A rare single malt has sold in Edinburgh for more than £25,000, making it one of the world’s most expensive bottles of whisky.

The Glenfiddich, distilled before World War II, went under the hammer for £25,200, including the buyer’s premium, at Bonhams’ whisky sale.

The 70cl bottle, dating to 1937, was one of 61 bottles produced and was part of a batch of 10 released in 2001.

Experts said the single malt smelled of newly dug peat, burnt leather and oak.

They said it tasted of treacle toffee, creme brulee and toasted almonds.

Bonhams said the Glenfiddich, which was initially valued at £15,000 to £20,000, was one of the most expensive bottles of whisky ever sold at auction.

A world record £29,400 was paid in 2007 for a 19th century bottle of Bowmore, according to the auction house.

Bonhams’ whisky specialist Martin Green said:

“The moment I saw it I knew we had something special and I’m delighted that it reached such a high price.
“Even in these difficult economic times, very high quality items will still excite a lot of interest and this was a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire an exceptional bottle.”

_{Article courtesy of BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/scotland/edinburgh_east_and_fife/10334239.stm}

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For the third consecutive time, Orcadian Highland Park single malt has been awarded top marks by leading US independent whisky expert Paul Pacult in his coveted list of best spirits in the Spirits Journal 2010.

Following its Best Spirit in the World accolades in 2005 and 2009*, Highland Park 18 year old single malt ranks as the number one Scotch this year, while Highland Park25 year old comes in at number 14.  Highland Park 18 year old was also included in Pacult’s listing of “5 ‘Trapped-on-an-Island’ Spirits That Sue and I Could Not Live Without.”

Paul Pacult commented on Highland Park’s number one rating:

“This classic continues to be a stupendous work of distilling art that, I believe, is one of the greatest beverage alcohol liquids ever produced and is assuredly the finest of the last 20 years.  Graceful on the one hand; might and fathomless (more…)

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Who is Earl Magnus and why do we want to know about him? Earl Magnus was the legendary Earl of Orkney who ruled in the 11th century. His name is also on a new limited edition 15 year-old single malt whisky from Highland Park, The Earl Magnus Edition 1. The whisky is a natural strength bottling taken which measures 52.6% abv,. The tasting notes say that the Earl Magnus delivers the signature heather peat smokiness Highland Park is famous for along with delicate notes of ginger, lemon and vanilla.

It is bottled in a light brown bottle with a historically inspired label that depicts Earl Magnus in a stained glass window. It comes in a wooden gift box etched with Highland Park branding and the tale of Earl Magnus – the story of his life, his murder at the hands of a cousin, his canonization and the building of St Magnus cathedral. The whisky is meant to celebrate the history of Orkney and will be available from late December in the UK selling for £85.

^{Article by: Deidre Wollard
TheLuxist}

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A unique whisky is expected to raise up to £20,000 when it is auctioned next month.

The Dalmore Oculus is said to be one of the most precious whiskies ever to come up for sale.

It has been assembled from some of the most exceptional whiskies of the past 140 years, and is therefore the first and last of its kind.

The whisky will go under the hammer at an auction held by Bonhams in Edinburgh on 18 November.

The unique expression of the Dalmore Oculus was created by master-distiller Richard Paterson, who drew on his four decades of experience to create it.

It is said to have been assembled with a rich spicy and orange zest core alongside the taste and smell of dried fruits, ripe bananas, treacle toffee and almonds.

Alongside these elements, rare malts selected from vintages distilled in 1868, 1878, 1922, 1926 and 1939 add a depth of flavour.

‘Truly exceptional’

Finally, to intensify the whisky, an incredibly intense oak, spice and bitter dark chocolate was added to the mix alongside the whisky’s “capstone” - a judicious amount of a highly-revered 64-year-old blend which offers notes of coffee, aromatic spices and citrus zest.

It will be presented for sale in a Baccarat crystal decanter.

Mr Paterson said: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the Dalmore Oculus is without doubt a truly exceptional expression.

“This is the most exquisite expression I have personally crafted with all the loving reference it so richly deserves to seduce the most discerning and sophisticated plates imaginable. I am confident it will appeal to epicureans, investors and collectors”.

Alongside the Dalmore Oculus, Bonhams will also be selling the first section of the largest single-owner collection of whisky ever to appear at auction.

The 3,000-strong Willard S Folsom Collection of Old and Rare Single Malt Whiskies has been amassed over an 18-year period and features wide ranges of Ardbeg, Bowmore, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Laphroaig, Springbank, Kinclaith, Killyloch, Ben Wyvis, Glen Grant, Glenmorangie, The Glenlivet, Strathmill, Mortlach and The Macallan.

^{Article courtesy of BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8329991.stm}

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