STARTING tomorrow (December 22) the third edition of the Ambassadors’ Whisky Auction will be raising cash for the Scottish drinks industry charity, The BEN.
Leading online whisky auction site, Whisky Auctioneer, will host the charity auction from December 22 through to January 9, with all funds raised – including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyers commission – going to support people of all ages who work, or have worked, in the licensed trade.
Whisky Ambassadors from across the UK have once again collaborated to raise awareness and funds for the Scottish BEN, which has been inundated with applications for support since the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the industry. The charity must generate funds annually, mainly from events and donations.
When the call to donate bottles of whisky for a BEN Christmas auction came this year, there was no hesitation from distillers. Trustee of The BEN and marketing communication manager of Ardnamurchan Distillery, Jenny Karlsson, said: “It was a late decision to go ahead with the auction this year, but after speaking with the team at Whisky Auctioneer we decided it would be possible to pull together a Christmas auction in a short period of time. I simply called on my fellow whisky industry colleagues and within days the donations started arriving in the office.
“I want everyone to know how generous this industry is, from writers, production managers, auctioneers and ambassadors, every single one wanted to partake in this event. We hope to raise a lot of money for The BEN, now we need your help to spread the word.”
Chief Executive at The BEN, Chris Gardner, added: “We are touched by the continuing support and generosity from the whisky industry in these extremely trying times. There are some fantastic bottles up for grabs and we thank everyone who has contributed once again.”
Among the lot list there’s a spectacular bottle from Glenglassaugh distillery distilled in 1967, a stunning award-winning Glenturret 30 year old and a couple of 1 of 1 bottles such as a cask sample from a Paul Launois cask at the Ardnamurchan Distillery and a 26 year old single cask bottle from Glenfarclas Distillery.
There is also the rather unusual donation of a retro 4.5 litre bar top bottle of 12 year old BenRiach which comes with its own pouring cradle. In total, there are 54 rare and diverse bottles of whisky available to bid for. Also donated was the 100th copy of the highly sought after book ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’.
Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, Joe Wilson, said: “It is a privilege to bring these lots to auction to support the brilliant work of The BEN, Scotland’s drink and hospitality industry charity. After two particularly challenging years, it is important that their cause is well supported and raises much-needed funds this winter.
“We are very thankful for the many bottles donated, and we’re sure they will generate much interest among whisky collectors and lovers globally.”
Online bidding will begin on Thursday 22 December and end Monday 9 January, follow this link for more information. To register for bids, visit whisky auctioneer .
