The BEN Whisky Ambassador’s Auction 2022/23
Whisky Ambassador’s and Whisky Auctioneer Raise Vital Funds for Drinks Industry
Jenny Karlsson, December 2022
This is the third edition of the Ambassadors’ Whisky Auction that takes place in benefit of the BEN (the Scottish Drinks Industry Charity). The BEN has partnered with the world's leading online whisky auction site, Whisky Auctioneer, to host the charity auction from 22 December - 9 January. All funds raised will be donated to the charity, including Whisky Auctioneer's buyers commission.
Whisky Ambassadors from across the UK have once again collaborated to raise awareness and funds for the Scottish BEN. The charity supports people of all ages who work, or have worked, in the licensed trade with beneficiaries receiving annual financial assistance as well as discretionary one-off grants for emergency situations. The BEN 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 to participate. 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.”
Chris Gardner, Chief Executive at The BEN also 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 you’ll find a spectacular bottle from Glenglassaugh distillery distilled in 1967, the 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 a rather unusual donation of a retro 4.5 litre bar top bottle of 12 year old BenRiach which comes with its own pouring cradle. Also donated was the 100th copy of the highly sought after book ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’. 54 rare and diverse bottles of whisky are available to bid for from the 22nd of December.
Joe Wilson - Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, 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 .
More form Dave Broom:
It’s the time of year when a happy glow envelops us as we catch up with friends. Our glasses are topped up, the food arrives, the staff quietly tend to our needs as we enjoy ourselves.
Hospitality is part of being human, a way of binding a community together. We work best when we gather together to share, drink, and eat. For millennia there have been people standing at our shoulders filling our cups.
We benefit, but what of the staff? After we’ve left they are the ones who clear up, clean the bar and toilets, restock the shelves, work those long hours for low wages. They’re the drinks trade’s front line. Want to know about that bottle of whisky, that wine, what the beer’s like? Who do you ask? The person serving you. They are the true ambassadors.
The hospitality industry has had a tough year. Pubs and restaurants are closing, staff are working longer hours, money is tight, businesses are on the brink, stress is ever-present. This Christmas we can help, by supporting The BEN.
For over 150 years, the BEN has been providing financial, social and emotional support for the Scottish hospitality trade. It can provide grants for business in trouble, give financial help, support with mental health issues, assist with education, find jobs. It helps people irrespectiuve of age. It’s a lifeline, but it too has come under pressure this year with more people turning to it for help.
We can help in the best way possible. One that brings cheer to us and our friends - buying a great bottle of whisky at an auction and then sharing it with friends, while the money raised goes to the charity. You could say that everyone BENefits.
The aim is to raise £20,000 from 54 lots. Who wouldn’t want to share a Bunnahabhain 40 year old, or 30 year olds from Glenturret and Dalmore (the latter from Brave New Spirits). There’s a one-off 26 year old Glenfarclas bottled for the auction, and a 45yo Glenglassaugh Massandra Collection originally released in 2012.
Interested in newer names? There’s an Ardnamurchan one-of-one from a Paul Lanois cask, hard to find bottlings from Daftmill, Dornoch, Lochlea, and Glasgow; and if there’s a large gathering what about a 4.5 litre 12 Year old BenRiach? Rum lovers can get into the act by bidding on a rare a 21 year old Long Pond bottled by Elizabeth Yard. The full list is here and the auction goes live on 22nd Dec.
Keep that happy glow by helping others.
About the BEN
The Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Benevolent Institution was founded in Glasgow in 1864 while the East of Scotland Licensed Trade Benevolent Institution was established in 1887, before the two organisations merged in 1976 to form the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland - now commonly known as The BEN. https://www.bensoc.org.uk/
Offering financial, social and emotional support, The BEN has a large board of trustees from every section of the Trade, who work throughout Scotland and volunteer their time to help raise funds, manage the charity and support the delivery of services for beneficiaries.
The Ben is here to help anyone in need in our industry in Scotland. Follow this link to donate to The BEN Life Time Appeal.
About Whisky Auctioneer
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Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform, to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.
