The Perfect Collection Part One

Macallan 1926 Valerio Adami 60 Year Old

There are exceptional casks from Macallan, and then there is cask #263. Given the pervasiveness with which that phrase is now used in relation to the distillery's output, it is difficult at first to find the correct superlative for this European oak cask, filled nearly 100 years ago. Perfect?

Macallan distillery had been responsible for its own bottling for six years when the decision was made to remove this incredible 60 year old whisky from their warehouses in 1986, but they were already acutely aware of when reverential treatment was due to a certain product, and the ceremony with which to carry this out. So much so in fact, that cask #263 was deemed too good to be confined to a single presentation. Of the 40 bottles drawn, it was decided that twelve would be labelled by British pop artist, Sir Peter Blake, perhaps best known for providing the iconic cover art for The Beatles's Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart Club LP. A further twelve later had label art created for them by Valerio Adami after he was recommended to Macallan by their Italian agent, Armando Giovinetti. This is one of those.

Adami is an Italian painter, born in Bologna, Italy in 1935 and was also associated with the pop art movement. He moved to Paris to pursue painting in 1955, where he was influenced by the abstract works of Roberto Matta and Wilfredo Lam, exhibiting his first show in 1959. By the 1970s he had developed a graphic style of painting, inspired by the French post-impressionist movement known as Cloisonnism, which featured bold, flat colourful forms with thick black borders. Adami modernised this, with cleaner lines and simpler block colours. This is the style we see presented on this stunning bottle of Macallan whisky. A work of art from the inside to the outside. A collaboration between two masters of their craft, and a rarity unlike any other in the whisky world.

Of the remaining bottles from cask #263, two were sold with no labels at all, one of which was subsequently hand-painted by Irish artist, Michael Dillon. The rest became the foundations for, and most sought after entry to the Macallan Fine & Rare series in 2002 (roughly 14 bottles with all said taken into account).

This is bottle number 12 of the 12 Valerio Adami labels, a genuine masterpiece of the whisky world. With one bottle known to have been opened, and another rumoured to have been lost in a Japanese earthquake in 2011, this is rarer than ever as well.

Please Note: This lot is not eligible for Whisky Auctioneer storage. The winning bidder must arrange for collection within 7 days of purchase.

Springbank 1919 50 Year Old

If you had propositioned the rarity of this whisky at the time when it was distilled, you would find have found few who would entertain such a fanciful notion. Although 1919 was approaching the end of the Campbeltown distilling heyday, it was still very much a powerhouse region in its prime. When Alfred Barnard visited Campbeltown in 1885, he counted no fewer than 21 distilleries, all but one of which were in the town itself.

Sadly this was not to last. Campbeltown had once thrived on its perfect cocktail of proximity to coal, a good water source and fertile barley farms, all within an 8 mile radius. Its coastal location on the Kintyre peninsula also served it lavishly, allowing easy import of peat and barley from the Western Isles and Ireland, and an unrivalled proximity to export markets in the US. Sadly, this latter hand was to take back all that it had given. So strong was the Campbeltown distilling industry that it was able to survive the enforced closures of the first world war, but it was no match for Prohibition, a two-headed snake that eliminated both a key market, but perhaps crucially, a supply of used bourbon casks.

The Volstead Act of 1920, which banned the production, sale and consumption of alcohol in the US, partnered with the closure of the Drumlemble coal mine and a loss of favour among blenders for the traditional Campbeltown whisky character, created a perfect storm which saw off 17 of the region’s distilleries in the 1920s.

Springbank, thankfully, was one of the two eventual survivors. While the distillery today reserves all of its production for single malt, this was not always the case, and it is close to miraculous that a vintage like this was still warehoused by the time it was bottled in 1970. This whisky survived not only a long period where the single malt category was an unfashionable corner of whisky, but an era when its entire industry seemed to be collapsing around it, seeing more whisky dumped into Campbeltown Loch than actually bottled. With a 10 year old age-statement this would have been impressive, at 50 years old this is unprecedented. At an elusive 24 bottles, this is a crown jewel for any whisky collector.

Bottle 12 of 24.

Please Note: This lot is not eligible for Whisky Auctioneer storage. The winning bidder must arrange for collection within 7 days of purchase.

Macallan 1928 Anniversary Malt 50 Year Old

While Gordon & MacPhail had been producing well-aged single malts under official license from the distillery for many years, when Macallan took over responsibility for their own bottling in 1980, they immediately looked to introduce a regular premium bottling to their core range. This came in 1983, in the form of the Anniversary Malts, a series of vintage dated 25 year olds that were produced for two decades, and some of the most sought after now on the market. Even more so however, is this 50 year old, released in 1983 alongside the inaugural 25 year age-statement. Only 500 bottles were produced, and of those, incredibly few have ever come to market. 

The Macallan 50 year old was born into a world of uncertainty. Distilled in 1928, the planet was only a decade removed from a war that had changed it forever, and just 10 more years away from another. Many distilleries across Scotland were forced to close their doors during these periods. Macallan, thankfully was never one of them, but was surely casting a nervous eye across the globe for much of the first half of that 50 year old’s life, secreting it away in their warehouses to quietly and peacefully mature as the world fell apart and was rebuilt around it.

The bottling of this release is testament to their optimism however, and it surely took a great deal of it to hold casks in bond for that period of time, most of which saw the single malt category viewed as largely unfashionable. This all changed in the 1960s however, when a blossoming demand for this type of whisky in Italy eventually began to spread across the world. By the 1980s, Macallan distillery was ready to commit to its single malt brand, entering into competition with the likes of Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. What better way to mark you arrival on the scene than with a spectacular release like this?

An iconic bottling, this was repeated for the first time in 2018 when a new 50 year old was released, evoking a similar sense of optimism to its predecessor. Macallan was now looking firmly into the future after opening their new distillery, but still casting a fond and reverential eye back to this for inspiration, one of its crowning achievements.

Macallan 55 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection 75cl / US Import

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

Released in 2007, this is the second decanter in a highly limited, exclusive Macallan collaboration with crystal makers, Lalique. The series is called The Six Pillars collection, and saw 6 decanters released over an eleven year period, each celebrating one of the six facets that Macallan believe set them apart from Scotland's other distilleries. The Macallan Six Pillars are: Exceptional Oak Casks, Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit.

This decanter champions the \"Natural Colour\" pillar, and according to Macallan, is \"Made in varying amber coloured crystal to signify The Macallan's natural colour, the decanter stopper embodies Lalique's mastery of crystal and is one of the most difficult colours for crystal makers to achieve.​​​​\"

Limited to just 420 decanters.

Macallan 50 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection 75cl / US Import

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

Released in 2005, this is the first decanter in a highly limited, exclusive Macallan collaboration with crystal makers, Lalique. The series is called The Six Pillars collection, and saw 6 decanters released over an eleven year period, each celebrating one of the six facets that Macallan believe set them apart from Scotland's other distilleries. The Macallan Six Pillars are: Exceptional Oak Casks, Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit.

This decanter champions the \"Exceptional Oak Casks\" pillar, and the decanters, according to Macallan, \"represent(s) our mastery of wood with a realisation of the art nouveau style that is synonymous with Lalique.\"

Limited to just 470 decanters.

Macallan 57 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection 75cl / US Import

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

Released in 2009, this is the third decanter in a highly limited, exclusive Macallan collaboration with crystal makers, Lalique. The series is called The Six Pillars collection, and saw 6 decanters released over an eleven year period, each celebrating one of the six facets that Macallan believe set them apart from Scotland's other distilleries. The Macallan Six Pillars are: Exceptional Oak Casks, Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit.

This decanter champions the \"Finest Cut\" pillar, and according to Macallan, their dedication to taking only the very best cut of their new make spirit is, \"highlighted by the crystal maker’s perfume stilligoutte. The iconic “satiné” stopper points with a transparent edge to highlight the Finest Cut of The Macallan.\"

Limited to just 400 decanters.

Macallan 60 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection

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

Released in 2011, this is the fourth decanter in a highly limited, exclusive Macallan collaboration with crystal makers, Lalique. The series is called The Six Pillars collection, and saw 6 decanters released over an eleven year period, each celebrating one of the six facets that Macallan believe set them apart from Scotland's other distilleries. The Macallan Six Pillars are: Exceptional Oak Casks, Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit.

This art deco decanter champions the \"Curiously Small Stills\" pillar, and according to Macallan, \"Lalique echoed the round kettle shape of The Macallan's small pot stills, visible at the sides of this decanter. The stopper mimics the shape of the handle complete with copper from a retired still, whilst the cabochon detail mirrors the oval-shaped rivets around the stills’ windows.\"

Limited to just 400 decanters.

Macallan 62 Year Old Lalique Six Pillars Collection 75cl / US Import

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

Released in 2014, this is the fifth decanter in a highly limited, exclusive Macallan collaboration with crystal makers, Lalique. The series is called The Six Pillars collection, and saw 6 decanters released over an eleven year period, each celebrating one of the six facets that Macallan believe set them apart from Scotland's other distilleries. The Macallan Six Pillars are: Exceptional Oak Casks, Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit.

This decanter celebrates the Macallan \"Spiritual Home,\" and was designed by Marc Larminaux from Lalique, intent on capturing the legacy of Rene Lalique and Easter Elchies House.  The side of the bottle displays the initials JEG, as displayed on the original date stone laid for Easter Elchies House, they are those of Captain John Grant who oversaw the building of the manor house in the late 1700s.  Other aspects of Easter Elchies House are depicted in the decanter, such as the 'crow-steps' interpreted in the neck, and of course the stopper represents the chimneys.

American oak casks, seasoned with sherry were chosen and filled in November 1950.  After 62 years of maturation, only 400 decanters of this incredibly rare Macallan were ever produced.

Macallan 1942 Gordon and MacPhail 34 Year Old / Co. Pinerolo Import

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

This is one of those Gordon and MacPhail bottlings. 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.

These \"Macallan-Glenlivet\" labels were introduced in the 1950s and could be considered the first official label. Gordon & MacPhail began to use them in the 1960s for Donini. This 34 year old was bottled in the 1970s for new distributors, Co. Import, Pinerolo.

Macallan 1949 Fine and Rare 52 Year Old #935

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Hogshead #935 was one of only two casks selected for the series as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique reference: Uvr4sl.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 3rd February 2009.

Macallan 1949 Fine and Rare 53 Year Old #136

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1949 and bottled 53 years later from single second fill cask #598. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest representations of the vintage.

Unique Reference: 46J6JJ.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Bowmore 1964 Single Cask 35 Year Old / Oddbins - One of 99 bottles

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1995. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year prior (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements. 

The unique microclimate of the No.1 Vaults warehouse at Bowmore distillery means casks share very little with the angels, and has allowed the distillery to bottle some spectacular age-statements over the years. These early Morrison Bowmore era vintages are considered classic in the whisky world.

Released for Oddbins in the year 2000, this was bottled from single cask #3709. A sherry hogshead, this was from the same batch of casks as the legendary Black Bowmore series. Unsurprisingly for such a limited release, this is extremely rare. 

One of just 99 bottles.

Macallan 1953 Fine and Rare 49 Year Old #516

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This was distilled in 1953 and then bottled 49 years later from single butt #516. 

Unique reference: GK5449

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1938 Fine and Rare 31 Year Old

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1938, originally bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1969 as a 31 year old, and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely old, pre-war distilled Macallan. 

Unique reference: C8O88Y

Signed and dated by N McKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1955 Fine and Rare 46 Year Old #1851

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This was distilled in 1955 and then bottled 46 years later from single first fill, Spanish oak sherry hogshead #1851. 

Unique reference: D4CMDN.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

O.O. Old Orkney Real Liqueur Whisky circa 1930s

Despite being one of the remotest Scottish outposts, the Orkney isles have a long distilling tradition dating back to the 18th century. Of its distilleries, only two now survive, Highland Park and Scapa, but one of its ghosts from the not too distant past still holds something of an allure, Stromness. The distillery was built in the town of the same name in 1817 by John Crookshanks, and was unusual for its time in that it bottled its whisky as a single malt, with the brand name Man o' Hoy. It was later acquired by John Sinclair before falling into disuse in the 1860s. Sinclair then sold it on to Roderick and Duncan MacPherson in 1878, who had been running it for him under his proprietorship. They renamed the distillery after its single malt brand, Man o'Hoy, restored it and returned it to operation. 

The MacPherson's then began to market a new single malt brand called Old Orkney, generally abbreviated to \"O.O.\" which proved to be a huge success. So much so that it caught the eye of Belfast-based distillery company, J&J McConnell, who purchased it in the early 20th century. Its fortunes were to turn however, and the distillery sadly closed down again around 1927. McConnell's Distillery Company, the J&J MCConnell subsidiary that held its license, continued to bottled the \"O.O\" single malt with the last remaining stocks, turning out the last bottles in the mid-1930s. By this point the company had also reverted the distillery name back to its historic Stromness title, which appeared for the last time on bottles like this one.

Macallan 1937 Fine and Rare 32 Year Old

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This is one of two 1937 vintages in the series, and was originally bottled under license by Gordon & MacPhail in 1969. The 32 year old was rebottled in 2002, and this is one of 174.

Unique Reference: NH86IG.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1949 Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old

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

This was released by Macallan to commemorate the turn of the millennium. This whisky is among the most desirable and sought after whiskies on the market, and represents the most luxurious of Macallan, not only in presentation and quality, but also in rarity and age.

This whisky was highly rated by Michael Jackson, the late whisky connoisseur and author, and remains a proud accomplishment of then Master Distiller, David Robertson. Bottled in May 1999, this Macallan 50 years old was crafted by marrying 3 butts that were filled on the same day, 14th January 1949.

Macallan 1972 Fine and Rare 29 Year Old #4043

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This was distilled in 1972 and bottled 29 years later. Described as a 'Black Mac,' this was drawn from single first fill, Spanish oak sherry cask #4043. This is one of only two hogsheads selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: R5Y2BI.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1964 Fine and Rare 37 Year Old #3312

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1964 and bottled 37 years later in 2002, from single first fill American oak sherry cask #3312.

Unique Reference: QNE608.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1950 Fine and Rare 52 Year Old #598

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1950 and bottled 52 years later from single cask #598. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest representations of the vintage.

Unique Reference: 53IQRP.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1952 Fine and Rare 50 Year Old #627

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1952 and bottled from single sherry cask #627, this is fantastically well-aged at 50 years old.

Unique reference: IOE7CI

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Ardbeg 1974 Double Barrel Casks #3145 & #3524 / US Import

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. 

Released in 2007, the Ardbeg Double Barrel were rare and sought after pairs of single casks, presented in a leather case from Purdey & Sons. Here, casks #3145 and #3524 were both distilled in 1974, and are bottled with sterling silver labels and individually stamped wax seals. The presentation is completed by eight sterling silver cups, and a pen (fashioned from a barrel) and notebook.

One of 250 sets.

This lot also includes a custom made display stand, engineered to the exact measurements of the case.

Macallan 1940 Fine and Rare 35 Year Old

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1940, originally bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1975 as a 35 year old, and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely old, wartime distilled Macallan. 

Unique reference: wrf5rq

Signed and dated by M Bennett on 7th November 2018.

Macallan 1946 Select Reserve 52 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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

Bottled in the late 1990s, the Select Reserve were an early precursor to the Fine & Rare series, launched in 2002.

A truly stunning bottle of Macallan, distilled in 1946 and matured for over half a century until bottling. 

Macallan 1968 Fine and Rare 34 Year Old #2875

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1968 and bottled 34 years from single sherry hogshead cask #2875. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: RXWQ4F.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1951 Fine and Rare 51 Year Old #644

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1951 and bottled 51 years later in 2002, from second fill sherry cask #644. 

Unique Reference: U8VE60.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Bowmore 1955 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1995. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year prior (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements. 

This incredible release is a pre-Morrison's vintage, distilled back in 1955. The unique microclimate of the No.1 Vaults warehouse at Bowmore distillery means casks share very little with the angels, and has allowed the distillery to bottle some spectacular age-statements over the years. This spent 40 years in it, overseen by 7 different distillery managers, first in oak hogsheads before being transferred into Oloroso sherry butts. 

Each glass decanter was individually blown, hand-cut and engraved by the artists of Caithness Glass.

Macallan 1967 Fine and Rare 35 Year Old #1195

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1967 and bottled 35 years later from single sherry butt #1195.

Unique Reference: DTTUAC.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1951

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

Bottled in 2001, this is a precursor to the Macallan Fine & Rare series which was lunched the following year and borrowed heavily on the aesthetic used here. 

Distilled in 1951, this was bottled from two sherry butts selected for their exceptional quality, #1541 and #1542.

One of only 632 bottles.

Macallan 1969 Fine and Rare 32 Year Old #9369

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1969 and bottled 32 years later in 2002, from single first fill Spanish oak sherry butt #6396. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: JYCSKO.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.

Macallan 1966 Fine and Rare 35 Year Old #7878

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

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1966 and bottled 35 years later from single sherry butt #7878.

Unique Reference: WJNJVS.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 22nd September 2003.