October 2024 Auction

Macallan 1940 The Reach 81 Year Old

When released in February 2022, this eye-catching edition from the famous Speysider became the distillery's oldest official age-statement. Titled The Reach, the whisky was distilled in 1940, during the early days of the second world war, and has seen a lengthy maturation period of 81 years in a single sherry-seasoned cask. 

As you would expect, the presentation showcases the highest quality of Scottish craftsmanship. The mouth-blown glass decanter is displayed on a weighty plinth, which was created by Scottish sculptor Saskia Robinson. This artwork features three bronze hands, which are a tribute to the three people who helped to create the whisky. These include Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell; Allan Shiach, who is the grandson of Dr. Allan Shiach, who ran the distillery in 1940; and the distillery workers of the 1940s themselves.

The decanter and sculpture are housed in a well-crafted cabinet made with wood from a fallen elm tree. This tree is thought to have been on the Macallan Estate in 1940. A beautifully presented book that details the release is also included.

This is one of 288 decanters, which also includes a professional flight case.

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. 

• Please Note: Due to the size and weight of this total lot, collection is advised. If shipping is required, please contact Whisky Auctioneer to discuss.
• Please Note: This lot is not eligible for Whisky Auctioneer storage. The winning bidder must arrange for collection within 7 days of purchase.

Macallan 77 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 77 year old was bottled in October 2022 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 77 year old 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 73 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 73 year old was launched in 2024 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 73 year old was created by Whisky Maker Javi Aznarez, and is presented in an 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 its size and weight, a three-bottle shipping fee will apply to this lot.

Karuizawa 1965 Japonisme Edition / LMDW 60th Anniversary - Bottle No.1

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 was the final release in a trio of 1965 vintage Karuizawa, bottled for La Maison du Whisky by Number One Drinks. A very small batch release, this is a vatting of part of sherry cask #2372 and bourbon cask #8636.

This is bottle number #1 of just 60 presentations, each of which includes a miniature of unblended single malt from each of the two constituent casks.

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

Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection 64 Year Old

Glenfiddich was an early advocate of the single malt Scotch category, and their faith is rewarded today by being one of the best-selling Scotch brands in the world. The distillery was built by William Grant in 1886, distilling its first spirit on Christmas day the following year. Today it is still part of the family-owned, William Grant & Sons. They became the first distillery to actively market their single malt brand in 1963, and were the first to open their facility to visitors. Glenfiddich was an important trailblazer in the whisky industry, who's contribution cannot be forgotten. The scale of their operation today is a testament to this.

The Rare Collection from Glenfiddich was first introduced in the early 2000s and included a sought-after annual batch release of 40 year old single malt, as well as this 1937 vintage, genuinely one of the world's rarest bottles of single malt. Given that this cask was already 26 years old before the distillery made the decision to market a single malt brand, it is perhaps truly fortuitous that this was allowed to obtain such an advanced age. Or it may be simply testament to its quality that it was deemed to great to be used for any other purpose. Cask #843 was distilled in the same year that King George VI was crowned, and was bottled after a long 64 years of maturation.

When the time came for bottling, the cask produced just 61 full size bottles, and around 500 presentation packs containing 10ml samples.

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

The 78 year old was created by Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess, and is presented in an 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 four-bottle shipping fee.

Bowmore 1964 Black Bowmore 50 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 pinnacle of whisky collecting and investing, the Black Bowmore is arguably one of most famous and sought after bottles of whisky ever produced.  This is the latest and last iteration of this ground breaking Bowmore series of whiskies, again distilled in 1964 and bottled after 50 years in the cask. This 'Last Cask' of Black Bowmore was vatted in 2007 from the remaining two Oloroso sherry hogsheads which were left over from the previous 2007 release of this legendary whisky.

The original Black Bowmore series released in the early/mid 1990s was followed in 2007 by the Black, White and Gold Bowmore range, all from 1964.

This is one of 159 bottles, and includes a 2cl sample of the whisky.

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

Karuizawa 1965 Monyou Edition 50 Year Old Crystal Decanter Set / LMDW - Set No.1

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 1965 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #2372 62.3% 55cl 
• Karuizawa 1965 Single Bourbon Cask 50 Year Old #8636 62.6% 55cl 

This beautiful crystal decanter set includes a display stand crafted from marble and wood, as well as two crystal glasses.

Only 24 sets were produced.

La Maison du Whisky, aka LMDW, was founded in 1956 by Georges Benitah and is now one of the largest whisky and rum importers and distributors in France, and known the world over. They opened their first shop in Paris at the legendary 20 Rue d'Anjou in 1968, importing their first Scotch malt whiskies in the 1970s. They are known for their expertise in not only Scotch, but Japanese whisky and rum too, and their collaborative bottlings, as well as their own independent labels like this one, are highly prized.

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

Karuizawa 1965 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #2372 / LMDW Bottle No.1

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

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

This is bottle number #1 of 300 bottles drawn from sherry cask #2372.

NOTE: Due to the size of this lot, it will incur a six-bottle shipping fee

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.

Karuizawa 1965 Japonisme Edition / LMDW 60th Anniversary

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 was the final release in a trio of 1965 vintage Karuizawa, bottled for La Maison du Whisky by Number One Drinks. A very small batch release, this is a vatting of part of sherry cask #2372 and bourbon cask #8636.

One of just 60 presentations, each of which includes a miniature of unblended single malt from each of the two constituent casks.

Macallan 1939 Fine and Rare 40 Year Old 75cl / One of 58

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 is a legendary spirit, which is now part of the Fine and Rare range, launched in 2002 as the pinnacle of Macallan excellence.

Distilled in 1939, originally bottled by Gordon and MacPhail in 1979 and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002 as a 40 year old. The 1939 is third rarest in the series, one of only 58 bottles, and is considered one of best examples of single malt Scotch whisky from the distillery. An incredible opportunity to own a genuinely old Macallan. 

Unique Reference: ncrk7a

Signed and dated by A. Murray on 9th January 2006.

Karuizawa 1965 Single Bourbon Cask 50 Year Old #8636 / LMDW Bottle No.1

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

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

This is bottle number #1 of 199 bottles drawn from bourbon cask #8636.

NOTE: This lot will incur a four-bottle shipping fee.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7002 / Jack of Spades​

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.

Distilled in 1990, this was matured in a hogshead before being moved into a new American oak hogshead for a second maturation period. It was then bottled in 2007. 

Bottle 117 of 349.

Brora Triptych 3 x 50cl

A spectacular release, which was produced to celebrate the reopening of the Brora distillery in 2021.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. It was never bottled officially as Brora during its years of operation, and the Rare Malts Selection in 1995 were the first distillery bottlings to bear the name. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19^th May 2021.

Titled Triptych, the set includes three malts which each represent a different and iconic style of spirit from the distillery. It includes:

• Brora 1972 48 Year Old The Elusive Legacy 42.8% 50cl
• Brora 1977 43 Year Old The Age of Peat 48.6% 50cl
• Brora 1982 38 Year Old Timeless Original 47.5% 50cl

The bottles are presented in an impressive wooden presentation case which includes three weighty decanter stoppers for each of the bottles. It also carries a small book which details each of the whiskies in this beautiful release.

One of 300 sets.

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

Bowmore 1966 Single Cask 50 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. These early Morrison Bowmore era vintages are considered classics.

This Bowmore was distilled in 1966 and matured for an incredible 50 years in single bourbon hogshead #5675. Released in 2017, this was drawn from the same vintage that also produced what is revered by many as the greatest whisky ever bottled, the Samaroli Bouquet.

Presented in an elegant decanter and ornate wooden display case, this is one of just 74 bottles.

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

Karuizawa 50 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #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 incredible Karuizawa has been matured for half a century in single sherry cask #538. It was bottled at cask strength in 2019.

One of 347 bottles.

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. 

Please note due to the size of this item, it will include a fourteen 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 1965 Precious Metals Oloroso Sherry Cask 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.

A spectacular whisky, this 1965 vintage Bowmore was produced just after the distillery had its steam heated stills installed. Since then it has been maturing at the distillery in a single Oloroso sherry cask for over 52 years!

This is the third release in Bowmore's fifty-year Vault series and is immaculately presented in a hand crafted Scottish oak cabinet created by craftsman John Galvin.

Only four of these Precious Metals bottlings were produced, to be sold in Dubai, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam. Each one is numbered and features a brass plaque made from the original Bowmore spirit safe.

Please note: Due to the size and weight this lot will incur a four bottle shipping fee

Port Ellen 12 Year Old James MacArthur Cask Strength 59% / Scoma

James MacArthur & Co were founded in 1982 and are a no-frills independent label, focussed on bringing lesser-seen and often closed distilleries to the market. Their simple approach and fine selection of cask strength and single cask whiskies has earned them an army of fans amongst connoisseurs across the world.

Bottled for Scoma in Germany, this is one of the rarest and most sought-after bottlings of Port Ellen, one of a handful of (fairly ordinary on the surface) Scotch whiskies to have gained a near-mythical status simply due to the quality of the liquid.

Bottled a few years after the distillery's closure, this expression was released by James MacArthur at 12 years of age. This 'dark sherry' version is legendary, and scored an impressive 98 points from Serge Valentin on WhiskyFun.com. 

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.

Strathisla 1949 Gordon and MacPhail Private Collection

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. Nonetheless, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing to be 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.

Seagram licensed the distillery’s single malt brand to their Chivas Brothers blending operation, but also to Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. It is the latter’s bottles that are far more prominent. This good standing with the distillery has furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high-quality casks, and, subsequently, high-quality releases.

Distilled in May 1949 and bottled in 2022 by Gordon and Macphail, who have opted to use the name 'Milton' as a tribute to the distillery's name at the time of the whisky's distillation.

Gordon & MacPhail is an Elgin-based family run business, established in 1895 and owned by the Urquhart family. They are perhaps best known for their independent bottlings of single malt, such as the instantly recognisable Connoisseurs Choice brand, and increasingly as distillers in their own right, having acquired Benromach distillery in 1993. The company also has a stake in the blending business though, and has produced a number of well-regarded products over the years.

Please note: Due to the size and weight this lot will incur a two bottle shipping fee

Macallan 1950 Fine and Rare 52 Year Old #600

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 1950 and bottled 52 years later from single cask #600. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest representations of the vintage.

• Unique Reference: bj7175
• Signed and dated by Lorraine Kerr on 6th September 2023

Please note: due to its size and weight, this lot will incur a three-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Noh Single Cask 35 Year Old #4059

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 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #4059 for 35 years. It was bottled in 2017.

One of 226 bottles.

Macallan 40 Year Old 2016 Release 

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

The highly anticipated annual release of the Macallan 40 Year Old. This is the 2016 bottling, featuring the Whisky Tint numbers introduced by Bob Dalgarno to highlight the natural colour of Macallan (the fifth of their Six Pillars), and the cornerstone of the 1824 Series which was produced from 2012 to 2018.

One of only 500 produced. 

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.

Bowmore 1964 White Bowmore 43 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. These early Morrison Bowmore era vintages are considered classic in the whisky world.

This is the second in this famous trilogy, the White Bowmore was matured exclusively in Bourbon casks to create a comparison to the more famous Oloroso Sherry casked Black Bowmore.

One of 732 bottles.

Bowmore 1965 Oloroso Sherry Cask 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.

A spectacular whisky, this 1965 vintage Bowmore was produced just after the distillery had its steam-heated stills installed. Since then it has been maturing at the distillery in a single Oloroso sherry cask for over 52 years!

This is the third release in Bowmore's fifty-year Vault series and is immaculately presented in a hand crafted Scottish oak cabinet.

The decanter is one of only 232 released globally.

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

Glen Grant 1948 Gordon and MacPhail 72 Year Old

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. 

Glen Grant licensed its brand to a number of bottlers in the mid to late 20th century, the most prominent of which was Gordon & MacPhail. This good standing with the distillery furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases. The preference of the Italian parent firm at the distillery today for its younger output, often means that Gordon & MacPhail are given access to some impressively aged casks. 

This Glen Grant was distilled in February 1948 and matured in single first-fill sherry butt #440 for an incredible 72 years. It was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in February 2020, and presented in an elegant Dartington Crystal decanter within an American black walnut presentation case.

One of 290 Decanters.

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

Bowmore 1955 40 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.

A very old Bowmore put into a bourbon hogshead cask on the 22nd of November 1955, then 20 years later it was transferred into a sherry cask prior to being bottled in 1995. 

The glass decanter was hand crafted by the artists of Caithness Glass, Scotland, each being individually numbered. The presentation case has been hand made from oak by the Master Cabinet Makers of Charles Kirkby & Sons, England. 

As a combination this is an impressive liquid presented in the most elegant of styles. 

One of 300 sets that include a glass stopper and padlock with key.

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.

Bowmore 1964 Fino Cask 37 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. 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.