The fourth edition of Fine Spirits Auction closed with a flurry of activity and bids almost 25% above opening prices, in results similar to our last auction in April. Bidders from France and abroad were most active in the final hours of the sale, with over five bids on average for each lot.
Scotland, the focus of this auction, did the country proud, with Springbank in particular achieving impressive results, and 75% of the products available fetching above their high estimates. Unsurprisingly, Ardbeg confirmed its popularity, although primarily in its more accessible bottlings. Macallan continued to surprise, with an excellent 18 Year Old Sherry from 1969 selling for over €5,700. Results were less consistent for the legendary Port Ellen and Brora distilleries, which were highly represented at this auction, but most bottles found a buyer.
Japan also had a good auction, with a large number of bottlings under the hammer. Although there were no record-breaking bids in the category, almost all bottles were sold, including the two Chichibu bottlings from the Intergalactic Series making their first appearance on the platform.
The rum category was looking healthy, with Velier leading the pack. Caroni of course continued to attract amateurs and collectors alike, but the Demerara Collection also put on an impressive show, and
UF30E, Diamond, Enmore and Port Mourant all fetched almost 80% of their high estimate.
Interest in rhum agricole has been growing with every auction, and this edition was no exception. Many went for above their high estimates, including La Mauny, J.M, La Favorite, Trois Rivières, Duquesne, Bally and Damoiseau.
Rum wasn’t the only French spirit getting heads turning, however, and a Guy de Bersac 1900 cognac almost doubled its high estimate, selling for almost €900. All of the Chartreuse bottlings under the hammer at this auction also found a buyer, receiving a good number of reassuring bids.
