November 2018 Auction

Orkney Single Malt 1977 Samaroli / Fragments of Scotland

Distilled in 1977, this is a single malt from an undisclosed Orkney distillery, so either Highland Park or Scapa. Bottled by Samaroli in 1988 as part of the the Fragments of Scotland series.

Samaroli is perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (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.

The Fragments of Scotland series was bottled in 1988, and each of them feature artworks depicting different elements of Scotland, all painted by Samaroli's friend, Agostino Perrnini.

Bottle number 186 of only 648 bottles.

Old Mock 1916 A Ph Stitzel 18 Year Old Pint / Prohibition Era Bottling

A fantastic old Prohibition era bottling of Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. Although the Volstead Act of 1919 had banned the production and sale of alcohol throughout the US, a certain number of distilling companies were permitted to continue bottling existing stock, mostly for medicinal use, but also for weekly baking rations.

One such company was A. Ph. Stitzel Inc, who procured this particular barrel from the Davies County Distillery (registered distillery 2 in the 2nd district of KY). This distillery was one of the majority that were forced to close after prohibition was enacted. Records show that most of their stock was purchased by the American Medicinal Spirits Company, but some reached smaller companies like A. Ph. Stitzel as well, who bottled this using their Old Mock  brand.

A. Ph. Stitzel survived Prohibition, and was one of the few to emerge with a functioning distillery, refinancing themselves after the difficult 13 dry years by contract distilling for other companies as well, including the juggernaut Schenley corporation. They would of course would go on to merge with Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle's W.L. Weller company to create the legendary Stitzel-Weller. The \"18 Summers Old \" phrase on this label was a persistent motif on Stitzel-Weller bottlings too, and can also be seen on some modern Van Winkle bottlings.

Bottled in 1933, shortly before repeal, this includes the standard \"medicinal purposes\" only label, guaranteeing a pre-January 1920 distillation date.

Overholt 1909 Rye Whiskey 1 Quart / Pre-Prohibition

More commonly known as 'Old' Overholt, this brand of Rye whiskey is very old, even more so than this particular bottle. Overholt Rye was first produced in the early 1800s, with this bottle appearing over a century later. Bottled just before Prohibition, this 1909 vintage was apparently a reserve of the Mellon family, who stockpiled it for fear of running out in the wake of the Prohibition legislation banning all production and consumption in 1920. The whiskey is believed to be aged around 10-14 years.

As it turns out, Overholt distillery owner, Andrew Mellon was a close friend of Warren G. Harding, then secretary of the Treasury, a connection that provided him with a license to continue selling \"medicinal\" whiskey during Prohibition. The original West Overton distillery however closed down, and with stocks running out, the brand was sold to National Distillers in 1932. National Distillers were consolidating interests in as much of the industry as possible with the repeal of Prohibition expected the following year, most notable was their acquisition of the Wathen family's American Medicinal Spirits Co.

Old Overholt still exists today, produced alongside Old-Grandad by Jim Beam, who acquired both of 'The Olds' from National Distillers in 1987.

This is a fascinating artefact from a long and storied whiskey history, and tastes fantastic too. Serge Valentin of Whiskyfun.com rated this 93 points.

Old Overholt 1914 Bottled in Bond 14 Year Old Pint / Prohibition Era Bottling

The Old Overholt brand is a legend in the world of American whisky, established all the way back 1810. This bottle was distilled over 100 year later (and over 100 years ago!) in 1914 at West Overton distillery in Pennsylvania. The Rye whisky was then bonded at the distillery, where it was stored and, thankfully, protected from the Prohibition Act of 1920 which banned all production and consumption of the alcohol in the US for the next 13 years.

As it turns out, Overholt distillery owner, Andrew Mellon was a close friend of Warren G. Harding, then secretary of the Treasury, a connection that provided him with a license to continue selling \"medicinal\" whiskey during Prohibition. This whiskey was bottled in bond at the distillery warehouses in 1929.

Prohibition did however cause the original West Overton distillery to cease production, and with stocks running out, the brand was sold to National Distillers in 1932. National Distillers was the resurrection of the infamous pre-Prohibition Whiskey Trust, who resumed their aims of consolidating as many interests in the industry as possible, starting with the American Medicinal Spirits Co, with the repeal of Prohibition expected the following year.

Old Overholt still exists today, produced alongside Old Grand-dad by Jim Beam, who acquired both of 'The Olds' from National Distillers in 1987.

Old Kentucky 1913 Bottled in Bond Straight Whiskey Quart / Pre-Prohibition

A fine example of pre-Prohibition American whisky, distilled in 1913 and bottled in 1917, just three years before the production, sale and consumption of alcohol in the US was to be banned for the next 13 years.

Old Kentucky was a brand produced at the distillery of the same name. The site was built in the later 19th century, and was historically known as the Mayflower distillery before it was purchased by German immigrant, Dietrich Meschendorf in 1892, who changed the name to Old Kentucky. Meschendorf is an important figure in the history of American distilling, managing the historic Old Times plant in Louisville for 7 years prior to his ownership of Old Kentucky, and serving as an advisor to two Presidents, Roosevelt and Taft during the early 20th century discussions about the legal terminology of what constituted \"whiskey.\" He argued successfully for his blended products to retain their status as whiskey, against fierce opposition from the likes of Colonel E.H. Taylor who believed only straight whiskies deserved the title.

Taylor had campaigned successfully for the Bottled in Bond Act in 1897, and this is a product of that legislation. A straight whiskey with both the year of bottling and distillation stated, as well as the site of both. It is also the legally required 100 US proof.

The Old Kentucky distillery was eventually shut down by Prohibition in 1920, with its stocks removed and warehouses razed. The distillery building itself was retained, although badly damaged in a fire in 1925. It then served as a riding school for many years before it was finally demolished in 1960.

Old W L Weller 7 Year Old Special Reserve Quart 1971 / Stitzel-Weller

An older 'Special Reserve' release of the original wheated bourbon.

This was likely distilled in the early 1960s when Stitzel-Weller was still under the management of the legendary Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle. It was bottled in 1971 by his son, Julian II, just a year before he was forced to sell the distillery to Somerset Imports, and the Van Winkle family departing the business.

Old Elgin 1939 Gordon and MacPhail

Named after Speyside's largest town, which is home to Gordon and MacPhail who produced this blended malt. 

Oban 16 Year Old Manager's Dram Bicentenary 1994

The Manager’s Dram series of whiskies were bottled exclusively for employees of what is now known as Diageo.  These whiskies were selected by the respective distillery managers within Diageo malt distilling and bottled at natural cask strength.

Bottled to celebrate Oban’s 200th anniversary 1794–1994  this 16 year old was released exclusively from sherry casks by distillery manager John William and his employees listed on the rear of the bottle.

Bottled July 1994.

Oban 19 Year Old Manager’s Dram 1995

The Manager’s Dram series of whiskies were bottled exclusively for employees of what is now known as Diageo. These whiskies were selected by the respective distillery managers within Diageo malt distilling and bottled at natural cask strength.

Released in 1995 from a refill cask, this Oban was bottled for United Distillers (Diageo) and chosen by John Williams.

Octomore Orpheus 2.2 

Similar to the Comus, the Orpheus release was peated to the same degree as its counter-part Octomore 2.1, at 140ppm. The Orpheus was finished using Château Pétrus Bordeaux casks, recognised as one of the world’s top vineyards. Matured for only 5 years, this alongside the Comus have proven to be quite desirable bottlings.

One of 15,000 bottles.

Old Pulteney World's Best Whiskies Pack 2 x 70cl / 21 Year Old & 1989 Vintage

A nicely presented twin pack containing 'the world's best whiskies'. 

Jim Murray named Old Pulteney 21 Year Old as his World Whisky of the Year in 2012, whilst the 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) won the World's Best Single Malt award at the World Whiskies Awards in 2016. 

This is twin pack number 112 of 276. Both bottles are 46% ABV.

This lot has a 2 bottle shipping fee. 

Oban 16 Year Old Manager's Dram Bicentenary 1994

The Manager’s Dram series of whiskies were bottled exclusively for employees of what is now known as Diageo.  These whiskies were selected by the respective distillery managers within Diageo malt distilling and bottled at natural cask strength.

Bottled to celebrate Oban’s 200th anniversary 1794–1994  this 16 year old was released exclusively from sherry casks by distillery manager John William and his employees listed on the rear of the bottle.

Bottled July 1994.

Old Pulteney 35 Year Old

Released last year this 35 year old has been matured in Ex-bourbon American oak and ex-sherry Spanish oak selected by distillery manager Malcolm Waring. 

The ornate wooded box has a porthole and a depiction of a classic herring drifter which has become a symbol of the brand. 

Octomore 1.1 First Edition 75cl / US Import

The first release of the Bruichladdich Octomore, at 131ppm this was at the time the most heavily peated spirit in the world.

Matured for 5 years from October 2002 until April 2008, this is one of only 6,000 bottles released.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old

The 10 year old Handmade Bourbon is one of the original Old Rip Van Winkle brands bottled by Julian Van Winkle III at his facility in Lawrenceburg.

With stocks beginning to run thin in the early 2000s, Van Winkle came to an agreement with the Sazerac company to move bottling and future production to Buffalo Trace, who were already using the old Stitzel-Weller recipes for the Weller brand.

All Van Winkle products have been produced at Buffalo Trace since 2002. This is a 2014 bottling.

Bottling code is B1405508:357

Octomore 1.1 First Edition

The first release of the Bruichladdich Octomore, at 131ppm this was at the time the most heavily peated spirit in the world.

Matured for 5 years from October 2002 until April 2008 only 6,000 bottles released.

Old W L Weller Special Reserve 90 Proof Half Pint 1970s / Stitzel-Weller

An old half pint bottling of the Old W.L. Weller Special Reserve.

At this point the Weller brand was still being produced at the famous Stitzel-Weller distillery. The whiskey was likely distilled in 1965, when the distillery was still being managed by the Van Winkle family, and the same year that legendary 'Pappy' died, leaving the business to his son, Julian II.

This was bottled in 1972, either just before or after the Van Winkle's were forced to sell the distillery and the brand to Somerset Imports.

Weller nowadays is produced by the Sazerac company, and was the driving motivation for Julian III to partner up with their Buffalo Trace distillery to produce new Van Winkle whiskey there too.

Octomore 1695 Discovery / Feis Ile 2014

Perhaps the most desirable of the new Feis Ile releases, this is the first time Bruichladdich has released an Octomore for Feis Ile and it is incredibly limited with only 1,695 bottles being released.

Distilled on the 18th February 2007 and bottled for the 2014 Bruichladdich Open Day at Feis Ile, with a very impressive ABV of 69.5%. 

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old

The 10 year old Handmade Bourbon is one of the original Old Rip Van Winkle brands bottled by Julian Van Winkle III at his facility in Lawrenceburg.

With stocks beginning to run thin in the early 2000s, Van Winkle came to an agreement with the Sazerac company to move bottling and future production to Buffalo Trace, who were already using the old Stitzel-Weller recipes for the Weller brand.

All Van Winkle products have been produced at Buffalo Trace since 2002. This is a 2016 bottling.

Bottling code is obscured by the import sticker.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old

The 10 year old Handmade Bourbon is one of the original Old Rip Van Winkle brands bottled by Julian Van Winkle III at his facility in Lawrenceburg.

With stocks beginning to run thin in the early 2000's, Van Winkle came to an agreement with the Sazerac company to move bottling and future production to Buffalo Trace, who were already using the old Stitzel-Weller recipes for the Weller brand.

All Van Winkle products have been produced at Buffalo Trace since 2002. 

Old Pulteney 1966 Gordon and MacPhail

A particularly old vintage of Old Pulteney from 1966 bottled by Gordon and MacPhail in 2001.

Octomore OBA Concept 0.1 50cl

The first creation by Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich's new distillery manager. It's origins began at last years Feis Ile, in May 2016, where Adam shared a unique spin on the classic 'mind and palate bending levels of peat' Octomore.

Produced from 10 casks: 1 x 2002; 2 x 2008; 4 x 2006; 3 x 2007 Vintages.

6 Cask Types.

Old Hickory 10 Year Old Straight Bourbon 1960s

Produced in Philadelphia by Continental Distillers at their Publicker distillery. Publicker would go on to invest heavily in the Scotch market, founding Inver House distillers.

The Old Hickory brand exists again today, revived by the R.S. Lipman company. With the Pulicker distillery long gone, the brand is produced using sourced whiskey from MGP in Indiana. This bottle is a great example of the original product.

Octomore 10 Year Old First Release

Peated to 80.5ppm the coming of age 10 year old Octomore was limited to only 6,000 bottles.

Old Fitzgerald 2006 Bottled in Bond 11 Year Old

Currently distilled at Heaven Hill, this brand was once under the ownership of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, who bought it for the princely sum of $10,000 from Old Judge distillery at the close of prohibition in 1933.

Heaven Hill procured the brand from United Distillers in 1999, who had been producing it until then using the remaining Stitzel-Weller stock.

This was distilled at Heaven Hill's Bernheim site in 2006, and bottled in Spring 2018.

Octomore OBA Concept 0.1 50cl

The first creation by Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich's new distillery manager. It's origins began at last years Feis Ile, in May 2016, where Adam shared a unique spin on the classic 'mind and palate bending levels of peat' Octomore.

Produced from 10 casks: 1 x 2002; 2 x 2008; 4 x 2006; 3 x 2007 Vintages.

6 Cask Types.

Old Fitzgerald '1849' 10 Year Old Pint 1970s / Stitzel-Weller

This is an early 1970s bottling of the 10 year old '1849' expression of the Old Fitzgerald brand. This was produced at the Old Fitzgerald Distillery, previously known as Stitzel-Weller, by Somerset Imports who had acquired the distillery and its brands in 1972. Bottled early in the decade, this bottle will contain Stitzel-Weller bourbon from the much-lauded Van Winkle era.

The expression is named 1849 after the year in which the W.L. Weller company was formed.

The distillery eventually closed in 1992, and was purchased by United Distillers (Diageo) in 1994, who reverted its name back to Stitzel-Weller. They sold the Old Fitzgerald brand sold to Heaven Hill in 1999, who still produce the 1849 as a premium product today.

Old Fitzgerald 12 Year Old Very Special

Currently distilled at Heaven Hill, this brand was once under the ownership of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, who bought it for the princely sum of $10,000 from Old Judge distillery at the close of prohibition in 1933.

Heaven Hill procured the brand from United Distillers in 1999, who had been producing it until then using the remaining Stitzel-Weller stock.

This is an early version of the Heaven Hill product, produced at their Bernheim distillery in Louisville, KY.

Old Fitzgerald 2006 Bottled in Bond 11 Year Old

Currently distilled at Heaven Hill, this brand was once under the ownership of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, who bought it for the princely sum of $10,000 from Old Judge distillery at the close of prohibition in 1933.

Heaven Hill procured the brand from United Distillers in 1999, who had been producing it until then using the remaining Stitzel-Weller stock.

This was distilled at Heaven Hill's Bernheim site in 2006, and bottled in Spring 2018.

Old Fitzgerald 2006 Bottled in Bond 11 Year Old

Currently distilled at Heaven Hill, this brand was once under the ownership of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, who bought it for the princely sum of $10,000 from Old Judge distillery at the close of prohibition in 1933.

Heaven Hill procured the brand from United Distillers in 1999 along with the Bernheim distillery, who had been producing it until then using the remaining Stitzel-Weller stock.

This was distilled at Heaven Hill's Bernheim site in 2006, and bottled in Spring 2018.

Old Fitzgerald 2006 Bottled in Bond 11 Year Old

Currently distilled at Heaven Hill, this brand was once under the ownership of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle, who bought it for the princely sum of $10,000 from Old Judge distillery at the close of prohibition in 1933.

Heaven Hill procured the brand from United Distillers in 1999 along with the Bernheim distillery, who had been producing it until then using the remaining Stitzel-Weller stock.

This was distilled at Heaven Hill's Bernheim site in 2006, and bottled in Spring 2018.

Old Grand-Dad Bicentennial Decanter 1976

Featuring the image of Basil Hayden, Old Grand-dad is a classic of the bourbon world.  This is a very rare decanter produced in 1976 to commemorate the Bicentennial of the founding of America in 1776.

Distilled and bottled by National Distillers at the now silent Old Grand-dad distillery.

The 1970s and 1980s represented a period in the US known as the \"Glut Era,\" when warehouses were over-stocked with whiskey, and many barrels of better-aged than usual bourbon was often dumped into these standard expressions. They are well worth trying.