April 2025 Auction

Wild Turkey 8 Year Old 101 Proof 1969

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

This is the classic 8 year old expression, bottled at 101 US proof. Although it pre-dates the 1972 purchase of Boulevard distillery by Austin, Nichols & Co, however the whiskey was still produced there under contract. In 1968 when this was bottled, the Master Distiller was a certain Jimmy Russell, and the distillery was called JTS Brown.

North of Scotland 1963 Scott's Selection

North of Scotland began production in 1958, and was the first venture from George P. Christie, who later opened the Speyside distillery as well. North of Scotland originally distilled malt whisky as well, known as Strathmore, but its pot still were removed after just one year to focus on its grain production. Sadly the distillery was short-lived, shut down by Christie in 1980 in anticipation of the era of oversupply, also referred to as the \"whisky loch.\" The site was sold to DCL in 1982 and is nowadays used as a bond and warehousing operation by Diageo. Primarily tasked with provision for blends, there are very few releases of North of Scotland grain. An official 50 year old was bottled in 2017 in partnership with Elixir Distillers, but the majority of independent bottlings are from independent labels like this.

This North of Scotland whisky was distilled in 1963. It was bottled at cask strength in 1998 as part of the Scott's Selection range.

The Scott's Selection range was launched in the 1990s and was originally bottled from casks hand-selected by former Speyside distillery Master Distiller, Robert Scott. They are always filled un-chillfiltered and at a natural cask strength.

Whyte and Mackay 21 Year Old 1980s

A well matured blend produced by Whyte and Mackay.

James Whyte and Charles Mackay started their company in 1882, quickly launching their Whyte & Mackay special blend. Their sales were predominantly in the export market until after the second world war, when they renewed their focus domestically. The firm merged with the Mackenzie Brothers in 1960, giving them their first distillery, Dalmore. They soon added Tamnavulin, Fettercairn and the Invergordon grain distillery to their portfolio, all of which have been key contributors to their blends over the years. Whyte & Mackay have always been forward thinking in their approach, using sherry finishing for their proprietary blend, and introducing the first 40 fl oz bottle for the on-trade in 1963 (now an industry standard). Today the brand is synonymous with its master blender, Richard Paterson, and remains one of the most popular Scotch brands in the world.

This bottle comes with a certificate signed by Richard Paterson and is dated June 1984.

No size or ABV is stated on the bottle.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon​ #4467 1.75 Litres

This is a single cask bottling of the Willett Pot Still Reserve brand from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, drawn from single barrel #4467.

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

One of 115 bottles.

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

Wild Turkey 2009 EBRA Selection 7 Year Old Single Cask

A single barrel Wild Turkey, distilled in 2009 and bottled by the European Bourbon & Rye Association in 2016.

This 7 year old has been \"one year Double Oaked\" suggesting some sort of finishing period.

One of 136 bottles from barrel #5.2.

William Larue Weller 2018 Release

William Larue Weller was born into a distilling family in Kentucky in 1825, and launched his W.L. Weller brand in 1849. Originally a rectification business (creating 'whiskey' using neutral spirit, colouring and flavourings), this all changed with the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 and the death of Weller two years later. The company was left in the hands of the fiercely passionate Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I who, having steered it safely through the wreckage of National Prohibition, established Old Weller alongside the newly acquired Old Fitzgerald labels and the flagship brands for the new Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1933. It was produced there for over 60 years, eventually being sold to the Sazerac Company in 1999, who distil it at Buffalo Trace using Pappy's recipe to this day.

This line was introduced in 2000 as the W.L. Weller 19 year old, however it was removed again in 2003 due to the Sazerac partnership with Old Rip Van Winkle, which required primary access to the distillery ageing wheated bourbon. It returned as the younger William Larue Weller in 2005, and has been bottled annually since, as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, a selection of whiskies collated and in some cases created to pay homage to the history of the company and its brands.

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) 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.

This 2018 release was drawn from 149 barrels, filled in Winter 2006 and matured for 12 years.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Wild Turkey Master's Keep 1894 Batch #1

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

A special bottling of well-aged Wild Turkey, matured in Rickhouse A, the oldest at Wild Turkey.

William Larue Weller 2023 Release

William Larue Weller was born into a distilling family in Kentucky in 1825, and launched his W.L. Weller brand in 1849. Originally a rectification business (creating 'whiskey' using neutral spirit, colouring and flavourings), this all changed with the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 and the death of Weller two years later. The company was left in the hands of the fiercely passionate Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I who, having steered it safely through the wreckage of National Prohibition, established Old Weller alongside the newly acquired Old Fitzgerald labels and the flagship brands for the new Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1933. It was produced there for over 60 years, eventually being sold to the Sazerac Company in 1999, who distil it at Buffalo Trace using Pappy's recipe to this day.

This line was introduced in 2000 as the W.L. Weller 19 year old, however it was removed again in 2003 due to the Sazerac partnership with Old Rip Van Winkle, which required primary access to the distillery ageing wheated bourbon. It returned as the younger William Larue Weller in 2005, and has been bottled annually since, as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, a selection of whiskies collated and in some cases created to pay homage to the history of the company and its brands.

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) 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.

The 2023 release was distilled in the Spring of 2011 and matured for 12 years.

Neta Spirits 2019 Cuixe Verde Agave Spirit

Produced by Neta Spirits, this spirit, prodcued in the same process as Tequila from Mexico, is made from Cuixe Verde (Agave Karwinskii) in the village of Sierra Sur, Oacaca, Mexico.

This was distilled in April 2019 and resulted in 138 bottles. 

Wild Turkey 17 Year Old Master's Keep Bottled in Bond Batch #1

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

The Master's Keep series was originally debuted in 2017, and featured the original Aged 17 Years, Decades, The 1824 and Revival.

This Bottled in Bond version of the 17-year-old was released in June 2020.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Writer's Tears Cask Strength 2021

Walsh Whiskey was established in 1999 as Hot Irishman Ltd by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, to blend and bottle their recipe for Irish Coffee. In 2006 they signed an agreement with an undisclosed distillery, granting them a long-term supply of whiskey in order to launch their own brands. The Irishman was the first, in 2007, followed by Writer's Tears in 2009. The success of these drew investment from ILLVA Saronno in Italy, who partnered with the company to open the Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Construction began in 2014, and laid down its first casks in March 2016, becoming the first distillery in County Carlow for over 200 years. Relations between the Irish and Italian companies quickly deteriorated however, and in January 2019 it was announced that they were to demerge. The brands remained the property of the newly named Walsh Whiskey, while the distillery, renamed Royal Oak, remained with ILLVA Saronno.

Writer's Tears is an unusual blend containing single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, with no grain whiskey. This is the 2021 release of the brand's cask strength expression, first released in 2011.

One of 4,500 bottles.

Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Cherry Wood Smoked Barley No.12 70cl

The Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, has a rich history; it was built by Elijah Pepper as the Old Oscar Pepper distillery in the early 1800s, and lists James Crow of Old Crow fame among its former Master Distillers, and Colonel E H Taylor also managed it for a time. The distillery was closed during Prohibition and the stocks sold as medicinal spirit by Frankfort Distillery, but was revived in 1935 by R A Baker under the Labrot & Graham name. It was then acquired by Brown-Forman in 1941 who operated it for the next twenty years, eventually shutting it down and selling off the estate to a local farmer. The company bought the land back in 1993 however, and set about bringing the old distillery back to life. Distilling recommenced in 1994, and unusually for Kentucky, all takes place on small copper pot stills from Forsyths in Scotland. The Woodford Reserve brand was then launched in 1996. Initial batches contained bourbon distilled at Brown-Forman's plant in Shively, moved to Versailles for ageing. The first bourbon distilled in Versailles was incorporated into the blend in 2006, and the modern product remains a combination of column still whiskey from Shively and pot still whiskey from the Woodford Reserve stills.

This is part of their Master's Collection, which boasts whiskey purely from the copper pot stills of the Versailles site.

Weller Special Reserve 1 Litre

William Larue Weller was born into a distilling family in Kentucky in 1825, and launched his W.L. Weller brand in 1849. Originally a rectification business (creating 'whiskey' using neutral spirit, colouring and flavourings), this all changed with the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 and the death of Weller two years later. The company was left in the hands of the fiercely passionate Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I who, having steered it safely through the wreckage of National Prohibition, established Old Weller alongside the newly acquired Old Fitzgerald labels and the flagship brands for the new Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1933. It was produced there for over 60 years, eventually being sold to the Sazerac Company in 1999, who distil it at Buffalo Trace using Pappy's recipe to this day.

This Buffalo Trace release follows the 2016 rebrand of the range, which saw the \"W.L.\" prefix dropped from the packaging. In her book But Always Fine Bourbon, Sally Van Winkle Campbell claims that Sazerac did not have the exact Weller recipe until their partnership with her brother, Julian Van Winkle III was agreed in 2002. Undoubtedly a nod of approval from the family for the modern day product. As of 2019, Weller products have been bottled with either screw caps or a gold foil capsule with cork stopper, depending on the market in which it was originally intended.

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) 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.

Willett Family Estate 7 Year Old Single Barrel Rye #2611 70cl

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

This rye whiskey was distilled at Willett distillery and matured in single white oak barrel #2611 for 7 years.

One of 207 bottles. 

William Larue Weller 2018 Release

William Larue Weller was born into a distilling family in Kentucky in 1825, and launched his W.L. Weller brand in 1849. Originally a rectification business (creating 'whiskey' using neutral spirit, colouring and flavourings), this all changed with the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 and the death of Weller two years later. The company was left in the hands of the fiercely passionate Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle I who, having steered it safely through the wreckage of National Prohibition, established Old Weller alongside the newly acquired Old Fitzgerald labels and the flagship brands for the new Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1933. It was produced there for over 60 years, eventually being sold to the Sazerac Company in 1999, who distil it at Buffalo Trace using Pappy's recipe to this day.

This line was introduced in 2000 as the W.L. Weller 19 year old, however it was removed again in 2003 due to the Sazerac partnership with Old Rip Van Winkle, which required primary access to the distillery ageing wheated bourbon. It returned as the younger William Larue Weller in 2005, and has been bottled annually since, as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, a selection of whiskies collated and in some cases created to pay homage to the history of the company and its brands.

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) 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.

This 2018 release was drawn from 149 barrels, filled in Winter 2006 and matured for 12 years.

Weller Special Reserve​

The Weller brand was historically produced by the Van Winkle family at Stitzel-Weller distillery. When Julian Van Winkle II was forced to sell the distillery in 1972, it eventually passed into the hands of DCL in 1984, who's subsequent iteration, United Distillers initially invested heavily in bourbon. So much so in fact that production capacity at Stitzel-Weller actually quadrupled in its final years, but the opening of the newly refurbished Bernheim in 1992 saw the smaller of the two Louisville distilleries closed down. When United Distillers became Diageo in 1997, the new parent company had less interest in bourbon, and sold the Weller brand and a significant stock of Stitzel-Weller bourbon to the Sazerac company, who now produce it to this day at their Buffalo Trace distillery.

This is from after the 2016 rebrand of the range, which saw the \"W.L.\" prefix dropped from the packaging. In her book But Always Fine Bourbon, Sally Van Winkle Campbell claims that Sazerac did not have the exact Weller recipe until their partnership with her brother, Julian Van Winkle III was agreed in 2002. Undoubtedly a nod of approval from the family for the modern day product.

North Star Chaos Batch #3

A limited edition Single Malt Scotch whisky distilled on Islay and bottled by North Star Spirits in Glasgow.

This whisky has been matured in both Port octaves and American oak casks.

North Star Spirits was founder in Glasgow in 2016 by Iain Croucher. They have since developed a strong reputation for bottling fantastic single cask and small batch whiskies, as well as the much-lauded Vega and Spica blends.

One of 1,400 bottles

North Star Chaos Batch #3

A limited edition Single Malt Scotch whisky distilled on Islay and bottled by North Star Spirits in Glasgow.

This whisky has been matured in both Port octaves and American oak casks.

North Star Spirits was founder in Glasgow in 2016 by Iain Croucher. They have since developed a strong reputation for bottling fantastic single cask and small batch whiskies, as well as the much-lauded Vega and Spica blends.

One of 1,400 bottles

White Heather 5 Year Old de Luxe Scotch Whisky 1.125 Litre 1980s

Once a well known brand in France and elsewhere in Europe, White Heather Distillers Ltd was originally a subsidiary of S. Campbell & Son Limited. The blend was on the market from the early 1950s until the middle of the 1980s. White Heather was recently revived by Billy Walker and GlenAllachie in 2021.

This is an older bottling of blended Scotch from White Heather Distillers from around the 1980s.

NOTE: This lot will include a two bottle shipping fee

White Peak 2018 3 Year Old / Temperance Club 3

The White Peak distillery became the first full-scale distillery in England's Peak District when it was established by local couple Max & Claire Vaughan in 2016. 

This lightyl peated 3 year old whisky was matured in STR Ex-Red Wine and First Fill Ex-Bourbon casks before being botted on the 8th of August 2021.

A distillery bottling for Temperance Club Members.

Wire Works First Release

White Peak distillery was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team, Max & Claire Vaughan. When the facility was completed inside the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works, it became the first whisky producer in the county of Derbyshire. In the 19th century, the Wire Works was known for producing some of the highest quality cabling in the world. The factory’s galvanised products would be used in the first cross-Channel communication line, suspension bridges and buildings all over the world.  Max & Claire describe their operation as “very manual,” and involves a mixture of peated and unpeated spirit. A four-day fermentation period is their standard and distillation takes place in small custom-built, copper pot stills. Early examples of the distillery’s spirit were made available from 2020, including an independent release from That Boutique-y Whisky Company, and the distillery debuted its inaugural single malt in 2022.

This lightly peated whisky was distilled in 2018 and aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon and STR (shaved, toasted and recharred) casks. It was bottled at a generously high ABV before finally being released on 3rd February 2022.

In recognition to the facilities manufacturing past, the glass bottle is presented in the form of a wound galvanised cable.

One of 5,016 bottles.

Wire Works First Release

White Peak distillery was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team, Max & Claire Vaughan. When the facility was completed inside the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works, it became the first whisky producer in the county of Derbyshire. In the 19th century, the Wire Works was known for producing some of the highest quality cabling in the world. The factory’s galvanised products would be used in the first cross-Channel communication line, suspension bridges and buildings all over the world.  Max & Claire describe their operation as “very manual,” and involves a mixture of peated and unpeated spirit. A four-day fermentation period is their standard and distillation takes place in small custom-built, copper pot stills. Early examples of the distillery’s spirit were made available from 2020, including an independent release from That Boutique-y Whisky Company, and the distillery debuted its inaugural single malt in 2022.

This lightly peated whisky was distilled in 2018 and aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon and STR (shaved, toasted and recharred) casks. It was bottled at a generously high ABV before finally being released on 3rd February 2022.

In recognition to the facilities manufacturing past, the glass bottle is presented in the form of a wound galvanised cable.

One of 5,016 bottles.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon 80 Proof 70cl

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.