As you all know, Christmas comes once a year, but for a select few, November 7th is the real holiday showstopper.. This yearly happening is considered the ultimate must-do for lovers of top shelf spirits and extremely old and rare whiskies from around the world.
This year’s feature was a $36,000 bottle of Glenfiddich 50-year-old single malt (limited to one bottle - and was the first to be purchased). The ultra-rare Highland Scotch has been called the “crowning glory” in the Glenfiddich collection and comes in an exquisite hand-blown bottle, individually numbered in wax. Additionally, says BC Liquor Stores, the roster for the 2015 release includes the Glenglassaugh 51 year old – 1963 vintage, and Port Ellen 35 year old, as well as “extremely limited and sought-after bourbons from Kentucky, as well as whiskies from Ireland, Wales and Canada.”
Aside from the Glenfiddich 50, the real reason whisky enthusiasts waited for days in the rain - was for the very rare Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve collection.. This years "celebrity" enthusiast goes by the name of Greg (who wouldn’t provide his last name because he was skipping work to be at the event - and we don't blame him!) arrived on Tuesday, November 3rd to ensure his first seat in line was spoken for. He drives up from Seattle and has been doing this trek for the past 3 years.. Needless to say, I was very curious about who he was and the stories he had to share. Having only spent 10 minutes talking to Greg, I learned very quickly that his experiences and the impressions he left with many other enthusiast were just as rare as the whiskies around us. His personality and generosity were so grand - he brought people to tears when they had to say farewell until next year.
Among some of the others in line were the likes of Tony Hii and Bruce Langereis (Owners of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia) who were hoping to land some fine whiskies to add to the menu at the hotel’s Prohibition bar. Let's just say that $36,000 bottle of Glenfiddich and the entire Van Winkle Family Reserve will have a nice place to sit along side their already impressive top shelf collection.
Rest assured, it’s not only booze with massive price tags that were part of the 2015 release lineup. Spirit lovers were also able to find stuff in the $50 to $200 range as well. So, if you want to do some early holiday shopping - we definitely recommend stopping by while select supplies are still available.
- Nick Harborne, Creative Director
