Fine Vintage Wines & Whisky

Over the last decade whisky far and away leads the luxury investment index with a growth rate of well over 500% and it is easy to see why. Late in 2019 a bottle of Macallan 1926 60-year old single malt sold for a staggering £1.45 million at auction. With only 40 bottles produced and some baring special edition labelling, it is often described as the holy grail of whisky. With each dram being roughly valued at £50,000 it is highly likely to have been bought by a collector looking to finalise a collection. Either that or somebody has very expensive taste!

Not all collectable whisky makes such eye-watering sums and as with anything sometimes value does not always mean better but can often be more closely linked with rarity.
If you are considering starting a collection look for rare limited editions, vintage bottles and examples from either ghost (closed) or mothballed distilleries. Always ensure the seal and cap have not been compromised which will ensure the contents are original. If stored out of direct sunlight and at room temperature whisky will not spoil which is a potential risk when collecting other forms of alcohol. I have been lucky enough to handle rare examples of whisky during my auctioneering career including examples from Port Ellen, Brora and Bala to name a few.

The wine sector has also seen a healthy return of over 140% during the past decade outperforming sectors such as jewellery, watches, furniture and stamps. 2019 saw a reduction in growth due to, amongst other factors, political unrest and economic uncertainty. Wine has become big business at auction with many provincial auction houses following the big three and offering wine and port within specialist sales.

Our recent online only ‘Selections’ auction included a single owner collection of wine from a local client based in the Vale of Glamorgan. All lots sold incredibly well highlighting the continued demand and hunger for wine, particularly the offerings from Bordeaux first growths emphasising the importance of provenance.

A case of 1996 Chateau Haut-Brion flew on the day hammering at £2700 + BP outperforming the pre-sale estimate of £1500-2500. A magnum of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1987 made a strong £500 + BP against a £300-500 estimate while a pair of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1994 and 1995 bottles realised a credible £460 + BP against the same estimate. These two bottles hold additional interest as they bare collectable labels designed by famous artists. The 1994 label was conceived by Dutch painter Karel Appel (1921-2006) and depicts a pair of drinkers dancing round a totem bottle attempting to liberate the spirit trapped within. The 1995 label was conceived by Barcelona born Antoni Tapies (1923-2012) and promises the wine will deliver a feast of the senses once opened.

Wine and whisky can be valued free of charge without obligation.