Whisky, Whisky and more Whisky

By: Stephen Ranger

The headline was stark: ’Whiskey Casts a Shadow Over Wine’

The gist of the piece, according to Wine-Searcher.com is that Millennials, who will soon be the demographic with the greatest buying power, are showing a marked preference for spirits over wine.

Not possible? Well, if our data and anecdotal evidence is to be believed, there has been a huge upsurge in interest in collecting Fine and Rare Spirits. Our Fine Spirits auctions alone have grown 100% over the last three years, and with the benchmark Tom Willcock Collection in the books, we can firmly state that the Fine Spirits market is thriving.

A loose survey of our clients tells us that Fine Spirits enthusiasts are a very diverse group, comprised of not just Millennials, but restaurant owners putting together outstanding lists as well as older more seasoned collectors. At our Rare Whisky tasting last fall, which sold out in half an hour, this broad demographic was clearly in evidence.

This fall, we look forward to presenting at least three Fine Spirits auctions in September and November. The September offerings include another Fine and Rare Scotch Whisky from a Private Collection that will thrill collectors of classic and rare bottlings.

Our Fine Spirits auction includes over 150 lots that features not only the best distillers from Scotland, Japan, U.S.A., Canada, but a range of Cognac and Armagnac to prepare us for long, contemplative fall evenings and the many feasts and holidays so suited to the consumption of these exquisite drams.

But Fine wine Still Dominates…

As much as we are excited by the growth of the Fine Spirits market, Fine Wine still dominates in terms of the number of actively engaged collectors and the availability of great product.

Our September Fine and Rare Wine auction is one of our most comprehensive to date with over 530 lots from all the major wine regions and top producers in the world. Look for generous offerings of rare Italian wines including an exceptional Quintarelli collection and a large number of current drinking Super Tuscans, Brunellos and Barolos. Expect plenty of carefully cellared Bordeaux, Burgundy and an array of New World classic wines from California to Chile. We are sure you will enjoy this auction.

Bidding for all three September auctions starts September 9 at 9 am.

As if there were not enough we are also planning an exclusive Fine Wine and Rare Whisky Tasting in November. Dates and details will be announced shortly.

Finally – there is still limited space for inclusion in the final auction of the year in November. Please submit your list of well-cellared wine by September 27 to ensure placement.

Cheers!
Stephen, Joann and Devin

*Waddington’s is the only auction house authorized by the LCBO to conduct auctions of Fine Wine and Spirits in Ontario.


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