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‘Largest’ private whisky collection could fetch $5m

The “world’s largest” private whisky collection to be offered at auction is expected to sell for around US$5 million when it concludes in June 2021.

Some bottles from the Duncan Taylor Tantalus series have never been seen at auction before

Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection comprises of more than 9,000 bottles from 150-plus Scottish distilleries, as well as Bourbons and bottlings from Europe and across the globe.

The first part of the collection went on sale through Whisky Auctioneer on 25 September and will run until 5 October. The initial sale includes a selection of American whiskeys. Due to its size, the collection will be offered across multiple auctions between now and June 2021.

The series features bottlings from sought-after Japanese distilleries Karuizawa and Hanyu, Scotch whisky distillery Daftmill and aged expressions of Bowmore, Port Ellen, Caperdonich and Highland Park from the Duncan Taylor Tantalus series, some of which have never been seen at auction before.

Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, said: “The entire collection has an estimated hammer price of approximately US$5 million, however the focus for starting the project was never on ultra-premium priced whiskies. The value of the collection lies in its completeness, with many of the most lauded series from some of the finest distilleries in the world featured here in their entirety.

“The story behind how the collection started is an intriguing one. The collector came from not even enjoying whisky to becoming hooked and he pursued with zealousness this journey to not only collect, but also gain knowledge and experience in the world of whisky.

“The upcoming auctions are a unique opportunity for whisky lovers old and new to start or complete a collection and for me, it is this accessibility that sets Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection apart from others we have seen. It goes against the grain of whisky only being for experienced connoisseurs, and is a collection for everyone, accessible to all, and most importantly, something to be enjoyed.”

Unique collection

Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection has been accumulated over a period of 15 years by an anonymous collector who is only known as ‘Pat’.

“I have always fought against whisky snobbery and wanted to create a collection for drinking and enjoying responsibly,” the collector said.

“Good whisky can be discovered literally anywhere and come at any price, wherein lies its beauty. The significance of this wide range of whisky styles, from single malts to grain and blends, is that it’s unlikely anybody will ever be able to replicate such a collection on the open market without directly acquiring large private collections. Many bottles included will simply never or at least rarely be available again. I was fortunate to start my collection at the time I did.

“Collecting started off with the Douglas Laing Old and Rare Platinum Selection and grew from there. The collectability of this library is essentially a trinity of the liquid quality, the presentation, artwork and packaging and an interesting or unique concept behind each series.”

Whisky Auctioneer will also offer drinkers the chance to join an exclusive club offering insider access to the collection, called Pat’s Whisk(e)y Club.

Whisky Auctioneer also sold the first part of ‘The Perfect Collection’ in February 2020, which at the time was the world’s largest private whisky collection to be offered at auction with 3,900 bottles.

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