oldest bottling in its 181-year history.

The release celebrates the 60th anniversary of Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm’s six decades in whisky.

One of 360 hand-blown crystal glass, designed by Glencairn Studio. 

Due to the size and weight of this item, this lot will include a four bottle shipping fee.

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.

Macallan Blake @ LXXX Eight Decades 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 June 2012, this collection of eight miniatures was produced in collaboration with renowned British pop artist, Sir Peter Blake. Each bottle represents one of the eight decades of his life, and is a celebration of his eightieth on the 25th of the same month. This was Blake's second bespoke work for Macallan, the first being 12 labels for the famed 1926 vintage from cask #263 , the world's most expensive single malt. The distillery and artist later combined again for a new collection in 2021.

Presented within the set are vintages from each decade, including several expressions from the sought-after Fine & Rare series. The distilled dates of each are, 1937, 1949, 1952, 1969, 1976, 1989, 1997, and 2002.

The artefacts in the box were sourced by art director, Stuart Newman, and are said to represent fire, water, earth and air, each of which aids the process of whisky making. These include:

• 1930s: Black and white image of distillery workers at Macallan. Fire bucket – representing water and fire. Dancing tin duck – a replica of one of Sir Peter’s favourites from his own collection.
• 1940s: Windproof matches. Tin damsel fly – still very much alive on Speyside. Small bottle with a painting of the Queen Mary, one of the first pieces of art Sir Peter Blake bought as a student in the late forties. Wellington boots – representing an original pair of Tom Thumb boots that Sir Peter has in his collection and one of his favourites.
• 1950s: She-Devil painting on the cover of the book. Halfpenny.
• 1960s: CD with the cover of Beatles painting by Sir Peter Blake – including an old advertisement created by DH and a film by Phil Sansom on the making of the Blake @ LXXX box.
• 1970s: Teapot and roses painting – adding flowers to the bold and colourful design.
• 1980s: Robin painting – to provide some natural life. Gnome fishing (on the Spey!) or with a garden spade. Spey Salmon – representing the fishing on the Macallan’s Easter Elchies Estate
• 1990s: Extract from book – W for Whisky, the collage is very typical of Sir Peter Blake’s style. Macallan cask – representing the importance of the oak casks in the making of Macallan.
• 2000s: Porcelain mouse – representing the computer age.

Each collection is one of 250 hand-made works of art by Blake himself.

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

Karuizawa 35 Year Old Single Cask #5244 /  Aqua 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 matured in single sherry butt #5244 for 35 years. It was bottled at cask strength in 2015.

One of 166 bottles.

Karuizawa 1973 Single Sherry Cask #4799 / The Golden Age of Showa

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 whisky was distilled in 1973 and aged in single cask #4799. It was bottled in 2020 as part of The Golden Age of Showa series which is made-up of vintages selected between 1971 and 1974.

One of 103 bottles.

Laphroaig 1970 Samaroli

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.

A truly legendary Laphroaig, this was distilled in 1970 and bottled in 1986 by R.W. Duthie for Silvano Samaroli.

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 sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

Emmanuel Dron, whisky collector and owner of the Auld Alliance bar has stated that, \"if I had to bring only one bottle to a desert island, it would be [this] Laphroaig 1970 bottled in 1986.\" This is part of the 'Distillery Drawing' collection of Laphroaig bottlings from Samaroli, which includes the legendary 1967 Sherry Cask.

One of 720 produced.

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.

A fantastic Italian import bottling of Caol Ila, 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 sports 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. Bottled by Duthie & Co for Samaroli in 1982.

This bottling was awarded 96 points by WhiskyFun.

OFC 1916 Bottled in Bond Bourbon / Prohibition Era Bottling

A fantastic old Prohibition era bottling of Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. Although the Volstead Act of 1919 had banned the production and sale of alcohol throughout the US, a certain number of distilling companies were permitted to continue bottling existing stock, mostly for medicinal use, but also for weekly baking rations.

One such company was Schenley, organised in 1920 by Louis Rosenstiel as the Cincinnati Distributing Corp. It was one of just six companies granted a license by the US government to bottle medicinal whiskey, alongside Brown-Forman, Frankfort Distilleries, the A. Ph. Stitzel distillery, the American Medicinal Spirits Company, and James Thompson & Brother. In the same year, Rosenstiel acquired the Joseph S. Finch distillery in Pennsylvania, its stock and its Golden Wedding brand, which would go onto become one of the flagship labels of Schenley in the 20th century. In 1922, Rosenstiel met Winston Churchill while holidaying in France, and the future British Prime Minister advised him to begin preparing for the eventuality that the unpopular Prohibition act would be repealed. Rosenstiel then spent the next decade accruing assets in the whiskey industry and by the time his foresight finally paid off in 1933, Schenley were the owners of numerous distilleries including George T. Stagg, James E. Pepper, and the Squibb distillery in Indiana. They added the famous Bernheim distillery to the portfolio in 1937, and the year prior made their first play in the Scotch market by becoming the US distributor for John Dewar & Sons. Rosenstiel's spirits empire dominated much of the market share of American whiskey for the next forty years through brands like I.W. Harper and Cream of Kentucky, before he sold his controlling stake to the Glen Alden company in 1968. He passed away eight years later, and in 1987, Schenley was bought over by United Distillers, newly formed through a merger of the Distillers Company Ltd (DCL) and Arthur Bell & Sons after both were acquired by Guinness that year.

This is the O.F.C. brand bourbon, distilled and bottled at George T. Stagg distillery, better known today as Buffalo Trace.

A historic distillery, Buffalo Trace was built in 1812 Harrison Blanton. It was then purchased by the legendary Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr in 1870, who named it OFC (Old Fashioned Copper) after which this brand was named, and invested heavily in its modernisation. So much so in fact that he declared himself bankrupt after just seven years, and George T. Stagg stepped in to rescue it, becoming its owner in 1878. He ran the distillery until his retirement in the 1890s, and it was renamed in his honour in 1904. Having survived Prohibition, it was bought up by the Schenley company in 1933, who ran it as part of their extensive portfolio for the next fifty years, eventually selling it to Age International. The latter's new Japanese ownership in 1992 had no interest in it (only in its brands), and immediately sold it to the Sazerac company, who renamed it Buffalo Trace in 1999.

Karuizawa 29 Year Old Sherry Cask / Murasaki 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.

One of two highly sought after 'Purple Geisha' released in 2018 by Elixir distillers. This particular single cask has been matured for over 29 years in a single sherry cask.

One of only 60 bottles.

Laphroaig Non Peaty D Johnston and Co 1940s

A very old Laphroaig bottled by distillery owners D.Johnston and Co, the name of the company up until 1950. Perhaps the most interesting element regarding this bottle is that the label carries the words Non-Peaty.

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.

We estimate this bottle to be from the 1940s, a significant period in the history of Laphroaig as the distillery shut down production in the first half of the decade due to shortages during the second world war. Laphroaig continued all other aspects of the business, including bottling whiskies such as this, all the while also doing its bit for the war effort by housing The First Company of Royal Engineers following the battle of Dunkirk, and providing Laphroaig House as a base for the RAF. The distillery's sales actually to increased during this period as demand was high in the military messes they supplied to across the UK. The distillery re-opened in 1945 at the close of hostilities in Europe, and this bottle may just have passed through the hands of one of those brave individuals who made that happen.

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.

Macallan Distil Your World New York

The 2022 release from the Distill Your World series which celebrates the great city of New York.

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 New York release has been produced by Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan alongside the Roca brothers of the world-famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca of Girona, Spain. The restaurant opened in 1986 and since then has twice been named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine. Although the Roca brothers have never felt the need to open more restaurants in different locations, they do occasionally take their cuisine on tour via temporary \"pop-ups\". 

The whisky has been matured in six European and American oak casks before being bottled at cask strength. It is presented in a stunning display case which features a 3D triangular design and a hidden compartment containing a book which details the release.

One of 1,000 bottles which were made available at Macallan Boutiques around the world and premium specialist retailers.

Springbank 1966 Sherry Cask 24 Year Old #443 / Local Barley 

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1980s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This Springbank was distilled in January 1966 and matured in single Sherry cask #443 for 24 years. It was bottled in June 1990.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 35 Year Old #2360 / 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 were presented in a well-crafted, wooden box which featured a lockable door.

Strathisla 1967 Samaroli Sherry Wood

Samaroli are 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!), founder Silvano Samaroli is regarded by many as a visionary. Since his passing in 2017, the company has been run by his friend Antonio Bleve, who continues his tradition of high quality releases. Many of Silvano’s early bottlings occupy deserved spots on the pantheon of all-time whisky greats.

This whisky was distilled in 1967 and has been aged in sherry wood before being bottled in 1986 by R.W. Duthie for Silvano Samaroli.

Speyside's oldest operating distillery, Strathisla was founded in 1786 as Milltown, and later renamed Milton in 1890. The distillery was an early advocate of its single malt, which it sold under the brand name, Strathisla, after the river that runs past the site. Strathisla single malt was bottled as early as the late 19th century, and proved very popular. None-the-less, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing rescued by Canadian giants, Seagram, who bought it in 1950, renaming it Strathisla the following year, and tasking it as a key contributor to its Chivas blends. Despite this, the single malt brand remained a core part of the business, and remains so to this day.

One of 360 bottles.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #8081 / 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 were presented in a well-crafted, wooden box which featured a lockable door.

Kyoto Cask Aged Dry Gin / Ghost Series #13

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. 

This is the thirteenth release in the Ghost Series, a selection of rare Japanese whiskies (and now gins) from former Nonjatta chief editor, Stefan Van Eycken. Each bottle in the collection features a Yukiyo-e artwork from Yoshitoshi's New Forms of 36 Ghosts.

This is one of only 24 bottles produced exclusively for Spirits for Small Change.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Asahi 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.

• Karuizawa 1999-2000 Hinomaru 55% 70cl One of 30 bottles
• Karuizawa 1999-2000 Sakura 48% 70cl One of 30 bottles
• Karuizawa 1999-2000 Bonsai 46% 70cl One of 30 bottles

Please note: There will be a shipping charge for 3 bottles associated with this lot.