March 2019 Auction

Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter

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

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

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

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

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

One of only 600.

Macallan 52 Year Old 2018 Release

2018 was a celebratory year for Macallan, with the opening of their new distillery in June that year. Befitting the occasion, the distillery released a number of impressively aged single malts, beginning with their second bottling of a 50 year old, followed by this even rarer release, the 52 year old.

A perfect time capsule, this was distilled in the year that the old Macallan increased its production capacity with the introduction of six new stills, and bottled when the distillery was once again undergoing a huge forward-looking expansion.

The wood and spirit have worked together in perfect harmony for over half a century, with maturation taking place in a first-fill European oak sherry seasoned cask, sourced from Jerez De La Frontera. 

Released in 2018, this is bottle number 179 of just 250. 

Bowmore 1966 Samaroli Bouquet

Islay's Bowmore distillery and renowned Italian bottler, the late Silvano Samaroli, are both legends in the world of the whisky. The 1966 Bouquet is the glittering supernova that is created when these two key elements of whisky history collide, at just the perfect moment in time. Regarded by many as the one of, if not the best whisky ever bottled, it is not often one of these absolute gems is brought to market.

The Bouquet is rated in first place on WhiskyBase.com's Top 1000 whiskies of all time, occasionally trading places only with another Samaroli epic, the Laphroaig 1967, also bottled for him by R.W. Duthie. Emmanuel Dron, whisky author and owner of the famous Auld Alliance bar in Singapore recently opened a bottle of the Bouquet for customers in that very venue, with enthusiasts and connoisseurs flocking from all over Asia to sample a drop of this liquid gold. And if you still need convincing, the seasoned palate of Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun.com awarded this Bowmore a staggering rating of 97 points. He writes:

\"Wow! Not an easy, sexy old Bowmore at all, almost a ‘bugger’ and you have to sort of tame it, but when you manage to do so, it’s just splendid. One of the very few total winners I’ve been lucky to be allowed to taste.\"

The coming together of this cask of Bowmore and Silvano Samaroli is one of those rare, chance meetings that go on to write the greatest stories. The aptly named Bouquet represents almost the resplendent blossoming of the long-growing Italian love affair with single malt Scotch whisky. Distilled in 1966, a golden era in production at Bowmore distillery, and the time when Armando Giovinetti was hard at work pushing single malt whisky in his native Italy. Samaroli founded his bottling company in Rome just two years later, in 1968. Giovinetti believed lighter, younger whisky, the Glen Grant 5 year old specifically, was best positioned to capture the hearts and taste buds of the Grappa favouring Italian public. The forward-thinking Samaroli had other ideas though. A kindred spirit with his contemporaries at W.M. Cadenhead, he believed wholeheartedly in the bottling of cask strength whisky, and Silvano's first releases were a collaborative effort with Scotland's oldest independent bottler. These were released in 1979, and were closely followed by the acclaimed Flowers series in 1981, a direct precursor to this, the Bouquet. The Flowers series, bottled with ornate illustrative labels (hand-drawn by Samaroli himself), were a sensation and finally provided Samaroli with the platform and audience he knew his whisky deserved, and in 1984, he rewarded their faith in his product with a whisky he felt they deserved, and it is possibly the greatest ever bottled.

Bottle number 91 of 720.

Macallan 48 Year Old The Savoy 125th Anniversary

Many decades ago, The Savoy created a range of spirits bottled exclusively for the hotel to be enjoyed by the most loyal guest and discerning imbibers of the time. These spirits were savoured in The Savoy's world famous bar and were often shipped abroad or bought home as the most special memento of their stay.

In collaboration with Speciality Drinks in 2013 The Savoy revived this tradition with the launch of a prestigious collection of unique spirits, which includes a 21 year old Macallan, 17 year old Laphroaig and a 1975 vintage Demerara rum.

This 2014 release is by far the most spectacular; a 48 year old Macallan, discovered in a sherry butt by Speciality Drinks, and specially bottled for the 125th anniversary of the hotel. Only 15 bottles of this were produced, with only 3 made available each year. It is exceptionally rare.

Each decanter is hand-blown by Brodie Nairn of Glasstorm Studio in Tain, with a hand engraved collar produced from a single sheet of silver by Royal Warrant holding silversmiths, Hamilton & Inches. The presentation cabinet was produced by Neil Stevenson, furniture maker to the Royal Family since 1992. Each craftmaker involved is one of the most celebrated in their field.

The presentation also includes a small section of the original American Bar at the Savoy bar top, removed in 2014 and one that many of history's greats have lain their drinks on.

Bowmore 1965 Oloroso Sherry Cask 52 Year Old / Bottle #2

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 number 2 of only 232 released globally.

Bowmore 1964 Black Bowmore 42 Year Old

Arguably the most famous of all Bowmore's, one of the most collectible and most memorable whiskies on the market.  The Black Bowmore is an icon of whisky collecting, whisky drinking and whisky investing!

This is the first of the more recent releases from this famous Bowmore vintage, officially released in 2007 at 42 years of age in an impressive wooden presentation case.

The Black Bowmore was followed by the slightly older, Gold and White Bowmore.

Bottle number 184 of only 827 produced.

Macallan 1967 18 Year Old 6 x 75cl / Giovinetti Import - Case

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 1967, this was was bottled around 1985. These early releases were packaged in the instantly recognisable purple-sashed white boxes, featuring the Sara Midda watercolours of Easter Elchies house, synonymous with Macallan of the period.

Imported to the Italian market by Giovinetti & Figli.

With original card box. 

This lot has a shipping fee for 6 bottles. 

Macallan 1951

Technically not part of the series, however this is certainly a fine and rare Macallan!

Distilled in 1951 and bottled from two sherry casks, #1541 and #1542

One of only 632 bottles.

Bowmore 1964 White Bowmore 43 Year Old

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

Bottled at 42.8%

Bottle number 235 of 732 bottles.

Bowmore 1964 Gold Bowmore 44 Year Old

Bottled in 2009, the third and final in this famous series, the Gold Bowmore was matured in a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks, to provide a comparison to the more famous Oloroso casks.

Bottled at 42.4%.

Bottle number 644 of 701 bottles.

Bowmore 1964 Gold Bowmore 44 Year Old

Bottled in 2009, the third and final in this famous series, the Gold Bowmore was matured in a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks, to provide a comparison to the more famous Oloroso casks.

Bottled at 42.4%.

Bottle number 631 of 701 bottles.

Bowmore 1957 38 Year Old

Distilled back in January 1957, this was matured in Bowmore's Number One Vault. The whisky was matured for 38 years and then bottled due to the risk of the liquid falling bellow 40% ABV.

This is bottle number 522 of 861.

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherriff's 1960s

An incredibly rare Bowmore, presented in a wonderful pear shaped glass bottle. Likely released in the 1960s, with a similar capsule to that found on the 7 year old Sherriff's bottling.

The liquid inside has been bottled at 18 years of age, making it likely to have been distilled in the late 1940s when the distillery was owned by J.B. Sherriff & Co.

Bowmore 1964 Black Bowmore / Final Edition / Leaking

An icon of the whisky world, it's hard to fathom where whisky collecting would be today without the Black Bowmore. 

Distilled in 1964 and matured within Oloroso sherry casks before bottling in 1995. This is the last of three Black Bowmore released in the mid-nineties. 

This is bottle number 997 of 1812.

Macallan 1991 Fine and Rare 25 Year Old

Another fantastic example of old Macallan. The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1991 and bottled 25 years later in 2016 from cask #7021

Unique Reference: 2smxds

Signed and dated on 24th May 2017 by M. Bennet.

Bowmore 1963 30th Anniversary

An incredibly special 30 year old bottling of single malt from Islay's oldest distillery, Bowmore.

This was distilled in 1963, the same year the distillery was purchased by Stanley P. Morrison, and was bottled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this event, at as many years old.

This is bottle 518 from the limited edition run.

Mortlach 27 Year Old Samaroli / Handwritten Labels

A rare 27 year old expression from \"The Beast of Dufftown,\" Mortlach. Bottled in 1985 by R. W. Duthie for Samaroli.

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

This is part of the Handwritten Labels series. While Samaroli was famed for his keen eye for aesthetic in designing his own labels, this series simply features his own elegant calligraphy reproduced on them.

Bottle number 61 of 120 produced exclusively for Gabri.

Macallan 1950 Handwritten Label / German Import

A stunning and incredibly rare presentation of Macallan, distilled in 1950. 

This is part off a series of vintage releases all with handwritten labels, that includes a 1940, 1950, 1957 and a rare 1973 produced exclusively for the 10th anniversary of the Opimian Society in Canada.

Bottled in 1980, this was specially imported for the German market.

Macallan M Black 2017 Release

This is the follow-up to the iconic Macallan M, which for a time held the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold when the six litre 'Imperiale' variant sold at auction in January 2014. 

Macallan M Black has a subtle smoky edge to it, and was created to celebrate the distillery's rich heritage and as a knowing nod to Macallan's peaty past. 

The whisky itself was matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, and the complexity and craftsmanship of the liquid is mirrored by the stunning Lalique black crystal decanter in which it is stored. 

This is one of 725 bottles.

Macallan M Black 2017 Release

This is the follow-up to the iconic Macallan M, which for a time held the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold when the six litre 'Imperiale' variant sold at auction in January 2014. 

Macallan M Black has a subtle smoky edge to it, and was created to celebrate the distillery's rich heritage and as a knowing nod to Macallan's peaty past. 

The whisky itself was matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, and the complexity and craftsmanship of the liquid is mirrored by the stunning Lalique black crystal decanter in which it is stored. 

One of 725 bottles. 

Macallan 1957 Rinaldi Anniversary Malt 25 Year Old / Handwritten Label

A stunning and incredibly rare presentation of Macallan, distilled in 1957. 

This is part of a series of vintage releases all with handwritten labels, that includes a 1938, 1940, 1950 and a rare 1973 produced exclusively for the 10th anniversary of the Opimian Society in Canada.

Bottled in 1982, this was specially bottled for the 25th anniversary of Fratelli Rinaldi.

Macallan M Black 2017 Release

This is the follow-up to the iconic Macallan M, which for a time held the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold when the six litre 'Imperiale' variant sold at auction in January 2014. 

Macallan M Black has a subtle smoky edge to it, and was created to celebrate the distillery's rich heritage and as a knowing nod to Macallan's peaty past. 

The whisky itself was matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, and the complexity and craftsmanship of the liquid is mirrored by the stunning Lalique black crystal decanter in which it is stored. 

Bottle number 394 of 725 bottles.

Macallan 1995/1996 Easter Elchies 2008​

The 2008 Easter Elchies bottling was a marriage of two single sherry hogshead casks #9455 and #4693, distilled in 1996 and 1996, respectively.

Macallan 1937 Gordon and MacPhail 35 Year Old / Edward and Edward

A very rare bottle of Macallan, distilled in 1937 and been bottled after 35 years by Gordon and MacPhail.

Gordon & MacPhail helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, which in turn allowed them to release a lot of these special Macallan bottlings to the Italian market. This was bottled especially for the legendary Italian bar owner, Edoardo Giaccone.

Giaccone was something of a trailblazer, and was importing specially bottled official single malts for his bar from the late 1960s, this is one of his earliest. He opened the famous venue in 1958, and it has been called a few different things over the years, including Garten, Edward & Edward (during the period this was imported), and La Taverna del Comandante.

Edoardo set the stage for later legendary bottlers such as Silvano Samaroli, Nadi Fiori and Ernesto Mainardi. Moon Import founder, Pepi Mongiardino said, \"he was the first person I visited\" when he became the distributor for Bruichladdich in 1981. Giaccone did not have any of his own labels or series, but was the first person in Italy to have official bottlings produced exclusively for him. Through his bar, Italy was treated to exclusive releases from Clynelish, Bowmore, Dalmore, Highland Park and even Jack Daniel's.

Imported for Edward & Edward by Co. Import, Pinerolo.

Mortlach 1951 Gordon and MacPhail 63 Year Old / Private Collection ​

​Distilled in 1951 this single cask Mortlach has been matured for incredible 63 years before being selected in 2014 by David Urquhart, as well as his twin sons.

Only 61 decanters were ever released.

Macallan 1937 Luxury Spirit Company Decanter 50cl / Bottle 1 of 1

A genuine rarity for Macallan enthusiasts, this is a unique bottling from the Luxury Spirit Company of Glasgow, produced by filling antique decanters. 

This is a 1937 vintage and was filled into a c. 1920-30 Continental, Art Deco cut Crystal decanter.

The decanter comes complete with a solid silver collar, glass stopper, and certificate of authenticity and is presented in a gorgeous chequered patterned lacquered wooden box.

Macallan 1957 Rinaldi Anniversary Malt 25 Year Old / Handwritten Label

A stunning and incredibly rare presentation of Macallan, distilled in 1957. 

This is part of a series of vintage releases all with handwritten labels, that includes a 1938, 1940, 1950 and a rare 1973 produced exclusively for the 10th anniversary of the Opimian Society in Canada.

Bottled in 1982, this was specially bottled for the 25th anniversary of Fratelli Rinaldi.

Macallan 30 Year Old Fine Oak Masters of Photography / Rankin Edition

The Masters of Photography series of whiskies by Macallan currently contains four releases. This is the first release presented by John Rankin Waddle or simply Rankin.  Macallan commissioned Rankin to produce a limited edition series of photographs to be matched with Macallan 30 year old.  The photographs were taken over one summer and range from staff members, to scenery, equipment and in some cases, nude portraits of Rankins muse over barrels, wash backs and stills.

Only 1,000 bottles and photographs were chosen for this edition and the presentation box contains one of the original Rankin Polaroid photograph.

Paired with 30 Year Old Macallan Fine Oak which has been matured in a combination of European and American sherry oak, and ex-bourbon casks.

Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak

A very rare and hugely popular edition of Macallan 30 year old with the classic blue label and box.

Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak 75cl / US Import

The sought after blue label release of the hugely popular Macallan 30 Year Old, exclusively matured in sherry oak casks from Jerez. 

Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak 

The sought after blue label release of the hugely popular Macallan 30 Year Old, exclusively matured in sherry oak casks from Jerez. 

Macallan 1958 Anniversary Malt 25 Year Old

A spectacular example of an Anniversary Malt, distilled in 1958 and bottled in 1984 after maturing for 25 years in some of the very best sherry casks available.