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Scotch industry donates rare whiskies for cancer charity auction
More than 100 rare Scotch whiskies will go under the hammer this week to raise funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity, including a Bowmore 1980 and a Rosebank 1989.
The Scotch whisky industry has donated more than 100 rare bottles for the charity auction
The collection, which is valued at approximately £110,000 (US$136,000), will feature rare bottlings donated from distilleries such as Bowmore, Bunnahabhain and Rosebank.
Run by Perth-based Whisky Auctioneer, the online auction will run from 13-23 September. Whisky Auctioneer is waiving its seller fee and donating its buyer commission to the charity.
The auction was inspired by former Edrington chief executive Ian Curle, who was treated by the clinicians at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Scotch whisky industry to come together and raise a lot of money for a world-leading cancer centre,” said Curle. “The whiskies donated demonstrate the true spirit of one of Scotland’s best-known industries.”
Among the collection is a bottle of the Bowmore 1980 Queen’s Cask 21 Year Old Golden Jubilee, donated by brand owner Beam Suntory. The rare bottle is expected to fetch a record sum.
In 1980 a cask of whisky was filled to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Bowmore Distillery on Islay. In 2002, the Queen requested that the cask was bottled to commemorate the Golden Jubilee. A select number of bottles were delivered to various Royal Palaces, while a small few went into Bowmore’s archive. To date, only 10 bottles have been seen at auction.
South African drinks group Distell also contributed Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old Beatson Sherry Cask, which was specially bottled for the auction.
In addition, Ian Macleod Distillers donated the Rosebank 1989 Beatson Single Cask 29 Year Old. It is the first release from the silent distillery since Ian Macleod acquired it in October 2017. The whisky was drawn from cask number 2477 for the auction.
Iain McClune, Whisky Auctioneer founder, said: “We are excited by the prospect of working in partnership with the Scotch whisky industry to not only provide support and a platform to raise money for such an important cause, but also to raise awareness of Beatson Cancer Charity’s incredible work.”
Martin Cawley, Beatson Cancer Charity CEO, added: “Without the wonderful generosity of our supporters, Beatson Cancer Charity could not continue to support the thousands of patients and families facing cancer every year.
“The money raised from this auction will allow us to invest in a better future for cancer patients and their families.”