The 124th Auction

It's been a busy old month here at Scotch Whisky Auctions, but we got there in the end, and (as usual) we've got a pretty tasty selection for you to peruse. I'm sure many of you are keen to get stuck in and browse the auction, but for those looking for inspiration we've put together a small preview of some of the expressions that have caught our eye this month.

Macallan may bask in most of the Speyside-y limelight these days (and don't worry, we've got no shortage of Macallan), but our first pick for this month is this 1973, 42 Year Old single cask from Glenfiddich. Not only are single cask expressions from this ubiquitous Speysider extremely thin on the ground, but they're also delicious. Benromach too has received plenty of praise for its recent output, and this month features a rather nice trio of 1970s distilled single casks (#2230, #1268 & #1269) that we reckon would make for a fairly monumental tasting session if you were so inclined.

For the Peat Monsters amongst you, there's no shortage of goodies from Islay, including a bevy of older Lagavulin White Horse bottlings, some elderly Laphroaigs, and Ardbegs up to our eyeballs. The one that has tickled our fancy this month, however, represents the lighter side of Islay. This Bunnahabhain 1967 35 Year Old has long been one we'd love to spend some quality time with. Either on a windswept, west coast beach, or by roaring log fire, we're not fussy.

Independent bottlers are also well represented this month, with a decent smattering of much sought after SMWS first releases, as well as this gorgeous Highland Park 1957 23 Year Old from Cadenhead's.

If, like us, you're always on the lookout for "the next big thing", there's plenty to choose from. The last few auctions have been in danger of being dominated by offerings from Torabhaig, Ardnamurchan and Aber Falls, but this month a lucky few of you might manage to get your hands on the inaugural expression from Irish newcomers Connacht, not to mention some exciting releases from Japanese upstarts Kanosuke and Shizuoka, who are already attracting the sort of hammer prices normally reserved for Yamazaki and Chichibu.

We could go on, but it would be a shame to deprive you all of the joy of stumbling across these gems for yourselves. So, we hope you enjoy this month's auction. And remember... Don't lose your bottle!