Auction boost for bars

A Perth-based whisky auction specialist has delivered a £35,000 boost to seven independent whisky bars located across the country.

Whisky Auctioneer raised the funds following an exclusive auction of rare Daftmill Single Malt held on World Whisky Day (May 16).

The auction, which included seven bottles of the highly collectible Daftmill 2008 Single Bourbon Cask #68 and an exclusive tour of the Lowland distillery not usually open to the public, reached a grand total hammer price of £35,300.

A total of 252 bids were placed from countries including Japan, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK as whisky-lovers took part in the hope of snapping up a bottle of the rare whisky in what was the first time it was available for purchase.

Seven whisky bars that are part of the Independent Whisky Bars of Scotland will benefit from a donation of £4941.53 each to support them during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, said:“The results of this special online auction more than exceeded our expectations, with generous whisky collectors around the world embracing the rare chance to get their hands on this one of a kind Daftmill expression, whilst helping Scotland’s independent whisky bars.

“We’re very proud to do our bit to help some of Scotland’s independent bars with this auction, which will hopefully provide them with a boost in what are extraordinarily tough times for the on-trade sector.”

Derek and Fiona Mathers, whose Artisan bar in Wishaw will receive some of the cash, said:“We are truly stunned at the generous bids that these Daftmill bottles received and are so grateful for the financial help from Whisky Auctioneer at this difficult time.

“Like most bars, we rely on sales from our customers and tourists, but due to current restrictions we have had to cancel 22 whisky functions. We hope that the sector can return to some sort of normality soon, but this generous donation has helped to ease our worries.”

Colin Thompson, managing director at Dornoch Castle Hotel, added:“We are delighted and amazed at the result of this auction and would like to thank everyone who bid for their efforts and contributions.

“It’s been a tricky time for our industry, and this initiative has certainly helped us all.”