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New Vibrations

Collectors

ANCIENTS & MODERNS

Venerable whiskies and rums, rarities from long-lost distilleries, exclusive releases with breath-taking packaging..., collector’s items, whether antique or modern, are an inextricable part of La Maison du Whisky’s history. From the very first Scotch single malts imported in the 1960s to the co-creation of limited-edition releases with prestigious brands, La Maison du Whisky accompanies the collectors trend and galvanises it through Fine Spirits Auction , the online spirits auction platform launchedin 2021. This chapter is dedicated to collector’s items from past and present, with a selection of whiskies and rums specifically produced for the French market. Among them are five whiskies released between the 1960s and 1980s, which will be available for tasting at the Whisky Live Paris 2023. The selection also displays the new Académies Collectors chapters. This range was launched in 2022 to provide access to historical bottles to the greatest number of people: six whiskies and old rums sets, imported on the French market by La Maison du WHisky. Two exclusive releases round out the chapter: a pair of Chichibu single-casks in a wooden case by Japanese designer Shinichiro Ogata, and a very rare Neisson hand painted jeroboam from the future Armada 2000 cuvée. These one-of-a-kind items will be put up for auction — alongside other rarities — at the final Fine Spirits Auction event of 2023.

FRENCH SPECIAL EDITIONS

Two countries have historically dominated the worldwide market for collectible whiskies: Italy and the UK. For decades, releases from these two markets have exemplified the variety and quality of the production of yesteryear, the ‘old times’ style so beloved by enthusiasts. These releases are also a testament to the incredible work of local distribution undertaken by importers, which were often small, independent, family-run businesses operating in a fragmented and highly competitive market.

Thanks to recent prospection efforts by a number of auction houses (Fine Spirits Auction among them), French releases are slowly being rediscovered, revealing the extent and effervescence of the French distribution network in the 1970s and 1980s. Five releases from this period have been selected to illustrate these endeavours, thus honouring the legacy of four distribution companies: SNPA, Auxil, Corade, and E.P.J.

    FRENCH IMPORTERS

    SNPA (La Maison du Whisky)

    Founded by Georges Bénitah and his two brothers in 1956, SNPA – better known as La Maison du Whisky – was entrusted with the distribution of many brands of blended and malt whiskies in the 1970s and 80s. Highlights include Ireland’s Paddy, and Scotland’s Springbank, Caol Ila, Bowmore, Tamnavulin, Glendullan, and Glen Garioch. SNPA was the distributor of bottling ranges from Gordon & MacPhail, Douglas Laing, and Signatory Vintage, and is as such a respected player in the world of independent bottling.

    AUXIL

    Auxil played a major role until its exit from the business in the mid-2000s. It carved out a space for itself on the market for rare and prestigious whiskies as early as the 1980s, with the Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glen Garioch distilleries in its portfolio among others. Bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail and Signatory Vintage entrusted the company with several ranges under different labels (Celtic Label and Dun Eideann). Around 1990, Auxil obtained distribution rights for Springbank and independent bottler Cadenhead.

    Corade

    Corade’s history is not well documented. It is thought to have been founded in 1974 in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, before moving to 14 rue Grammes in the 15th, in 1981 or 1982. The company distributed single malt brands Bruichladdich, Speyside, and The Macallan, losing the distribution rights in late 1987.

    E.P.J.

    E.P. Joas, which had its headquarters 4 bis rue du Bouloi in Paris’ first arrondissement and its storehouses in Bercy, was in the 1960s and 70s the sole French importer for Ainslie.

        FINE SPIRITS AUCTION, EXCEPTIONAL BATCHES

        In 2020, La Maison du Whisky moved into the auction market with the launch of Fine Spirits Auction (FSA), in partnership with leading European auctioneer iDealwine. This initiative gives a growing community of French and international enthusiasts access to rare spirits, on a reliable and safe platform. In order to better serve collectors browsing its hundreds of items, the platform has been significantly updated in 2023: the website now includes a new function to track the auction prices of spirits over time.

        Each of FSA’s auctions is packed with limited editions, single malts from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland, but also with agricole and molasses rums, calvadoses, cognacs, and Armagnacs of antique vintages, and rare bottles of chartreuse. Exclusive bottles share the stage with truly affordable items. The platform especially spotlights releases bottled by French importers both defunct and active, and releases specifically produced for the French market such as this Chichibu x Ogata Paris boxed set in its wood case and the Neisson Armada 2000 (3 litres), a unique bottle, hand-painted by the artist Carole Aurore.

        Created by designer Shinichiro Ogata, the Chichibu boxed set contains two single-casks distilled in 2014, which are available exclusively at some of the greatest bars and restaurants in France and worldwide. FSA is the only exception, with a one-of-a-kind edition of this boxed set going under the hammer, as well as the Neison Jeroboam, at its 22nd auction event, to be held between 17 November and 8 December 2023. Enthusiasts and collectors: consider yourselves warned.