UK Whisky Ambassadors are doing their best for The BEN and have collaborated, at short notice, to generously donate one-of-one editions, single cask bottlings, virtual tasting experiences and bottles signed by industry celebrities to raise awareness and funds for The BEN in Scotland. For two years they have organised The Ambassadors’ Collection auction, in aid of the BEN, and this year they are continuing the support,
The whiskies and experiences will be auctioned off between the 23rd December and the 11th January at an auction hosted by
The BEN has been inundated with applications for support due to the devastating impact Covid-19 has had upon the industry. The charity must generate funds annually, mainly from events and donations. Clearly, at this time it is not possible to hold events and therefore it is critical that funds are generated using other methods to support the people of Scotland.
The auction includes outstanding bottles and events- for instance you will find a Glendronach PX single cask, a rare 22 YO Hazelburn (1 of 1), a bottle (signed by Alex Bruce) of the first-ever Single Cask from Ardnamurchan distillery a ‘first-ever’ Imperial Gallon of Imperial (1 of 1 from a demolished distillery), 25 bottles of 14YO Ardbeg from Whisky Cellar and virtual events such as a Glenfarclas online tasting where you get to try five decades of their Family casks with six of your friends.
The Whisky Ambassadors’ stated, “The Scottish hospitality industry is what makes Scotland a great place to visit. Our pubs and hotels are legendary, we hear it first hand every time we attend whisky shows across the world. The whisky industry has always worked closely with hotels and pubs across Scotland. When Covid hit we could not begin to understand the stress it would put on our friends and colleagues within the hospitality sector. This year, more than ever before, we had to help. We wish for a highly successful auction that will raise lots of funds for a great charity.”
Over the past 2 years, The Ambassadors’ Collection auction has raised thousands of which was donated to The BEN to support those in the trade in Scotland.
John Hutchison, President at The Ben, said “The BEN works tirelessly to help disadvantaged colleagues from the Hospitality sector, 2020 has been one of the hardest years for our sector and as a consequence, we have helped a record number of beneficiaries, at the financial impact on us as a charity is significant, and all monies raised from this auction will go straight to helping individuals in Scotland”
Chris Gardner, Chief Executive at The Ben also added, “We are touched by the continuing support and generosity of the trade in these extremely trying times. There are some superb bottles up for grabs and we thank everyone who has contributed once again”
Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, said, “Never has there been a more important time to form partnerships and support those in need in the hospitality industry. We’re proud to host the auction of these charity lots, which include an impressive collection of liquid and some incredible once-in-a- lifetime whisky experiences. I have no doubt they will attract widespread interest from whisky lovers and collectors across the globe.”
How to get involved
Online bidding will begin on Wednesday 23 December and finish from 7pm (GMT) on Monday 11 January. To register to bid, visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com
Trade charities The Drinks Trust and The BEN Scotland will receive all the funds from the next William Grant & Sons #STANDFAST Campaign event – a charity auction, which will see the family-owned company put their largest-ever archive under the gavel in support of hospitality workers impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The auction sees a range of biddable items including rare and aged liquids, physical and virtual experiences, merchandise and unique memorabilia, bartenders essentials, as well as ‘one-offs’ and exclusives.
Hosted by Whisky.Auction from 19th – 28th July, the catalogue will feature items and experiences from Hendrick’s Gin, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore D.E.W., Grant’s, Drambuie, Ailsa Bay and Reyka Vodka, As well as the proceeds going to the two charities the registration fees will also be donated.
Bidders will be able to get their hands on a Monkey Shoulder cocktail Konga Shaker, sets of Tullamore D.E.W. tumbler glasses, jiggers and Sailor Jerry cocktail shaker kits, whilst collectors can also court the unattainable, off-market items, such as a bottle of Glenfiddich Winter Storm – 21-Year-Old – Batch 1 and a hand-crafted Morgan vintage-style sports car from The Balvenie and special aged liquids for the dedicated spirits connoisseurs. In-person experiences include a rare opportunity for the curious to visit the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Scotland and meet Master Distiller Leslie Gracie, a raffle prize of an at-home cocktail party with the impressive Monkey Shoulder mixer truck, as well as getting shoulder to shoulder with Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE at The Balvenie Blending Lab.
Created to help get bartenders back to work and support the On Trade, the #STANDFAST Campaign has seen William Grant & Sons UK donating to emergency funds via The Drinks Trust and The BEN Scotland, rewarding creativity and passions at home with its Difford’s Guide ‘Bartenders @ Home’ initiative, raising significant additional funds through the Reyka Runners Hospo Half running event, as well as supplying millions of litres of ethanol for hand sanitiser production.
Neil Barker, Managing Director, William Grant & Sons UK & Ireland, commented, “Extraordinary times demand extraordinary solutions. The Hospitality industry continues to face unprecedented challenges, and we are delighted to stand shoulder to shoulder with The Drinks Trust and The BEN in Scotland to alleviate hardship. There is something for everyone in this unique collection of items, experiences and liquids, and we hope to raise a significant amount of money for these great causes.”
Chris Gardner, CEO The BEN in Scotland said, “It’s heart-warming to have received such support from leading spirits brands for workers who’ve seen significant impacts to their livelihoods. We are grateful to see such best-loved brands stepping up and bringing our community together in such a time of need.”
Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, added, “This auction comes at a time where the drinks and hospitality industry is in need of assistance more than ever. We are truly grateful to William Grant & Sons for creating this one-of-a-kind #STANDFAST Charity Auction, which is set to deliver much-needed support to our industry which has been affected by the pandemic like no other.”
All items in the catalogue will go live for preview on 15th July. Registration to bid is £5 with all proceeds contributing to the auction donation total for The Drinks Trust and The BEN Scotland, as well as raffle entry to win an at-home cocktail party with the Monkey Shoulder mixer truck. Visit http://Whisky.Auction to pre-register.