This edition of Fine Spirits Auction was a real ode to the diversity of spirits. The 25% bidding increase also seen in previous auctions reflects the market’s energy in its leading categories.
Representing some of the most keenly watched lots this auction, Chartreuse bottlings once again stood out for their performance. Although the Marseille edition failed to reach the same record numbers fetched at its first appearance, the €5,350 hammer price is no less remarkable. Also of note was the excellent result for the V.E.P Jeroboam (bottled 2018), which sold for €3,338.
In the world of wine brandies, the venerable non-grafted cognacs 1825, 1830 and 1868 all found a buyer.
Staying in France but in a more tropical climate, although results for the young editions of La Favorite were more reserved, bottlings from the late 1990s and early 2000s once again saw noteworthy performances. Flibustes 1997, for example, exceeded its high estimate by 27% (€500). But the record for the category goes to J.M 1980, which sold for over €1,600.
Heading to the world of rum, only one of the fifty-odd bottles of Caroni under the hammer failed to find a buyer. This dynamism is part of a larger trend seen for all Velier bottlings appearing in our auctions. On average, they fetched almost 70% of their high estimates this edition.
Staying in Italy, independent bottler Silver Seal had an outstanding few days, with 100% of its bottlings sold for similar results to those of Velier.
When it came to Scotch, the podium was once again dominated by Macallan, Springbank and Ardbeg, with more than ten bids per lot for these iconic distilleries. The impressive results for Compass Box, whose strong presence saw more than 26 bottles up for sale, are a clear reflection of master blender John Glaser’s incredible skills.
Japanese whisky did well also, despite some exceptional lots remaining unsold.
Hibiki continues to surprise, attracting lots of attention to its releases.
Overall, as for Velier’s rums, Japanese whiskies fetched around 70% of their high estimates.
It was in the United States, however, that one of this auction’s most impressive bottlings was to be found: the Bitter Truth 24 Year Old, sold at its “low” estimate for more than €13,000.
As always, please feel free to submit your bottles for the next edition of Fine Spirits Auction, which will be held at the end of the summer from 8 to 29 September. In the meantime, every at FSA wishes you an excellent summer!