William Grant and Sons, who own big name brands including Glenfiddich, Hendrick's and The Balvenie, have released details of an online charity auction which will start next month.
The auction is being held as part of their UK #Standfast campaign - a relief effort to support the on-trade community in the immediate future and on an ongoing basis.
The Standfast auction will raise funds for charities, The Drinks Trust and The BEN Scotland, both of whom offer support and services to those working in the industry.
The William Grant and Sons team have searched the archives of Hendrick’s Gin, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Monkey Shoulder, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore D.E.W., Grant’s, Drambuie, Ailsa Bay and Reyka Vodka, to create a catalogue of over 300 items to auction.
These include rare and aged liquids, unique virtual and in-person experiences and bartending essentials perfect for budding cocktail creators.
Some of the highlights include:
An exclusive Glenfiddich Single Malt never intended for public sale.
A hand-crafted Morgan vintage-style sports car from The Balvenie.
The chance to join the longest-serving malt master of any distillers in the industry, The Balvenie’s Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, alongside his Apprentice, Kelsey McKechnie, behind the scenes in their Blending Lab.
A bottle of Glenfiddich Cask Collection Finest Solera, presented in a hand-blown Baccarat decanter.
A raffle prize of an at-home cocktail party with the impressive Monkey Shoulder mixer truck.
Gin fans can bid on experiences, such as being the first to visit the Hendrick's Gin Palace, and meet master distiller, Lesley Gracie.
Cocktail enthusiasts will be able to bid on a Monkey Shoulder cocktail Konga Shaker, sets of Tullamore D.E.W. tumbler glasses, jiggers and Sailor Jerry cocktail shaker kits.
And, with the nation still embracing virtual interactions, there are also a range of online experiences, which have been devised by the team's award-winning ambassadors that will give access to behind the scenes experiences from home.
Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “This auction comes at a time where the drinks and hospitality industry is in need of assistance more than ever.
"We are truly grateful to William Grant & Sons for creating this one-of-a-kind #STANDFAST Charity Auction, which is set to deliver much needed support to our industry which has been affected by the pandemic like no other.”
Chris Gardner, CEO The BEN in Scotland added: “It’s heart-warming to have received such support from leading spirits brands for workers who’ve seen significant impacts to their livelihoods.
"We are grateful to see such best-loved brands stepping up and bringing our community together in such a time of need.”
The auction runs from 19–28 July 2020, online at Whisky. Auction.
Registration to bid is £5 and includes a raffle entry to win an at-home cocktail party with the Monkey Shoulder mixer truck.
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