TIPS ON HOW TO SELL RARE WINES AND SPIRITS IN AUCTIONS

Auction Hammer

Source: https://www.winemag.com/

BY MELANIE YOUNG

September 18, 2018

Whether you want to downsize a prized collection or can finally procure an elusive bottle, here are expert tips on how to do it.

Global wine auction sales are on the upswing, according to specialists. Jamie Ritchie, head of Sotheby's global wine program, projects $90 million in sales by year's end, which would top the existing record of $88 million in 2010.

Though nothing has topped the Jeroboam of 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild that sold for $310,700 in February 2007 at Sotheby's.

If time is of the essence and you're comfortable with settling on a firm price, a direct sale may be the best choice. However, with an auction, the sky is the limit.

Like any major transaction, it's wise to comparison shop. The reputation and success rate of an auction house is paramount, along with the size and reach of its customer base.

Many houses have minimums based on the value of the wine lot, which can be one item or an entire collection. Also, the lot's size and value can affect the seller's fee, which ranges from zero to 18%.

It's the auction house's responsibility to appraise the wine and set a price. Munro stresses that sellers should submit important documentation well in advance, especially those with large collections.

Most auctions take place between September and May.

Bordeaux and Burgundy are more in demand but scotch and Japanese whiskies are both growing.

One example is the current offerings slated for t e coming 13th Oct. 2018 auction at Sotheby's New York. A bottle of 1926 Macallan Scotch is priced at $700,000 to $1.2 million, a new lot estimate record for Sotheby's.

Join auction house mailing lists, and review past online sales and recent catalogs to compare what's selling.

Another consideration is the buyer's premium to the auction house, which can range from 19.5-24%.

OLD INGREDIENTS TO MAKE BETTER BOOZE TODAY

Heritage Corn Craft Whiskey’s Final Frontier?
Having tapped the bounty of heirloom grains, distillers are turning to the unexplored diversity of heritage corn to add nuance to their whiskeys.
JUNE 6, 2018 story: KARA NEWMAN

Once upon a time, nobody cared for whiskey being made with Rye, Corn or Wheat...
Now people are into details. What kind of corn?
Just a little over a century ago, hundreds of varieties of corn grew across the fields of the United States.

Today, almost all corn-based whiskey, including bourbon, is sourced from a single type of corn. But some craft distillers are trying to revive those ancient strains, creating spirits with greater nuance by stretching back to the past.

This sort of obsessiveness has become a feature of the craft whiskey movement. But even as producers increase their focus on the sourcing of grainslike ancient strains of rye, and even how they’re malted, corn remains the last frontier.
See, article Souce below for more details ...

That reminds me, that in 2015 I revived the concept of 1870 cognac by producing a cognac 'à la pre-phylloxera way' that is using single grape 'Folle Blanche', single cask, vintage and why not from Bons Bois with a higher proof which is looked down for no real reasons besides commercial reasons. I did not do high proof or cask strength because one as to go with baby steps. All of this was too much at once and it was wise to get a few great and 'good old' concepts first and later we will see!

Meet Comandon Cognac 2012 Single Cask Folle Blanche from Bons Bois 41.3% Alc/Vol.
Only 120 bottles were released in the USA and we sold them all to aficionados who were paying attention.

Source: PUNCH, Comandon

EX-COGNAC CASK FROM THE GLENLIVET

The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky Captain's Reserve Ex-Cognac Cask Finish

When I started making cognac finished in ex-casks in 2014, that is ex-Sauternes (Bordeaux's prestigious desert wine) and ex-Sherry casks (Spanish fortified wine from Jerez south of Spain) I was pretty much inspired by other spirits and in particular Scotch whiskies like Glendronach, Benriach or more available Glenmorangie. This was a good idea and as a matter of fact I won 'world best cognac' at San Francisco Spirits in 2016 for my vintage Oloroso Sherry cask finish.

Little did I think the scotch whisky producers would in turn use ex-cognac casks to finish their whiskies so quickly after this cask finish movement was started in the Cognac region. The Glenlivet is not the first Scotch Whisky finished in ex-cognac cask but it is the largest brand to venture into this direction which surely will get some people not feeling at ease.

This situation of finishing whiskies in ex-cognac cask is OK, but I would not suggest the opposite, i.e., finishing a cognac in ex-whisky casks. Why not? I do not think it will work out well. Perhaps a very peated whisky so as to bring some sort of smokiness to the cognac but I am not even sure that this is the way to go when working on smokey cognacs.

Read more below from:  Nino Marchetti / May 23, 2018
Source: WhiskyMash

The Glenlivet distillery, based in Scotland’s Speyside region, is known for having serious heritage in the whisky world. Despite this history, those who make Scotch here are willing to follow current trends, such as the art of cask finishing, debuting recently a non-age statement bottling that’s been “selectively finished” in ex-Cognac casks.

The new The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve, according to those behind it, will be part of the regular range of whisky from this distillery. Finished in ex-Cognac casks, it is said to be a tribute to Captain William Smith Grant, great-grandson of George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet. The Captain not only fought in the First World War in France, but later reportedly went on to guide the brand through the difficult Prohibition years.

“We know that Single Malt consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous and are seeking to explore new flavour profiles and finishes in the category,” said Alan Winchester, The Glenlivet master distiller, in a prepared statement. “Research shows that the global consumption of Cognac is expected to increase by some 2m cases by 2021. By introducing the Cognac casks into our maturation process, we are able to capitalise on the popularity of this flavour and add another dimension to our world-renowned portfolio. The Cognac casks’ influence will bring a real richness to the smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet, which we’re confident new and existing Single Malt Scotch enthusiasts will enjoy.”

Plans call for Captain’s Reserve to price at a minimum of £45, or about $60 USD. You’ll find official tasting notes from The Glenlivet below for your consideration.

• NOSE:Bursting with sweet and fruity aromas. Rich in honey and apricot jam, with notes of sweet cinnamon bread and a subtle sensation of spicy liquorice.
• TASTE:Succulent flavours of mandarins in syrup, ripe poached pears and chocolate-dipped raisins.
• FINISH:Incredibly smooth and luscious.

Source: WhiskyMash

INDIAN WHISKIES MADE BY PERNOD RICARD

Pernod Ricard Indian Whisky Blenders Pride

Pernod - the maker of premium spirits brands, including Chivas Regal and Absolut - has around 1,100 employees in India.
Pernod, which follows a July-June calendar year, reported 9% sales growth in India between July and December 2017.

Pernod Ricard Indian Whisky Imperial Blue

Pernod, which is only behind Britain's Diageo, reported a 14% increase in sales for the first nine months of its fiscal, compared with just 1% in the year-ago period. Pernod's growth in India has been driven by its focus on premium and midpriced whiskies, helping it maintain a lead over Diageo, which has been also shifting its focus on similar categories due to meatier margins.
Pernod Ricard India sold 43 million cases last year, including Imperial Blue (18 million), Royal Stag (16 million) and Blenders Pride (6.2 million).

Pernod Ricard Indian Whisky Royal Stag

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
Avik Das and John Sarkar
May 22, 2018

MORE ONLINE AUCTIONS FOR WHISKIES

 

Whisky Auctions Logo Icon

Whisky auctions are facsinating as you can see so much dynamism and enthusiasm, with growing demand for the US and Asia.

Any question as to whether the recent increases in the rare whisky market would begin to plateau can be dismissed.

The Spirits Business reports:

"...Collectors bought 21,617 bottles of Scotch malt whisky at UK auctions in April, May and June this year, compared to 12,638 in the same period in 2016 – an increase of 71%...

...In total, $8.10m was spent on rare whisky at auction compared to $3.67m in the same period in 2016 – an increase of 121%.

...The growing popularity of online auctions, combined with recent moves by traditional rare whisky retailers to set up their own auction sites, continues to drive demand. By joining the secondary market sector, these ‘bricks n mortar’ retailers have finally realised that they can’t afford to lose rare whisky customers to the auction market..."

Source: The Spirits Business

NEW SINGLE CASK SELECTION FROM THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

 

SMWS Single Cask Spirits, Cognac Selection of Single Casks

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) more known for their scotch whisky selection and single cask scotch whiskies is now introducing a few Single Cask Cognacs. This is not the first time as they had one Single Cask Cognac in late 2015.

In addition, they are working with Michelle Brachet who has recently joined the world of cognac after working on a documentary assignment about cognac in 2014 which got her started thinking about cognac, and her interests grew further since.

SMWS is rather influential in the scotch whisky category. Let's hope that their venture in creating other single cask selections and in particular cognac will get whisky drinkers to become interested in cognac.

Source:  TheDrinksReport.com

SUNTORY'S NEW SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY FROM CHITA DISTILLERY

 

Suntory's Chita Single Grain Whisky

Suntory launched a new Japanese single grain whisky in the UK named Chita Single Grain Whisky.
This whisky was matured into Spanish oak casks and American white oak casks.

The Chita Distillery was established in 1972 in Aichi region, and it has been dedicated for single grain distillation.

Source: Drinks International

THE DALMORE NEW 50 YO SCOTCH WHISKY FINISHED IN CHAMPAGNE CASKS

Whyte & Mackay (part of the Group Emperador, largest brandy producer) brand The Dalmore is marking master distiller, Richard Paterson's, 50 years in the whisky industry by releasing a 50 year old single malt, finished in Domaine Henri Giraud champagne casks.

cognacdailynews-thedalmore-50-champagne

This is not the first 50 years old scotch whisky for The Dalmore. Perhaps, the 3rd I would say.

The Dalmore 50 year old has been crafted in partnership with four other luxury houses:

1) Domaine Henri Giraud: cask finished from craft champagne producer.
2) Baccarat: glass bottle maker.
3) Linley: packaging maker.
4) Hamilton & Inches: silvering.

The artisans at French crystal house Baccarat have created crystal decanters, each of which will be held within a presentation case designed and crafted by the accomplished furniture makers at Linley.

With up to 50 decanters released, hand-filled on order, The Dalmore 50 has been matured in American white oak, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from the world renowned Gonzalez Byass Bodega and port Colheita pipes from the Douro region of Portugal, before undertaking a final finesse for 50 days in champagne casks from Domaine Henri Giraud.

Each decanter will be adorned with a solid silver stag, created by silversmiths Hamilton & Inches, holder of The Royal Warrant.
Richard Paterson, master distiller at The Dalmore says: “This is a special year for me so I chose to finesse this whisky in a champagne cask, as this magnificent drink is synonymous with celebratory occasions.

The 5 steps of The Dalmore 50 Year Old:

1) 1966: The Dalmore new make spirit began its journey in American white oak ex bourbon casks

2) 2003: The maturing whisky is transferred to Matusalem oloroso sherry casks

3) 2012: The whisky is transferred to port Colheita pipes

4) 2016: In January of this year, the spirit was transferred to bourbon barrels as it reached its desired taste profile, prior to finessing.

5) November 2016: The whisky was finessed in Domaine Henri Giraud Champagne casks for 50 days before bottling.

Source: The Drinks Report

WHISKIES ARE INCREASINGLY LAUNCHING PRODUCTS WITHOUT AGE STATEMENTS

Shanken Daily News just posted a very interesting article on the decreasing number of whisky brands launching products with age statements, and in comparison making more products without sub-branded names such as:

Talisker Storm
Mortlach Rare Old
Macallan Ruby
Macallan Rare Cask
Kilkerran Work in Progress 5
Laphroaig Select
Bowmore Small Batch
Glenmorangie’s Private Edition Companta
The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso

Aberlour A'Bunadh No Age Statement

Aberlour A’Bunadh
Anchor's Revival
Anchor’s Glenrothes Select Reserve

Apparently consumers want more choices and therefore brands are proposing more choices than 'age statements'.

This is an interesting trend which has a direct relation with how one can envision the cognac drinkers to look at VS, VSOP and XO. Should cognac makers in contrast go into 'age statements' or go into sub-branding with mentions such as 'Grand reserve' etc.?

With more competition, more regulations and lesser stocks Scotch Whisky in particular is starting to feel the problems cognac makers have been faced with.

Source: ShankenDailyNews.com