The value of rare Scotch whisky sold in the UK has topped £5 http://buylevitra24.com million for the first time, with iconic brands dominating sales.
In the first six months of 2016, collectable bottles sold on the open market rose to £5.771m, more than a 25% increase compared to last year – according to figures released by whisky analysts Rare Whisky 101.
The number of collectable and limited edition bottles saw an even bigger rise of 28.5 per cent http://buylevitra24.com to 26,527 bottles.
Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson, said that rare http://buylevitra24.com whisky investment will peak in 2016.
Based on current trends, he predicts the UK rare Scotch auction market to exceed http://buylevitra24.com a total value of £12m, with sales reaching to 55,000 bottles for the full year, and ten times the http://buylevitra24.com volume sold in 2010.
Leading rare whisky brands, Brora and Dalmore, retain their positions http://buylevitra24.com as the top two ranked investor distilleries, while Macallan and Ardbeg occupy the same positions http://buylevitra24.com in the collectors’ rankings.
Simpson said, “For some in the broader Scotch category, export and sales figures still appear challenging. However, the secondary market for rarities shows little of this stress.
“The lack of truly collectable new product releases in recent years continues to fuel demand for older http://buylevitra24.com and discontinued releases where quality and rarity are powerful motivations for purchase.”
He added that the market continues to be heavily polarised, with collectables and limited editions from less sought-after brands declining in value as buyers stick to better-known brands.
Richard Paterson, Master Distiller for Alness-based The Dalmore Distillery, celebrates 50 years in the whisky industry this month.
The 67-year-old will mark the milestone by setting off on a series of global tasting events.
Paterson said, “My time with The Dalmore has provided me with some of my fondest moments. The chance to create and work with the world’s oldest and rarest malts has been an absolute privilege and I’m forever grateful that I’ve been able to share these treasures with fellow whisky lovers across the world.
“I’ve also been fortunate enough to share my passion with whisky fans whilst contributing to the work of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. This variety has made my time in the industry all the more enjoyable.”
The well-known industry figure followed both his father and grandfather into the trade when he joined A Gillies & Company, Whisky Blenders & Brokers as a General Production Assistant in 1966.
Three years later he joined Whyte & Mackay Distillers and became their Master Blender within five years, aged just 26.
He went on to develop and define the internationally renowned Dalmore brand and even earned the nickname “The Nose” thanks to his ability to identify a whisky from one whiff alone.
Paterson added, “The next 18 months are shaping up to be among my best yet. I enjoy meeting people who have a passion for whisky and I’m relishing the chance to share my celebration with connoisseurs from across the world.”
To celebrate his contribution and education to the whisky industry, Dalmore distiller Whyte & Mackay released the video below.
Diageo has confirmed tentative discussions to acquire an interest in United Spirits have begun.
United Spitits is the company behind Whyte & Mackay, Dalmore and Black Dog.
A joint statement from the two companies read, “United Spirits Limited and Diageo plc confirm that Diageo plc is in discussion with United Spirits Limited and United Breweries (Holdings) Limited in respect of possible transactions for Diageo plc to acquire an interest in United Spirits Limited. However there is no certainty that these discussions will lead to a transaction.”