While it didn't take the accolade for most expensive sale at McTear's whisky auction on July 20, a lot consisting of Laphroaig and Springbank bottles was certainly the talking point of the day.
A 70 degree proof Laphroaig 10-year-old single Islay malt whisky and a 12-year-old Springbank, bottled by WM Cadenhead, sold for £750 at the auction in Glasgow, Scotland; an astonishing figure when one considers that the high estimate was just £80.
We suspect that this could mark the beginning of exciting times for collectors of whiskies from these two fine distilleries.
The auction result certainly took auctioneer McTear's by surprise, although it is unlikely to be complaining.
There was a similarly unexpected performance for a lot consisting of two bottles of Ardberg, one a 10-year-old, the other a 17.
 A double lot of Laphroaig and Springbank bottles made £750 |
Although Ardberg is highly regarded among connoisseurs, and limited edition bottles have sold for big sums in the past - a 1974 Double Barrel single-cask bottle made $16,103 at Bonhams in 2010 - these more routine specimens have not always been such big hitters.
The bottles sold for £500, against a high estimate of £120. Ardberg of all varieties is a name to look out for at future auctions.
At the higher end of things, a box of Sherriff's Bowmore made its estimate with a £6,100 showing, while a 70cl bottle of Black Bowmore 1964 - a true classic single Islay malt whisky - surpassed its £1,600 high estimate with a £1,700 performance.
Be sure to check back here regularly for future whisky sales. It is going to be fascinating to see how lots containing Laphroaig, Springbank and Ardberg bottles will be valued from now on.
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