New York, NY – April 30, 2019 – Acker, the world’s leading auction house of rare and fine wines, announces its first spirits auction devoted to rare whiskies and cognacs. The company’s foray into prestige spirits is in response to a white-hot market among global consumers and collectors. Titled “Acker Distilled,” the inaugural event, to be held on May 11 at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong, will feature a wide range of aged Scotch—the oldest of which dates to 1928, with several produced during war time, representing an era of rare distillations. People who cannot attend in person can also bid live online on all offerings from anywhere in the world via AckerLive, and traditional absentee bidding is also available.
Of the impressive cognacs on offer, the oldest dates to 1858, and several were distilled in the 1920s. A special offer will feature the iconic Kentucky Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle, in a full set (seven) of coveted bourbons including the very rare 25 Year Old. This curated package includes lunch and a VIP tour for six people at the distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky in 2020, and an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a private cask purchase process of the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery.
“This is truly a rarefied offering that speaks to cult collectors of what is one of the world’s most exciting distilleries,” said Acker Chairman John Kapon. “The global fan base for this limited-production bourbon is enormous and we’re thrilled to offer this unique package to the lucky bidder who wants a real-world experience of what’s considered one of the world’s most coveted bourbons.”
Other bottle and lots highlights include Hennessy 8 in a Baccarat-designed decanter, Macallan 1950 Fine and Rare, Macallan 1951 Fine and Rare, Balvenie 50 years old 2018 release, Macallan 1945 – 68 years – Spey Malt, Hennessy 1868 First Lading Cognac, Croizet Cognac 1858, and Hine Cognac 250th Anniversary.
Acker’s auction leverages recent research that reports the global whiskey market is expected to enjoy an annual growth of 5.3% for the next five years, according to an industry report by ResearchAndMarkets.com.
“That growth by any measure, is promising, so we have strong faith in extending our reach to the adjacent collectible-spirit segment,” Kapon said. “For many years, we have offered an incredible list of rare and finest spirits in our auctions. It is now the time to affirm to our client base that we have the experience and expertise to assess and offer the world’s finest spirits. This not only reinforces our position as the world’s leading wine auction firm, but also makes loud and clear that we are a source for the world’s finest spirits.”
As with all Acker events, the inaugural spirits auction will be conducted in true Acker style, with a pre-event tasting, and promises a high-spirited ride through an offering of world-class bottlings.
“If you are a serious collector of spirits, May 11 at the Grand Hyatt or via AckerLive is where you want to be,” Kapon said.
Announcement of the auction follows last month’s company rebrand and logo redesign, part of a year-long program leading to the company’s bicentennial celebration in 2020. Established in 1820, Acker has been the world’s leading and largest wine auction house for more than a decade. The family-owned company operates a retail wine shop in Manhattan, offers wine education workshops and tastings, and fine and rare wine concierge services in Hong Kong and New York.
About Acker
Established in 1820, Acker is the oldest wine shop in America and the world’s largest fine and rare wine auction house. The third-generation of the wine-merchant family, Acker Chairman John Kapon started the auction business in 1998, pioneering the market in Hong Kong, and elevating it to the world’s No. 1 wine auction house. A master taster and auctioneer, Kapon conducts more than 15 live auctions each year, with online auctions held each month, broadcasting to major Asian cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo, with collectors around the globe participating in real-time bidding.
For more information on Acker’s upcoming auctions, or to consign a collection, please visit www.ackerwines.com.
