CHRISTIE’S AND “THE BALVENIE” DEBUT ULTIMATE COLLECTION FOR WHISKY ENTHUIASTS, AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE BIDDING
Exclusive online auction lot to include latest chapter of The Balvenie DCS Compendium, a bespoke handcrafted Balvenie Morgan Roadster, and a trip to The Balvenie distillery
NEW YORK (September 10, 2018) – The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Christie’s Auction House are set to debut a first-of-its-kind auction lot fit for a true whisky connoisseur. The curated offering includes The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 4, an eponymous collection of five rare whiskies from the world’s longest-serving Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, a bespoke Morgan V8 Roadster, inspired by and hand-crafted with The Balvenie in mind, and a trip to Scotland for a behind-the-scenes tour of The Balvenie distillery.
The auction will be hosted on Christie’s online platform with bidding opening at 10 a.m. EST on September 25th, 2018 and closing at 10 a.m. EST on October 9, 2018. Featuring sought-after collector’s items and a unique experience at The Balvenie distillery, this iconic lot is a true testament to both brands’ dedication to quality and craftsmanship of the highest order.
“This is the first time The Balvenie has participated in an auction of this nature, and we’re thrilled to join forces with Christie’s to offer these incredibly outstanding rare whiskies, bespoke Morgan roadster and unique distillery experience to collectors, whisky enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship,” The Balvenie Brand Director Greg Levine said. “Combining the rare, collectable whiskies of The Balvenie DCS Compendium and a limited-edition, custom roadster with a personalized tour of the distillery makes this a one-of-a-kind lot, and truly celebrates the spirit of The Balvenie.”
“We are honored to be working closely with The Balvenie and delighted to bring this unique lot to sale. With an estimate at $100,000-$150,000, this is the highest value lot ever to be offered in this category for an online sale,”
Head of Wine Department for the Americas Chris Munro said,… “It’s also an interesting lot for us, as it combines luxury handcrafted goods with a one-of-a-kind experience, making a lot that is already extremely exclusive even more enticing.”
Under the tutelage of Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, The Balvenie will exclusively release one coveted set of the newly launched fourth chapter of its DCS Compendium as part of this auction lot. The Compendium celebrates the lifetime work of the Malt Master, with each chapter featuring five single cask single malts with their own unique story, presented in a bespoke Cherrywood and brass frame hand crafted by Scottish craftsman Sam Chinnery. This penultimate chapter of the collection is set to the theme of “Expecting the Unexpected,” and brings to life the mystery and magic inherent in whisky maturation. Despite nearly a lifetime at his post, David continues to enjoy, and even encourage the unusual and unexpected.
The two-seat roadster is comprised of a Tudor body style from Morgan Motor Company, artfully crafted with customized Balvenie branding on the headrest and interiors – the perfect addition to any whisky-lover’s collection. With its V8 engine and custom cream-beige body color, The Balvenie Morgan Roadster offers a piece of luxury that both whisky and auto enthusiasts alike can indulge in.
Beyond acquiring two incredible collectable items, the lucky auction winner will also enjoy a trip to Dufftown, Scotland. To complete the experience, the buyer will be invited on a behind-the-scenes tour at The Balvenie distillery, where they can get a first-hand look at the five rare crafts that contribute to the whisky’s distinctive taste and personally experience the magic that goes into every drop. It is the only distillery in the world that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings, keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site, and employs the longest serving malt master in the industry – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of single malts.
Lot items will be available for viewing by appointment with Christie’s, with bids accepted in person at Christie’s and online for all bidders at www.christie’s.com/wineonline. To learn more about auction items, please watch our video, and for more information about The Balvenie, please visit www.thebalvenie.com.
The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky ©2018 Imported by William Grant & Sons. New York, NY. Handcrafted to be enjoyed responsibly.
Public Exhibition:
Online Auction:
September 25 – October 9, 2018
www.christies.com/wineonline
Appointments to view the DCS Compendium Chapter 4 and/or The Balvenie Morgan Roadster can be made in advance by contacting the individuals below.
About The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David C. Stewart MBE, The Balvenie Malt Master, who celebrated his 50th year at the distillery in 2012. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie. The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts. The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.
The Balvenie core range includes The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (SRP $54.99), The Balvenie 14 Year old Caribbean Cask (SRP $69.99), The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year Old (SRP $149.99), and The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old (SRP $219.99) in addition to a variety of limited release expressions. For further information, visit www.thebalvenie.com.
About William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W.® Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder® Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Drambuie® Scotch Liqueur.
William Grant & Sons has been honored as “Distiller of the Year” by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge 11 times over the past 12 years.
Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Drambuie, Milagro Tequila, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, Flor de Caña Rum, The Knot and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.
About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in the first half of 2018 that totalled £2.97 billion / $4.04 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.
Alongside regular sales online, Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price – see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.
