News 210

Sunday 2 April saw the sale of the extraordinary The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection – a set of six stunning crystal decanters containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old – for US$993,000 at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.

Following more than a decade of collaboration, the highly coveted collection marks the grand finale in the prestigious Six Pillars odyssey – an exclusive series of limited edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal maker, Lalique, inspired by the foundation stones upon which The Macallan creates its exceptional whiskies.

As the world’s only complete collection, official and direct from The Macallan, The Legacy Collection was listed in the Sotheby’s ‘Finest & Rarest Wines and The Macallan’ auction in Hong Kong on Sunday 2 April 2017, with all net proceeds to be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.

Housed in a one and only, bespoke natural ebony cabinet created by Lalique Maison, The Legacy Collection also holds six Macallan Fine and Rare miniatures; two from each of the 1937, 1938 and 1939 vintages (signifying the zenith of Lalique’s contribution in the French Art Deco period), and six pairs of Lalique Macallan glasses, each serial numbered to commemorate the unique partnership.  Autographs of the masters behind the collection are included inside the cabinet, which also allows space for the buyer to have their own name engraved within it as well.

Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This remarkable conclusion to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series is a symbol of the strength behind our long-standing partnership and our unwavering commitment to going beyond the ordinary. To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky makers, and we are proud that this work of art has secured a wonderful contribution to Asian charities.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “The unprecedented price achieved for The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection reflects the exceptional nature of the piece – a complete one off and highly collectable work of art which marries the two houses. Masters in their respective fields, Lalique and The Macallan are joined by mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to craft, artistry and beauty. Since our partnership first began in 2005, it has achieved a number of world record prices at auction and we are delighted to provide both The Macallan and Lalique connoisseurs the opportunity to own something truly remarkable whilst contributing to Asian charities.”

 Robert Sleigh, Senior Director at Sotheby’s Asia, said, “It has been an honour for Sotheby’s to work with The Macallan and Lalique once again in offering this unique Macallan Collection that combines the exemplary artisanal skills of both Macallan and Lalique, to produce this once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire such a rare collectable item. The enthusiasm of over ten bidders in the room, online and over the phone demonstrates the importance with which global collectors regard The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection and the significance of its direct from the distillery provenance. It is fitting that it achieved a new world record for any lot of whisky ever sold at auction.”

The six exceptional whiskies contained in the cabinet are:

The Macallan in Lalique – Exceptional Oak Cask, 50 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Natural Colour, 55 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Finest Cut, 57 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Curiously Small Stills, 60 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Spiritual Home, 62 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Peerless Spirit, 65 Years Old

Since its inception in 2005, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. In 2014, The Macallan accounted for the top ten priced bottles sold at auction; eight out of ten sales being decanters from The Macallan in Lalique series (Whisky Magazine). In 2015, The Macallan was the most valuable whisky brand at auction, accounting for over 25% of the total value traded at auction (Rare Whisky 101).

The Macallan has a strong relationship with Sotheby’s, having previously worked together on both its world record auctions including, The Macallan 64 Years old in Lalique Cire Perdue Decanter in November 2010, selling at auction in New York for US$460,000, and the Imperial M Decanter in January 2014, selling at auction in Hong Kong for US$628,000.

The charities set to receive funding from the proceeds of the auction include those which benefit disadvantaged people in Hong Kong and throughout Asia by supporting them with food needs, skills to help them back into employment, and medical requirements.

For further information about The Macallan visit www.themacallan.com

Malt Marketing continues to introduce some of the finest places to shop for whiskey.  Specialized retailer Whisky Galore at The Green Welly Stop has been selling scotch whisky since 1976.  With many years of experience behind them, not to mention an exquisite selection of malts, blends and other whiskies, Whisky Galore prides itself in being an exceptional whisky retailer.

Venturing into the online world in 2007 and quietly building up their stock levels to what they are today, if there is a bottle that you are looking for – don’t hesitate to contact them at Whisky Galore.

In 2013 and 2015 they were ‘Highly Commended’ in The Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Scotland Award for Online Retailers, an award for which they are immensely proud.

Find out more about Whisky Galore on the main section of the Green Welly’s main website, there you will be able to see what they have on offer in other areas of the business, such as The Outdoor Store, their Gift Shops and more!

Universal Whisky Experience Presents The Nth 2017 Show At The Five Star Encore At Wynn Las Vegas

The Nth 2017 will be a spectacular whisky master event, showcasing the best whiskies and brands in the world. This affair is a singular opportunity for serious whisky aficionados to come together to taste, savor, discuss and learn more about fine rare whiskies in the lavish, opulent atmosphere of the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. During this 4-day destination event in exciting and entertaining Las Vegas, you’ll indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers and blenders, and take pleasure in epicurean delights. Come experience the most unique event of its kind – Nth 2017 by Universal Whisky Experience!

As we continue to develop our whisky shops, bars and distilleries directory, Malt Marketing introduces independent bottler Bartels Whisky.

Bartels Whisky is a UK based and family run independent bottler.  Their team chooses only the finest, hand selected single malt whisky casks available and bottle them under their ‘Highland Laird’ label.  With their own online shop, they are the only UK distributor for the award winning ‘Malts of Scotland’ range.

All the whisky supplied is only available in very limited quantities and generally cask strength, single cask bottlings with completely natural colour.

So whether you are looking to boost your collection, get someone a gift they will never forget or you are a retail outlet in either the UK or overseas, please take a look at Bartels Whisky and get in touch. They would love to hear from you.

The Coo malt whisky bar was born in Crieff in April 2009.

Looking for a USP, Mandy Silver decided to open a whisky bar and The Coo was born in Crieff in April 2009.  Starting with 6 bottles of malt.  “I was very green, so it took an age to decide what next to order.  Over the years I’m pleased to say my knowledge has improved (still so much to learn though) and glad to say the collection has grown to around 150 bottles.  Whisky has turned into my passion, having tried all my bottles (some more than once!) how lucky am I?

I take selling my drams very seriously and it is very important to me that a customer enjoys their dram; so I like to spend a little time chatting with a whisky drinker, ensuring they choose the right dram for themselves.

I had lots of lovely customers coming from Sweden and Germany each year to visit me, as well as my loyal locals who supported the Coo.  During that time I was awarded a 5 star from Trip Advisor for 2012 and 2013, won the Drammie Award in 2013 and was voted ‘The Best Whisky Bar in The World’(!!) and had an entry in ‘Lonely Planet Travel Guide’ 2013.

Sadly in 2013 the Coo building was sold and I had to relocate.  Before I left, I trademarked Curly Coo Bar so I was able to continue my business elsewhere and my many lovely foreign visitors would be able to track me down…” Mandy Silver.

Award winning whisky bar relocates to Stirling city centre.

Once the capital city in Scotland, the city of Stirling continues to remain one of the country’s most significant historic settings.  With sites such as Stirling Castle, The Wallace Monument and the Old Town Jail, Stirling is truly a city of national significance that continues to appeal to hundreds of thousands of tourist’s year in year out.  As well as being a city of historic and cultural importance, Stirling is also home to one of the country’s most impressive whisky bars.  Appealing not just to tourists, but students and other local residents alike, Curly Coo Bar now situated centrally in the city’s Barnton Street offers all the appeal of a tucked away Highland retreat right in the heart of Stirling.

Offering in excess of 130 malt whiskies, not to mention many beers, wines and spirits of choice, Curly Coo Bar is one of those bars that just have to be sampled and enjoyed.  The Drammie Award winning bar of 2013 & 2014 boats a 5* rating on Trip Advisor for 2013 & 2014 and prides itself in being very much a whisky bar with a personal touch.

Bringing with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, owner Mandy Silver is the absolute perfect hostess ensuring your experience in Curly Coo Bar is enlightening, educational and ultimately memorable.

“Since opening the new Coo in Stirling, I have built up a loyal customer base.  It’s a cosy wee bar with a stove to keep you toasty in the colder nights… It’s also very exciting being in a University town and I’ve introduced malt whisky to many of the students (in moderation of course) I hold regular whisky tastings and an annual Wee Whisky Fest in October.

In 2015 I was voted Whisky Bar of the Year in Scotland in the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge and also shortlisted in the Dram magazine for Whisky Bar of the Year.

For the non-whisky drinkers I have a good selection of local craft kegs, Scottish cider and a great selection of Scottish Gins.  If you’re in Stirling I look forward to seeing you at the Coo.”

Mandy Silver

Visit Curly Coo Bar