The third Ambassadors’ Whisky Auction kicks off today (December 22) and ends on January 9, 2023. The spotlight auction in benefit of hospitality charity the BEN, is a part of the Whisky Auctioneer’s last auction of 2022 and all funds raised in this part of the sale will be donated to the charity, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyers commission.
Trustee of The BEN and Marketing Communication Manager of Ardnamurchan Distillery Jenny Karlsson said, “It was a late decision to go ahead with the auction this year, but after speaking with the team at Whisky Auctioneer we decided it would be possible to pull together a Christmas auction in a short period of time. I simply called on my fellow whisky industry colleagues and within days the donations started arriving in the office. I want everyone to know how generous this industry is, from writers, production managers, auctioneers and ambassadors, every single one wanted to partake in this event. We hope to raise a lot of money for The BEN, now we need your help to spread the word.”
Chris Gardner, Chief Executive at The BEN also added, “We are touched by the continuing support and generosity from the whisky industry in these extremely trying times. There are some fantastic bottles up for grabs and we thank everyone who has contributed once again.”
Among the lot list there is a bottle from Glenglassaugh distillery distilled in 1967, the award-winning Glenturret 30 year old and a couple of 1 of 1 bottles such as a cask sample from a Paul Launois cask at the Ardnamurchan Distillery and a 26 year old single cask bottle from Glenfarclas Distillery. There is also a rather unusual donation of a retro 4.5 litre bar top bottle of 12 year old BenRiach which comes with its own pouring cradle. Also donated was the 100th copy of the highly sought after book ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’. 54 rare and diverse bottles of whisky are available to bid for from the 22nd of December.
Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, said: “It is a privilege to bring these lots to auction to support the brilliant work of The BEN, Scotland’s drink and hospitality industry charity. After two particularly challenging years, it is important that their cause is well supported and raises much-needed funds this winter. We are very thankful for the many bottles donated, and we’re sure they will generate much interest among whisky collectors and lovers globally.”
The Whisky Auctioneers main auction features a 63 year old Ben Nevis distilled in 1926, over 400 Springbank expressions – notably a 1952 vintage which is one of only 24 bottles in the world – and Italian independent bottlings from Samaroli, including a 12 year old Islay malt, generally assumed to be Port Ellen, that has never been offered at auction before.
Meanwhile, the Whisky Whisky Auctioneer, has revealed that its total hammer price of lots sold through its auctions this year reached over £50 million.
New world records were set for distilleries across the industry such as Port Ellen, a legendary “lost” distillery on Islay, after a 12 year old whisky bottled for the Queen’s Visit in 1980, reached a record-breaking £100,000. A 1974 vintage Ardbeg also became the most expensive bottle of Ardbeg ever sold, attaining a hammer price of £35,000.
Iain McClune, Whisky Auctioneer’s founder, said, “2022 was another year of progress at Whisky Auctioneer, with the opening of our London office, record-breaking results and the development of new and continued partnerships across the whisky industry.
“As we reflect on 2022, it is amazing to look back on everything Whisky Auctioneer has achieved. 2023 will be our tenth anniversary which we are excited to celebrate, and I can’t wait to see how the next decade unfolds.”
To register for bids, visit whisky auctioneer .