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. 

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.

Dalmore 1926 50 Year Old Decanter

A spectacular Dalmore distilled all the way back in 1926 and matured for 50 years before being bottled at cask strength. 

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. 

Clynelish 1966 Sestante 23 Year Old / Cadenhead's White Label 1989

A fantastic bottling of Clynelish, bottled by Cadenhead's in 1989 for Italian importers Sestante. This is known as the White Label series and includes two Ardbeg along with this Clynelish selected exclusively for Nidaba, a bar in Montebelluna, Italy.

A 1966 vintage, this whisky predates the construction of the current Clynelish distillery, meaning this was distilled at the facility nowadays referred to as Brora.

The Sestante import company was founded in the 1970s by Ernesto Mainardi, and he bottled his first single casks under the name in 1985. Alongside his contemporary, Silvano Samaroli, Mainardi pioneered giving his customers a choice of both standard 40-46% bottlings, and cask strength releases from the same casks. Along with his other brand, Silver Seal, Mainardi's bottlings are incredibly sought after.

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.

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.

Dalmore 1967 Sirius 44 Year Old

A single cask from Dalmore and bottled by Sirius Whisky Purvey.

Distilled in 1967 and then filled into cask number #2055 on February 24th. 

The liquid was then bottled 44 years later and comes in at a hefty 64.3%. Only 89 have been produced. 

The bottle is also very elegantly cased in a swing style display stand. 

Clynelish 1973 Single Cask 41 Year Old / Wealth Solutions​

It is extremely uncommon to see private bottlings produced 'officially' by Diageo.

Their 'Hogmanay Cask' was filled 31st December 1973. The advent of a new year in Scotland is an important tradition for entire communities, with the Clynelish Hogmanay Casks reflecting this. They were a collaborative effort from the inhabitants of the areas, rarely poured into barrels within the confines of the distillery walls for this reason, and very few casks bear the honour of being named as such.

This single cask bottling for Wealth Solutions is twice as exceptional, having been aged for a whopping 41 years, making it the oldest official Clynelish going!

One of 144 bottles. 

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.

Clynelish 1965 Cadenhead's 23 Year Old 

Cadenhead's are Scotland's oldest independent bottler, operating for over 175 years, but perhaps none of their bottlings are as sought after as these 'dumpy' style bottles. All of these were produced with brown glass and an iconic black label, with each distillery given its own letterpress font in homage to William Cadenhead's early career in the printing business.

This was distilled in 1965 at the original Clynelish distillery, or Brora as it is better known today. This distillery closed briefly in 1968, and again in 1983 after having reopened in 1969. Single malt from Brora distillery is increasingly sought after.

Bottled in July 1989.

Cask of Distinction Collection 3 x 70cl / Clynelish, Lagavulin, Talisker

These are part of Diageo's Casks of Distinction programme. Casks of Distinction is the private sale of individual casks of rare and exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Diageo’s extensive stocks in Scotland. Hand selected by a team of whisky experts under guidance from Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson, each cask is entirely unique and incredibly rare. Each Cask of Distinction is chosen on the basis of their quality, representing the most exceptional and singular expression of the distillery’s character.

• Talisker 1990 Casks of Distinction 26 Year Old #6559
  A single cask Talisker, distilled in 1990 and exclusively selected by Boyao Zhao.
  Bottled in 2016, this is bottle number 184 of 222. 53.3%.

• Clynelish 1997 Casks of Distinction 21 Year Old #7555
  A single cask Clynelish, distilled in 1997 and exclusively selected by Boyao Zhao. It was bottled on 15th October 2018.
  Bottled in 2018, this is bottle number 384 of 405. 56.7%

• Lagavulin 1992 Casks of Distinction 23 Year Old #5745 
  A single cask Lagavulin, distilled in 1992 and matured in Bodega sherry European oak (cask #5745).
  Bottled in 2016, this is bottle number 312 of 420. 55.7%

This lot has a 3 bottle shipping fee.

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.

Caol Ila 1968 Gordon and MacPhail 50 Year Old / Private Collection

Distilled in 1968 and bottled in 2018 this is the oldest Caol Ila ever bottled! (To date)

Matured in a refill Sherry hogshead for over 50 years and bottled at cask strength.

One of only 199 bottles produced.

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.

Dalmore 1966 40 Year Old

The oldest release within Dalmore's Rare and Prestigious range, this 40 year old is matured in the classic Dalmore combination of American oak and Gonzalez Byass sherry casks.

Distilled on 21st March 1966, this is one of only 1,000 bottles produced.

Clynelish 12 Year Old Ainslie and Heilbron Cask Strength 1971 / Edward and Edward 

A fantastic old bottling from the original Clynelish, nowadays referred to as Brora. Bottled in 1971 by proprietors, Ainslie & Heilbron Distillers on behalf of 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.

This 12 year old was bottle at a cask strength of 56.9%, at his request.

Bottle 109.

Caroni Magnum Collection 3 x 1.5 Litre / Velier 70th Anniversary

A trio of hand-blown magnum's, each containing a single cask rum from the lost Caroni distillery on Trinidad. Bottled for the 70th anniversary of legendary Italian import company, Velier.

• Caroni 1994 Full Proof 23 Year Old Heavy Rum
  One of 109 from cask #R6126. Aged until 2008 in Trinidad before being transferred to Diamond in Guyana. 59.8%
• Caroni 1996 Full Proof 21 Year Old Blended Rum
  One of 105 from cask #R5542. Aged until 2008 in Trinidad before being transferred to Diamond in Guyana. 65.1%
• Caroni 1996 Full Proof 21 Year Old Heavy Rum
  One of 119 from cask #R5620. Aged until 2008 in Trinidad before being transferred to Diamond in Guyana. 64.3%

This lot has a 6 bottle shipping fee.

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. 

Dalmore 40 Year Old

The oldest release within Dalmore's Rare and Prestigious range, this 40 year old is matured in the classic Dalmore combination of American oak and Gonzalez Byass sherry casks.

Distilled on 21st March 1966, this is one of only 1,000 bottles produced.

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.