UK: Morrison Bowmore Distillers falls short at Bowmore 1957 auction

By Andy Morton | 11 October 2012

The Bowmore 1957 is valued at about GBP100,000 (US$155,000)

Morrison Bowmore Distillers has failed in its first attempt to auction off a bottle of the oldest Scotch whisky from Islay at a charity auction in Edinburgh yesterday (10 October).

The Bowmore 1957, valued at about GBP100,000 (US$155,000), did not reach its reserve price at Bonhams auctioneers, the distiller said. The auction remains open for another week and a second is scheduled for New York City on 28 October.

All proceeds from the auctions will go to five Scottish charities, including Alzheimers Scotland and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“Whilst we came close to reaching the minimum reserve today, we couldn't accept anything less, especially with all proceeds going to our chosen charities,” Morrison Bowmore said.

The release of the Scotch was announced last month and only 12 bottles exist. Eight are on public sale at the Bowmore distillery on Islay while the remaining pair will be stored in the Bowmore archives.

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Sectors: Corporate social responsibility (CSR), Spirits

Companies: Morrison Bowmore