FIRST EVER COMPASS BOX AUCTION CELEBRATES THE 21ST CENTURY REINVENTION OF THE BLEND – Scotch Whisky News

FIRST EVER COMPASS BOX AUCTION CELEBRATES THE 21ST CENTURY REINVENTION OF THE BLEND

When it comes to the art of whisky making, it is often creativity and the courage to experiment that results in the creation of something exceptional.

Now, a collection of bottles produced by one of the world’s most innovative whisky makers, Compass Box, is going under the hammer in an exclusive online auction hosted by Whisky Auctioneer. From today (Thursday 14th January) until 18th January, over 130 expressions including 70 limited editions produced by the disruptive blender will feature in the sale, including the company’s inaugural release, Hedonism, which  launched in 2000.

Collated by one devoted and anonymous whisky enthusiast, known only as Pat, this Compass Box collection was part of Pat’s extraordinary library of over 9,000 bottles. Fuelled by a passion to learn, sip, share and savour whiskies from around the world, his genuine interest took him beyond tradition to discover boutique expressions bursting with quality and character.

In what marks the first dedicated Compass Box auction in the brand’s history, and the largest offering of its expressions to go on the secondary market from a single owner, Pat now hopes to spark the same interest in budding collectors.

The auction will also offer collectors and whisky fans a number of exclusive U.S only bottlings, including the ultra-desirable collaboration with Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida.  The collaboration gave rise to Bern’s Blended Grain, a 41 Year Old made up of five unique casks from Strathclyde and Girvan. Of the 618 bottles produced, only 120 were available in retail.

Other sought after and limited expressions to feature include Mariage, Optimism, Lady Luck, The General and the 10th Anniversary Hedonism bottling celebrating the company’s ten year milestone; this was an extremely rare bottling of 38 year old Invergordon single grain whisky distilled in 1971, of which there are just 120 bottles in existence.

James Saxon, Whiskymaker at Compass Box:

“In a collection whose stated aim is amassing whiskies that offer both rarity and serious drinking pleasure, it is wonderful to see so many Compass Box releases represented amongst these 9,000 bottles. We started Compass Box to share the joys of Scotch whisky with more people, an ethos that clearly resonates with this collector.

“To see so many of our past projects and releases represented – and in their own auction – is a first for us. If successful bidders would like to learn more about the stories and processes behind their new whiskies, they have only to reach out to us.”

Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“This is the first time that a dedicated collection of Compass Box has become available at auction, so we’re very excited to offer our whisky fans such a varied selection of whiskies that can really add something novel to their collections.

“Blends have been soaring in popularity as more and more whisky fans look beyond the boundaries of what is traditionally perceived as quality, and we are delighted to spotlight the flag-bearers for the 21st century revival of the category.”

Over the past 12 months Whisky Auctioneer has recorded an increase in page views by over 25% for Compass Box, and the value of its whiskies has risen significantly, with their inaugural release increasing by over 850% in value since 2015.

Boundary breakers and masters of innovation, Compass Box was founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director for the Johnnie Walker brand, who fell in love with Scotch whisky and the idea of blending whisky as a creative art. Its core range consists of The Spice Tree, The Peat Monster, Oak Cross, Asyla and Hedonism blends and aims to reinvent the Scotch whisky category with its exceptional quality and limited releases.

Whisky Auctioneer’s auctions are world leading and record breaking. Unmatched in auction volume, variety of bottles offered, prices achieved, global reach, service standards upheld and broadness of knowledge and expertise, the company is truly a global authority.

To find out more and to register to take part in upcoming auctions please visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Notes: 

About Whisky Auctioneer 

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction.

Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform, to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and geography. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits available online. Whisky Auctioneer is passionate about connecting these bottles with those who share in their passion and actively support their customers in their aims, whether that be consuming, collecting or investing.

About Compass Box 

Compass Box is a blending company founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director for the Johnnie Walker brand. Their core range consists of The Spice Tree, The Peat Monster, Oak Cross, Asyla and Hedonism blends, and they regularly produce limited editions as well. The company prides itself on its boundary-pushing approach to its creations, and on occasion, boundary-crossing creations, such as the original Spice Tree in 2005 which was banned for its use of suspended staves in casks.

They have gained worldwide attention, including from the single-malt oriented collectors impressed by the whisky makers skill in marrying whiskies together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.    

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