April 2025 Auction

Martell Chanteloup Perspective Cognac

Born in 1694 and hailing from the Island of Jersey, Jean Martell began his journey into the world of distilled wines in 1715 by setting up one for the first cognac houses on the banks of the Charente. After a few years of experimentation, he settled on a recipe of using grapes from the Borderies sub-region and casks made from Tronçais oak. He realised that this combination of grape and wood produced an incredibly smooth cognac. After Jean died in 1753, his business passed to his widow, two sons and grandson. They enjoyed great success in countries such as England where the brand was a favourite in the early 1800s. In 1912 the company debuted its most famous product, the legendary Cordon Bleu and six years later the brand bore witness to history as Martell was served at the signing of the armistice in Compiegne, bringing the first world war to an end. Later in the 20th century, Cordon Bleu would be the standard cognac served on Concord, the Orient Express and the Queen Mary. In 1987, Canadian drinks giant Seagram took control of the company. When they were dissolved in 2001, the spoils of its sizeable portfolio were mostly shared between Diageo the French group Pernod-Ricard, with the latter acquiring Martell. These days, Martell selects crus from the cognac regions Les Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. After over 300 years, the brands stands proudly as one of the most important names in the history of cognac.

A very elegant looking Martell, this cognac is a blend of eaux-de-vie from four different Cognac regions - Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fins Bois and Borderies.

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 five-bottle shipping fee will apply to this lot.

Macallan Rare Cask 2021 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 Rare Cask was introduced in 2014 as a permanent addition to the 1824 Master Series, a premium tier of the regular 1824 core range which was marketed between 2012 and 2018. When the the 1824 series was discontinued in 2018, the Rare Cask was retained as part of the portfolio, becoming an annual small batch release. Between 2018 and 2019 it became a thrice-annual small batch release, before switching to a single annual batch release in 2020.

This is the 2021 release which is made up of a combination of different American and ex-Sherry European oak casks, a high proportion of which were first-fill.

Macallan Rare Cask 2021 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 Rare Cask was introduced in 2014 as a permanent addition to the 1824 Master Series, a premium tier of the regular 1824 core range which was marketed between 2012 and 2018. When the the 1824 series was discontinued in 2018, the Rare Cask was retained as part of the portfolio, becoming an annual small batch release. Between 2018 and 2019 it became a thrice-annual small batch release, before switching to a single annual batch release in 2020.

This is the 2021 release which is made up of a combination of different American and ex-Sherry European oak casks, a high proportion of which were first-fill.

Glenfiddich 1977 Rare Collection 39 Year Old #22742

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 the famous 1937 vintage, genuinely one of the world's rarest bottles of whisky. This incarnation sees the label revised for its single cask series, replacing the Vintage Reserve line during the 2008 rebranding of the distillery's portfolio.

This was distilled in 1977 and bottled from single cask #22742.

One of 166 bottles.

Glen Scotia 25 Year Old 2017 release

Despite having been mothballed several times throughout its history, Glen Scotia is a proud survivor of the early 20th century desolation of Campbeltown, once known as \"the whisky capital of the world.” The Kintyre peninsula formerly boasted over 30 distilleries, but by the end of the 1920s, only this and Springbank remained. Shut for most of the 1990s before being re-opened by Loch Lomond Distillers, today it is one of only three in the region, with an increasingly prominent portfolio of distillery bottlings in comparison to its quiet output under previous owners.

This is the distillery's premium 25 year old expression, added to the distillery core range in 2017.

Macallan 1996 18 Year Old

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

First launched in 1984, the official Macallan 18 year old is an absolute classic of the whisky world. Distilled at the famous distillery in Speyside and fully matured in sherry oak casks from Jerez in Spain.

Distilled in 1996, this version of the 18 year old is presented in the long-running shiny purple box used between 2006 and 2017.

Glen Grant 10 Year Old 1980s / Giovinetti Import

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 particular 10 year old is from the 1980s and was imported to Italy by Giovinetti.

Midleton Very Rare 1989 Edition

This famous blend of whiskies was initially produced by Jameson's Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, and has been released in very limited quantities on an annual basis since 1984.

The whiskey is aged somewhere between 12 and 20 years and matured solely in Bourbon casks. Each bottle is individually numbered and carries the signature of the Master Distiller.

The 1989 edition contains whiskey distilled at New Midleton as well as vintages from the closed Old Midleton distillery.

With invitation and certificate.

Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac

Born in 1694 and hailing from the Island of Jersey, Jean Martell began his journey into the world of distilled wines in 1715 by setting up one for the first cognac houses on the banks of the Charente. After a few years of experimentation, he settled on a recipe of using grapes from the Borderies sub-region and casks made from Tronçais oak. He realised that this combination of grape and wood produced an incredibly smooth cognac. After Jean died in 1753, his business passed to his widow, two sons and grandson. They enjoyed great success in countries such as England where the brand was a favourite in the early 1800s. In 1912 the company debuted its most famous product, the legendary Cordon Bleu and six years later the brand bore witness to history as Martell was served at the signing of the armistice in Compiegne, bringing the first world war to an end. Later in the 20th century, Cordon Bleu would be the standard cognac served on Concord, the Orient Express and the Queen Mary. In 1987, Canadian drinks giant Seagram took control of the company. When they were dissolved in 2001, the spoils of its sizeable portfolio were mostly shared between Diageo the French group Pernod-Ricard, with the latter acquiring Martell. These days, Martell selects crus from the cognac regions Les Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. After over 300 years, the brands stands proudly as one of the most important names in the history of cognac.

Martell Special Reserve Decanter / Salengo Import

Born in 1694 and hailing from the Island of Jersey, Jean Martell began his journey into the world of distilled wines in 1715 by setting up one for the first cognac houses on the banks of the Charente. After a few years of experimentation, he settled on a recipe of using grapes from the Borderies sub-region and casks made from Tronçais oak. He realised that this combination of grape and wood produced an incredibly smooth cognac. After Jean died in 1753, his business passed to his widow, two sons and grandson. They enjoyed great success in countries such as England where the brand was a favourite in the early 1800s. In 1912 the company debuted its most famous product, the legendary Cordon Bleu and six years later the brand bore witness to history as Martell was served at the signing of the armistice in Compiegne, bringing the first world war to an end. Later in the 20th century, Cordon Bleu would be the standard cognac served on Concord, the Orient Express and the Queen Mary. In 1987, Canadian drinks giant Seagram took control of the company. When they were dissolved in 2001, the spoils of its sizeable portfolio were mostly shared between Diageo the French group Pernod-Ricard, with the latter acquiring Martell. These days, Martell selects crus from the cognac regions Les Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. After over 300 years, the brands stands proudly as one of the most important names in the history of cognac.

Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX

Despite being owned by blenders, MacDonald & Muir, for most of the 20th century, Glenmorangie had an early focus on bottling its single malt. Some records show that its single malt was being sold as early as the late 19th century. This became the distillery's main output in 1959, and with the unique flavours derived from Scotland's tallest stills, coupled with their pioneering use of wood finishing, Glenmorangie is now one of the world's biggest selling malts. As a result, the distillery portfolio over the years has been extensive, and little has been spared for independent bottlers.

Released in 2009, Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX was the first of the distillery's Private Collection bottlings. The whisky has been finished in casks formerly containing Pedro Ximénez sherry.

Macallan Home Collection / River Spey - includes Giclée Art Prints

The second in a series from the famous Speysider which is titled the Home 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 2024 release celebrates the river Spey. The packaging features artwork from Michelle Lucking and depicts the river during winter months.

This lot also includes a set of very limited giclée art prints which were also created by Lucking.

Macallan Home Collection / The Distillery 

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 the first in a series from the famous Speysider which is titled the Home Collection. 

This release celebrates the Macallan distillery itself and the packaging features a watercolour by Macallan employee Colin Rizza.

Glenmorangie Finealta

Despite being owned by blenders, MacDonald & Muir, for most of the 20th century, Glenmorangie had an early focus on bottling its single malt. Some records show that its single malt was being sold as early as the late 19th century. This became the distillery's main output in 1959, and with the unique flavours derived from Scotland's tallest stills, coupled with their pioneering use of wood finishing, Glenmorangie is now one of the world's biggest selling malts. As a result, the distillery portfolio over the years has been extensive, and little has been spared for independent bottlers.

The second private edition released from Glenmorangie, recreating a recipe Glenmorangie had from 1903 which was slightly peated. Matured using a combination of bourbon and Oloroso sherry oak.

Macallan The Harmony Collection / Guardian Oak

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 October 2024, Guardian Oak is one of two additions to the distillery's Harmony Collection produced in collaboration with famed contemporary circus company, Cirque du Soleil, following the partnership's SPIRIT event in May that year. Bottled alongside the commercial release Vibrant oak, both expressions have been created to demonstrate key differences between wood influences in the whisky. These expressions join a number of extravagant releases to mark the distillery's 200th anniversary year.

Guardian Oak was a travel retail exclusive which has been matured in a combination of first-fill sherry-seasoned European oak casks and refill sherry casks.

As with all Harmony Collection releases, the bottle is presented in a 100% recyclable and biodegradable box, this time produced from oak chippings leftover from the production of casks.

Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength 2022 Edition

Although the Isle of Arran was once a hot-bed of distilling activity, there were no distilleries on the island for the majority of the 19th and 20th centuries. Arran distillery opened in 1995, and quickly became a firm favourite. They bottled their first single malt in 1998, a limited edition 3 year old in a glass decanter. Today the distillery also produces a peated single malt called Machrie Moor, and their parent company have opened a second distillery called Lagg on the other side of the island.

This is the 2022 edition of the Machrie Moor Peated Cask Strength.

Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength 2022 Edition

Although the Isle of Arran was once a hot-bed of distilling activity, there were no distilleries on the island for the majority of the 19th and 20th centuries. Arran distillery opened in 1995, and quickly became a firm favourite. They bottled their first single malt in 1998, a limited edition 3 year old in a glass decanter. Today the distillery also produces a peated single malt called Machrie Moor, and their parent company have opened a second distillery called Lagg on the other side of the island.

This is the 2022 edition of the Machrie Moor Peated Cask Strength.

Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength 2022 Edition

Although the Isle of Arran was once a hot-bed of distilling activity, there were no distilleries on the island for the majority of the 19th and 20th centuries. Arran distillery opened in 1995, and quickly became a firm favourite. They bottled their first single malt in 1998, a limited edition 3 year old in a glass decanter. Today the distillery also produces a peated single malt called Machrie Moor, and their parent company have opened a second distillery called Lagg on the other side of the island.

This is the 2022 edition of the Machrie Moor Peated Cask Strength.

Macallan 1851 Inspiration

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.

Inspired by Macallan from 1851, this followed several other 19th century replicas released by Macallan.

Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength 2022 Edition

Although the Isle of Arran was once a hot-bed of distilling activity, there were no distilleries on the island for the majority of the 19th and 20th centuries. Arran distillery opened in 1995, and quickly became a firm favourite. They bottled their first single malt in 1998, a limited edition 3 year old in a glass decanter. Today the distillery also produces a peated single malt called Machrie Moor, and their parent company have opened a second distillery called Lagg on the other side of the island.

This is the 2022 edition of the Machrie Moor Peated Cask Strength.

Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak

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 Oak series from Macallan was launched in 2004 and featured \"triple matured\" expressions, vatted from a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak, and bourbon casks.

The range was rebranded as the Triple Cask is 2018 in order to bring it into line with the distillery's new core range, where it is currently joined by Sherry Oak Cask and Double Cask age-statements.

Glenlivet 20 Year Old 1970s / Baretto Import

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year.  

An excellent example of well-aged Glenlivet from the early 1970s, specially reserved by the distillery for Baretto Imports in Italy.

One of 2,400.

Glenlivet Triple Cask Matured Rare Cask 1 Litre

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in an attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year. George Smith secured a license to legally distil at Glenlivet in 1824, and it remained family-run until 1978 when Seagram bought a controlling stake in what had by then become The Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd, and counting assets such as Glen Grant, Benriach and Longmorn among its portfolio. When Seagram collapsed in 2001, Pernod-Ricard acquired its sizeable Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky division, with Glenlivet the crown jewel in an empire rivalled only by Diageo.

Part of the distillery's Travel Retail range, this Glenlivet has been matured in three different casks; American white oak casks, sherry casks, and 'traditional' casks.

Glenlivet 15 Year Old 1970s / Baretto Import

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in an attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year. George Smith secured a license to legally distil at Glenlivet in 1824, and it remained family-run until 1978 when Seagram bought a controlling stake in what had by then become The Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd, and counting assets such as Glen Grant, Benriach and Longmorn among its portfolio. When Seagram collapsed in 2001, Pernod-Ricard acquired its sizeable Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky division, with Glenlivet the crown jewel in an empire rivalled only by Diageo.

This 15 year old was officially imported by the Baretto brothers for Italy. 

Macallan Archival Series Folio 8

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 February 2025, this is the eighth release in Macallan's Archival Folio series, which honours the distillery's many advertising endeavours throughout the years. This release focuses on the The Colossus of Nose campaign of the 1990s.

Contrary to previous Folio releases, the bottle is presented here in a striking orange cardboard box, though it retains its large book facade.

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

Glenlivet 21 Year Old Triple Cask Finish / The Sample Room Collection

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in an attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year. George Smith secured a license to legally distil at Glenlivet in 1824, and it remained family-run until 1978 when Seagram bought a controlling stake in what had by then become The Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd, and counting assets such as Glen Grant, Benriach and Longmorn among its portfolio. When Seagram collapsed in 2001, Pernod-Ricard acquired its sizeable Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky division, with Glenlivet the crown jewel in an empire rivalled only by Diageo.

This smalll-batch 21 year old has been finished in a combination of first-fill Oloroso caksks, Cognac casks and Colheita vintage Port casks. It was bottled as part of the distillery's Sample Room Collection.

Glenlivet 12 Year Old 1970s / Baretto Import

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in an attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year. George Smith secured a license to legally distil at Glenlivet in 1824, and it remained family-run until 1978 when Seagram bought a controlling stake in what had by then become The Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd, and counting assets such as Glen Grant, Benriach and Longmorn among its portfolio. When Seagram collapsed in 2001, Pernod-Ricard acquired its sizeable Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky division, with Glenlivet the crown jewel in an empire rivalled only by Diageo.

The 12 year old was the entry level Glenlivet expression for many decades, eventually being replaced by the Founder's Reserve in 2015. The expression returned in an elevated spot in the core range in 2018, before being promptly rebranded as the 12 year old Double Oak the following year, as the distillery's entire permanent portfolio of releases was overhauled.

Macallan 1965 First Cask 29 Year Old #1056

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 Macallan was distilled in February 1965 and matured in single cask #1056 for 29 years. It was bottled by Direct Wines as part of their First Cask series.

The First Cask range is a no-frills collection of independent releases, simplistically labelled but with a real focus on high quality cask selection. The brand was produced by Direct Wines, a firm established in Windsor in 1973 and the casks are provided by Signatory Vintage. Often sold in mixed cases through Direct Wines' global distribution network, these bottles can be found all over the world yet have retained the allure of being a a relatively boutique label, with many examples incredibly sought after.

Glen Garioch 1968 Single Cask 29 Year Old #7

Glen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. For most of the 20th century it was self-sufficient, malting its own barley using peat from Pitsligo, giving it a unique smoky character. In fact, in 1968 it was short-listed by then-owners DCL, to convert to heavily peated production in order to make up for a shortfall on Islay caused by a drought. In an odd twist of fate, the decision was instead made to re-open Brora for the job, and close Glen Garioch down. Morrison Bowmore then sprang to its rescue, restarting production in 1973. The maltings and distillery were shut down again by Beam Suntory in 1995, and only the latter resumed operations two years later, with contemporary Glen Garioch becoming an un-peated single malt. These pre-1995 vintages are worth investigating while you can.

This whisky was distilled on 18th May 1968 and aged in single hogshead #7 for 29 years.

Glen Grant 10 Year Old 1980s / Seagram Italia Import

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.

An older bottle of the former core expression from this popular Speyside malt.

Glenfarclas 2014 Christmas Edition 2024 / The Whisky Club

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

Glenfarclas has a long history of releasing Christmas Edition bottlings, primarily for the German market. This release was distilled in 2014 and entirely matured in Oloroso casks. It was bottled for the 2024 festive season, however this release was made exclusive to The Whisky Club in Australia.