The Single Malt Fund Trading Company
31 October, 2021
2021 - Q3 Whisky Investment and Market Report
Welcome to the Q3 2021 Single Malt Fund Trading Ltd report, where we comment on the latest developments in the rare whisky as well as broader industry markets and give an update on our trading operations.
“Rare Whisky makes a strong “V” shaped recovery as demand remains robust”
Our friends at RW 101 published an 18-month report in September covering the period Dec 19 to June 2021 and the news was good for rare whisky investors. The main takeaways from the report were as follows;
Q3 Highlights
Rare Whisky 101 publish their
18-month report to June 2021
Diageo release their year-end
report to end June 2021
The Johnnie Walker Experience
opens in Edinburgh
Pernod Ricard announce the purchase of The Whisky Exchange
i) Apex 1000 in good health.
The Apex 1000 has recovered to + 9% to end June 2021 and is expected to end the year at + 17.5%. In the 18-months since December 2019, the Apex 1000 has performed very well v other alternative and traditional investment categories, as the growth data below clearly shows:
• Apex 1000 + 16%
• Gold + 16%
• Brent Crude +12%
• Live-ex FW 1000 +8%
• Diageo +8%
• FTSE 100 –7%
ii) Higher pric e points soften while mid-range prices appeal more.
The number of bottles sold at auction which were priced at over GBP 10,000 dropped from 530 in 2019 to 384 in 2020. Meanwhile, the GBP 250 to GBP 1000, and, more specifically, the GBP 250 to GBP 500 price points grew in share.
iii) The Macallan dominates volumes but not the investors favourite
The Macallan increased its market share of the volume of bottles sold at auction in the UK in the 18 months to end June 2021, with 43% share. However, The Macallan is ranked only 28th in the ranking of brands most favoured by investors. The top three ranked brands for investors were:
• #1 – Springbank
• #2 – Rosebank
• #3 – Dalmore
Dalmore rose to the top 3 for the first time in a long time due to limited edition and a sizeable backlog of aged releases. Other brands showing a significant growth in demand from investors are Glenury Royal, Port Ellen, Convalmore, Caol Ila, Glenfarclas, Glen Elgin, Oban.
iv) New Distilleries enter the top 30 collectors’ rankings
For the first time ever, new distilleries entered the top 30 rankings for collectors. And not one, but two, made the list; Daftmill and Ardnamurchan.
v) Other trends and forecasts for coming months
According to Andy and David at RW101, we are encouraged to look out for the following trends:
• A return of higher priced items as whisky as an asset class gains more support.
• Demand for silent distilleries continuing to grow as liquidbecomes rarer and rarer.
• Full collections becoming more valuable that the sum of the constituent parts.
Diageo recovery under way
Diageo published its annual report at the end of July / early august and the news was positive. After a decline in 2019, the company announced net sales growth of +8% (organic +16%), with North America leading the way with an organic YOY increase of 20%.
As well as some signs of hope for the beleaguered on-trade, Diageo highlighted a couple of things that are of particular interest to us. Firstly, that Scotch in China is “positioned for premiumisation” and, secondly, that e commerce is now a top priority.
Johnnie Walker Experience caps a record GBP 185 million investment in whisky tourism in Scotland.
The much-anticipated Johnnie Walker Experience, final opened its doors on Princes Street in Edinburgh in early September. Previously an eight-storey department store, the Experience is the culmination of a record GBP 185 million investment in whisky tourism, that has also encompassed the reopening of Brora distillery and the revamping of Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Clynelish visitor centres. With spectacular views over Edinburgh castle, we can say from personal experience that The Johnnie Walker Experience is sensational and is rightly the talk of the town and across the Scotch whisky industry right now.
Pernod Ricard surprise everyone with purchase of The Whisky Exchange
September also brought the sensational news that Pernod Ricard had bought The Whisky Exchange , a leading spirits online retailer. The amount paid for the business, which turned over c GBP 80 million in 2020, was not disclosed, although Jefferies investment bank estimated the value of the sale at GBP 500 million.
The Single Malt Fund Trading Activities in Q3 2021
• www.thesinglemaltshop.com starting to gain momentum
September was the first month when we had a full range of whiskies on the site, having finally got over some Brexit related logistics challenges, most notably a much wider selection of Scotch. As a result, sales doubled in Sep v Aug!
• Coming out of hibernation
After 18 months without travel, we finally got over to Scotland and London in September to visit suppliers and were very encouraged by the positive feedback on our site. We are now preparing a next round of orders to stock up for the festive period.
Slainte!
Ed Forrest
MD, The Single Malt Fund Trading Ltd.
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27 July, 2022
Yellow Spot single cask
The first ever Yellow Spot Single Cask. Harking back to the golden age of Irish Whiskey bonding, with 13 years in bourbon and re-casked into a Malaga cask. A nose of sweet cherries, vanilla and honeycomb, that leads into a silky palate of orchard fruits, treacle and delicate chocolate. A long warming finish. Simply wonderful.
27 July, 2022
Glenallachie Billie Walker 50th anniversary release
In celebration of Master Distiller Billy Walker’s half-century long career in the whisky industry, we are delighted to unveil the first in The Past, Present and Future Series: The GlenAllachie 50th Anniversary Past Edition.
27 July, 2022
Talisker 25-year-old
Shaped by ancient terrain, our volcanic nature reveals a new facet, every time the elements hit. Talisker 25 Year Old invites you to taste the earthy richness over and over as an enduring power echoes. A limited edition offering which makes the perfect gift or toast to a special occasion.
27 July, 2022
The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 years old
The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 years old forms part of our Sherry Oak range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. This special single malt delivers an intensely rich and full flavour character, citrus, dried fruits and wood smoke.
27 July, 2022
Glen Scotia 46 Year Old
The 46 year old marks our oldest release to date, with only 150 individually numbered bottles available worldwide. Originally laid down in refill bourbon casks. The finest have been carefully selected and re-casked in first-fill bourbon, before being finished in a single first-fill oloroso hogshead.
29 April, 2022
The GlenDronach 18YO Allardice
Named after the distillery founder this Highland whisky was matured in Oloroso casks and is another fine example of the sherry complexity that GlenDronach excels in.
29 April, 2022
Midleton Very Rare 2022
Combining whiskey aged between 12 and 33 years this Midleton Very Rare 2022 is the latest release from the pinnacle collection in Irish Whiskey. With delicate floral notes and vanilla on the nose, the palate releases caramelised apples and orange zest. The soft oak finish leaves you wanting more.
29 April, 2022
Caol Ila 24 YO 175th Anniversary
To celebrate the 175th anniversary of the opening of the distillery, this limited edition 24 year old Caol Ila has aromas that remind you of a campfire along with subtle spice notes. The palate is honied with light smoke.
9 August, 2021
Brora Triptych
Brora Triptych is a truly special one – assembling a set of the three eras that epitomise Brora. Each liquid a celebration of restoration and an ode to the rare characteristics that define Brora whisky; waxy, peated and earthy. A collection of three vintages that define Brora never before released at once, this is a true collector’s piece.
9 August, 2021
Suntory Hibiki 30 Years Old
Suntory shines again! Of all the Hibiki bottles, the Hibiki 30 Years Old is the cream of the crop. It was awarded at the International Spirits Challenge in 2004, 2006, and 2008, and received the coveted title of “World’s Best Blended Whisky” at the World Whiskies Award in 2007 and 2008. Comprising of grain and malt whiskies aged for 30 years and over, a dram doesn’t get much better than this.
9 August, 2021
Midleton Silent Distillery 46 Year Old
The second release in the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a 46-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1973 and matured in a single third-fill bourbon barrel. Aromas of apples, pears, lemon, oak spice, hazelnuts and worn leather fill the nose, complemented by notes of sweet red berries, star anise, ginger, malt and grapefruit throughout the palate and lingering in the finish.
30 April, 2021
Littlemill 29YO
Littlemill 29-year-old is the third release from the Private Cellar Collection, each crafted by Master Blender Michael Henry in Littlemill’s traditional Lowland ‘floral’ style. This latest release places emphasis on developing the wood character and only 600 bottles will be released across the world.
30 April, 2021
Karuizawa Noh 1981
Karuizawa is the gold standard of rare Japanese whisky. The distillery closed its doors in 2011, although it had not been producing whisky for over a decade. This bottle from the Noh series is from a single cask, distilled in 1981 and bottled 31 years later from single sherry butt #348. A very rare Karuizawa, with only 207 bottles ever released.
30 April, 2021
Glen Scotia 30 Year Old
Glen Scotia has gone and released another well-matured Campbeltown single malt – this time, they’ve bottled up an excellent 30 year old expression! It was drawn from European oak casks and bottled up at cask strength, with only 500 bottles produced. Incredible stuff from a marvellous distillery.
30 April, 2021
1988 Middleton Very Rare
The Midleton Very Rare series is incredibly popular with collectors and many are seeking to complete an entire range with every year spanning 1984 to the present day. Some vintages are harder to find than other. None more so than 1988, which is the real unicorn amongst Midleton Very Rares.
31 January, 2021
Black Bowmore 1964
The third of the three extraordinary Oloroso cask 1964 Bowmores released in the mid-1990s, this final batch was of 1812 bottles. With an almost unfathomable concentration and intensity of flavour, and with the perfect balance of fruit, peat and power, this whisky deserves the frequently overused ‘legendary’ tag and has assumed almost mythic status amongst whisky collectors and aficionados.
31 January, 2021
The Macallan 1984 18 YO Sherry Oak
An old, classic presentation of the 18-year-old Macallan, distilled in 1984 and exclusively matured in sherry oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, this one’s a beaut. Bottled at 43%, the desirable vintage showcases plenty of sherry influence, as expected, as well as signature Speyside notes.
31 January, 2021
Port Ellen 1978 2nd release
The second in Diageo’s series of annual Port Ellen bottlings, using the remaining stocks of this closed distillery. 12000 bottles were released in 2002 as a 24 year old whisky. Clean, sweet, powerful and smoky, this another classic Port Ellen expression that has a delicacy and less oaky style than other contemporary Islays.
31 January, 2021
The Dalmore Constellation Collection
A series of 21 vintage Single Cask Whiskies created in the Highland distillery between the years 1964 and 1992, and bottled at natural cask strengh.
31 January, 2021
Mortlach 35 Year Old 1936 – Connoisseurs Choice
A rare 35 year old Mortlach that was distilled in 1936 and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Connoisseurs Choice range in the early 1970’s and this was an Italian import bottling.
31 January, 2021
Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Bourbon
Distilled in the spring and fall of 1989 and stored on lower levels of a metal warehouse built in 1935 at the Van Winkle family distillery. In 2002 the barrels found a new home at Buffalo Trace and in 2014 the juice was dumped into stainless steel tanks to halt the aging process. And now, it’s ready for release. But only 11 barrels made the full trip, resulting in a mere 710 bottles.
31 January, 2021
The Glenfarclas Family cask collection
A custom-made cabinet in the form of a travel trunk, this extremely-limited collection contains fifty 200ml bottles, sampling every single Glenfarclas Family Cask vintage from 1954 until 2003.
31 January, 2021
Yamazaki 50 Year Old
Matured in the finest Japanese mizunara oak casks, the 50 year old is thought to be the oldest expression available from the distillery, which was established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii.
16 November, 2020
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Tree 6
Composed of Single Pot Still whiskey between 12-23 years old and matured initially in American oak barrels. This gorgeous whiskey is finished in native virgin Irish oak casks. These casks have been sourced from Bluebell Forest, Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny. Every bottle can be traced back to one of six different 130 year old Irish oak trees that were sustainably felled.
16 November, 2020
Midleton Very Rare 2018
The 2018 edition of the Midleton Very Rare vintages is a luscious whiskey and it comes in the new and suitably lavish packaging and bottle. Smooth, with notes of vanilla and fruit, it has a rich spicy pot still finish. Yet another fine example of the stunning quality coming out of Irelands leading distillery.
16 November, 2020
Midleton Very Rare 2017
From the most sought after collection in Irish whiskey comes this 2017 edition of the Midleton Very Rare Vintages. It comes in the last of the old- style packaging. It is a complex fruity whiskey, that culminates with a long spicy finish, a true pot still character.
16 November, 2020
Redbreast 27
After nearly 3 decades resting in casks that once held bourbon, sherry and ruby port comes the oldest ever release from Redbreast whiskey. The brand that continues to win the most prestigious awards for Irish whiskey has now created a stunningly rich and intense pot still whiskey. One of the pinnacles of whiskey from the island of Ireland.
16 November, 2020
Midleton Very Rare 1973 30 Year Old
Released in 2003 as a limited edition aged in three types of barrels- American oak, oloroso sherry butts, and port pipes. This special edition was carefully assembled by former master distiller Barry Crockett from some of the last remaining pot still whiskys from the Old Midleton Distillery. Only 800 bottles were made available.
We have secured the last remaining bottles from Irish Distillers, of this Midleton release.
16 November, 2020
Midleton 20th Anniversary Bottling
This is a commemorative edition issued on the 20th anniversary of the launch of the flagship Midleton Very Rare whisky. It is bottled at cask strength. The bottle comes with two crystal glasses with which to enjoy your whisky. Only 400 bottles were produced.
We have secured the last remaining bottles from Irish Distillers, of this Midleton release.
16 November, 2020
Dalmore 35 Year Old and Dalmore 40 Year Old
Thanks to our friends at Whyte & Mackay, we have taken up their offer of a few of these rare bottlings of this iconic distillery.
Released in 2016 and bottled at 40% abv, Dalmore 35 has aged in a Bourbon barrel, a Matusalem Sherry butt, and a colheita Port pipe.
Dalmore 40, released in 2017 from the Highland distillery has matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, before aging further in 30-year-old Gonzalez Byass Matusalem Oloroso Sherry butts. The whisky was then finished in first-fill Bourbon barrels.
French crystal house Baccarat was enlisted to design the hand-blown decanters, each decorated with The Dalmore’s 12-point stag emblem, which was created by Royal Warrant holders Hamilton & Inches.
These bottles are highly sought after by collectors world-wide.
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