The Perfect Collection Part Two

Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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 another pop artist, the Italian painter Valerio Adami after he was recommended to Macallan by their Italian agent, Armando Giovinetti.

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 this, the most sought after entry to the Macallan Fine & Rare series.

The Fine & Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer. The 1926 vintage was a slightly later inclusion however, with the distillery favouring offering the bottles to customers with the opportunity to create bespoke labels for them at the time. When the remaining stock was made part of the Fine & Rare range around 2004, there were only 12 bottles remaining.

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

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 1928 Anniversary Malt 50 Year Old / Berman Import, US

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 1972 Fine and Rare 29 Year Old #4041

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 #4041. This is one of only two hogsheads selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: K4NE8G.

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

Macallan 1940 Fine and Rare 37 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 was distilled in 1940, originally bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1977 as a 37 year old, and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002.

Unique reference: EO41P7

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 1948 Fine and Rare 53 Year Old #609

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.

A fantastic example of old post-war Macallan. Distilled in 1948 and bottled 53 years later in 2002 from second fill sherry cask #609. This is one of 124 bottles.

Unique Reference: vr4s7v.

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

Macallan 1938 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 1938, originally bottled under license by Gordon and MacPhail in 1973 as a 35 year old. This was re-bottled officially in 2002 and is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely old, pre-war distilled Macallan. 

Unique reference: VKVX8P

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

Macallan 1937 Fine and Rare 37 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 in 1974, under license by Gordon & MacPhail. The 37 year old was rebottled in 2002, and this is one of just 28 bottles.

Unique Reference: JQ5BSV.

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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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.

Bowmore 1967 Largiemeanoch 12 Year Old

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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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 is an incredibly rare example, bottled under the Largiemeanoch label, a brand devised for a series of private bottlings for The Howgate Wine Co in Edinburgh in the late 1970s. The Whisky Connoisseur later revived the name for a series on collectible miniature bottlings of Bowmore, but they are far from the quality of this.

A legendary bottle of whisky, distilled at Bowmore in 1967 and bottled from a vatting of three sherry casks. A 10 year old was also bottled.

Macallan 1945 Fine and Rare 56 Year Old #262

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 a fantastic example of old early post-war Macallan, distilled just four days after VE day in May 1945. Bottled in 2002 as a 56 year old, from single first fill sherry hogshead #262.

Unique Reference: XSUGJR.

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

Macallan 1959 Fine and Rare 43 Year Old #360

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 1959 and bottled 43 years later from single first fill sherry hogshead #360.

Unique Reference: u5J110.

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

Macallan 1958 Fine and Rare 43 Year Old #2682

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 1958 and then bottled 43 years later from single butt #2682. 

Unique reference: KN5PYL.

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

Macallan 1950 Fine and Rare 52 Year Old #600

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 second fill sherry cask #600. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest representations of the vintage.

Unique Reference: N27LN8.

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

Macallan 1939 Fine and Rare 40 Year Old / One of 58 Bottles

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 a legendary spirit which is now part of the Fine and Rare range, launched in 2002 as the pinnacle of Macallan excellence.

Distilled in 1939, originally bottled by Gordon and MacPhail in 1979 and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002 as a 40 year old. The 1939 is third rarest in the series, one of only 58 bottles, and is considered one of best examples of single malt Scotch whisky from the distillery. An incredible opportunity to own a genuinely old Macallan. 

Unique Reference: uuR5Q8.

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

Macallan 1946 Fine and Rare 56 Year Old #46/3M

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 350 bottles drawn from cask #46/3M, a marriage of three second fill sherry hogsheads, all distilled in 1946 and selected as the best expressions of that vintage.

Unique reference: XOAFOJ.

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

Bowmore 1964 Black Bowmore 42 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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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.

Arguably the most famous of all Bowmore, and 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.

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

Bottle number 723 of only 827 produced.

Macallan 1965 Fine and Rare 36 Year Old #4402

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 1965 and bottled 36 years later from single sherry butt #4402.

Unique Reference: USGKKA.

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

Bowmore 1964 Fino Cask 37 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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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 classics.

Distilled on the 5th of November 1964, this was matured in a Fino sherry cask for 37 years, this bottle has been presented in a lockable wooden box. Part of a trilogy of releases, the other two being Oloroso sherry and bourbon matured.

Macallan 1954 Fine and Rare 47 Year Old #1902

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 1954 and then bottled 47 years later from single first fill, Spanish sherry butt #1902. 

Unique reference: OREXPX.

Signed and dated by N McKellar 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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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.

Balvenie 1937 50 Year Old Pure Malt

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times. 

In 1987 John & Wallace Milroy were invited to the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distillery. What was originally supposed to be a casual visit turned out to be quite the shopping spree. John Milroy recalls...

\"Peter Grant Gordon invited us to visit Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries, when we noticed four casks of Balvenie 50 years old gathering dust in a corner of the warehouse. After a few drams Peter agreed to bottle these and sell most of it to us exclusively.\"

John and Wallace paid a total of £62,100 for 360 bottles (£163,577 in 2018) which were sold through the brothers' famous bottle shop on Greek Street in London, with the ramainder of the 500 exported to the Japanese market via the Seven Importers Group.

This incredibly rare malt was distilled in 1937 and bottled in 1987.

Bowmore 1964 White Bowmore 43 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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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.

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

One of 732 bottles.

Balvenie 1951 Vintage Cask #1236 75cl / US Import

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times.

The vintage cask range of whiskies from Balvenie are a fantastic insight into single casks released from this popular distillery.

Distilled in 14th June 1951 and bottled on 7th November 1996, this was drawn from cask #1236 and bottled at cask strength with an impressive ABV for a 45 year old Scotch whisky.

Bottle number 49 of only 90.

Balvenie 1961 Vintage Cask #4194 Advance Release / Bottle 1 of 1

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times.

The vintage cask range of whiskies from Balvenie are a fantastic insight into single casks released from this popular distillery.

This is a fantastically rare bottling from cask #4194. Drawn on 1st September 1997, this is the only of its kind. A wider release was bottled from this cask two weeks later, with a slightly reduced ABV.

Macallan 1952 Fine and Rare 49 Year Old​ #1250

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 #1250, this is fantastically well-aged at 49 years old.

Unique reference: 6FEVLN

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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after 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,and the oak presentation case was hand made by the master cabinet makers of Charles Kirkby & Sons.

Macallan 1961 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 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 1961 and bottled from two sherry hogshead casks #1127 and #1581, this is certainly a fine and rare Macallan in its own right.

One of only 379 bottles.

Bowmore 1964 Gold Bowmore 44 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 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (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.

Bottled in 2009, this is the third and final instalment in a famous trilogy which also included a Black and White iteration. The Gold Bowmore was matured in a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks, to provide a comparison to the more famous Oloroso casks.

One of 701 bottles.

Macallan 1968 Fine and Rare 33 Year Old #5913

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 33 years from single first fill American oak sherry hogshead #5913. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: 7JSA39.

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

Macallan 1946 Select Reserve 52 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.  

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.