Auction site dedicated to rum launches

Scotland’s Whisky Auctioneer has launched what is thought to be the first online auction platform for buying and selling rum.

Rum Auctioneer managing director Ian McClune

According to the Perth-based auction house, the launch of Rum Auctioneer “will transform the secondary rum market”.

Whisky Auctioneer created the dedicated rum platform in “response to the increasing numbers of rum appearing in their regular auctions” and its “hugely successful” inaugural Rum Auction in May 2019.

The monthly auctions will feature an “unrivalled selection of rare, unusual and interesting rum of varying ages and styles, sourced from around the world”.

The inaugural auction will include a full cask of Port Mourant MPM 2010 Barrel #2 and a rare bottle of Saint James rum, distilled in 1885.

Iain McClune, managing director of Whisky Auctioneer and Rum Auctioneer, said: “The rum market is an exciting and dynamic place currently.

“Over the past two years we have seen the volume of rum consigned to our monthly whisky auctions increase by over 70% and the value of rum sold increase by over 80%.

“A once underrated spirit, rum has now developed a devoted following who are searching out rarer and more unusual bottlings and premium offerings from our auctions.

“With our established reputation as specialist auctioneers and our in-depth knowledge of the drinks industry it was a natural move to launch a dedicated website to meet this demand.

“In fact, even before our first auction has gone live we have already seen over 1,000 registrations on the new Rum Auctioneer website.”

Industry expert Ian Burrell will partner with Rum Auctioneer as a blog writer for the site and as a behind-the-scenes consultant.

The Rum Auctioneer’s Inaugural Auction went live on 30 August and will close on Monday 9 September.