A couple from the Welsh borders admitted to being ‘gobsmacked’ as they watched their £35 purchase from the 1990s achieve £1,750 at Brightwells’ recent auction of Fine Wine and Whisky. The bottle of Macallan 1970 vintage 18 year old had been stored in a drinks cabinet for over 20 years. The husband and wife are not whisky drinkers so it had stood undisturbed at the back of the cupboard, they were unaware it had increased 50 times in value! The bottle was sold to a private collector from Worcestershire who fought off rival bidders from London, France and Hong Kong.

Brightwells’ Head of Wine Sales, Paddy Shave said ‘Interest in rare Malt Whiskies has never been higher. We also had a bottle of Talisker 1957 cask strength which sold for £1,650, the investment market for Whisky is very strong at the moment.’

Brightwells’ sale of Wine, Port, Champagne and Whisky on 24th May attracted buyers from all over the country and a number from overseas. The sale room was well attended with many others bidding on the internet, by telephone or on commission. A large section of French Wines featured many of the top Chateaux from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. Highlights included 12 bottles of La Mission Haut Brion which sold at £1,350. 9 bottles of Echezeaux 1988 from Domaine Romanee Conti sold for a total of £6,470. A large selection of Vintage Port attracted much interest: 12 bottles of Cockburns 1955 sold for £800 and a single bottle of Offley Boa Vista 1950 achieved £160. In all the sale clearance rate was over 80%

Brightwells’ next sale of Wine, Port, Champagne and Whisky will take place on 6th September. For information about buying or selling wine at auction please contact Paddy Shave on 07974 929487 or [email protected]