This month’s auction saw an eclectic mix of vintage bottles and there were curiosities to be found in each category for the avid collector. Here are a few of my highlights from the sale.
Mature Malts
Our November auction saw a range of mature whiskies demonstrating the trend of distilleries showcasing rare vintage whiskies and aiming at the super premium market. Our top lot was this 78 year old malt from the Macallan Red Collection which sold for £64,000 and following on were a pair of 50 year old whiskies. Firstly the gorgeously packaged 1960 vintage from Highland Park, which sold for £18,500, and the first appearance at auction of Glenglassaugh’s recent 50 year old release, reaching £5000.
A range of positively youthful 30-something year olds also attracted plenty of attention, featuring bottles from collectors’ perennial favourites Macallan, Dalmore and Springbank as well as this beautiful decanter of 35 year old Glengoyne.
The Kent Collection
As featured in our Cellar Manager Roberto’s blog article last week, we were delighted to be able to bring to auction an amazing private collection of vintage whiskies and spirits. The collection, comprising over 400 bottles, provided us with some of the most interesting lots in the auction. In particular the wide array of single malt Scotch whiskies, blended whiskies and rums such as this Caroni 90 Proof Navy Rum bottled in the 1970s that caused a spirited battle as the auction was closing with the eventual victor bidding £1800.
Whisky highlights from the collection included this 1970s Laphroaig fetching £2000 and this rarely seen Glenrothes 1957 vintage ‘dumpy’ bottle from Cadenhead’s (sold for £1750). The collection featured far too many highlights to mention here but is definitely worth a scroll through to look at some stunning vintage bottles.
Cognac
A strong line up of Cognac featured in the November sale with some beautiful vintage bottles. My personal highlight was this Hine 1922 vintage Cognac (sold for £1450) that was a very special family heirloom and who doesn’t love a good story to accompany a bottle.
A pair of vintage bottles from Martell also caught the eye. A 35 year old Cordon Bleu from the 1930s (sold for £1650) in amazing condition and still with its original box and a 1965 bottling to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of Martell (sold for £1550).
