Lindores Abbey Distillery is to auction one of its exclusive Australian casks to raise money for the victims of the devastating wildfires that continue to sweep the east of the country.
It will be the first time a cask from the Newburgh distillery will have been offered at public auction and all profits will be donated to two Australian environmental charities.
The cask, a 300 litre LPA American Hoggshead, was previously filled with Australian De Bortoli 15-year-old muscat and will be auctioned online through Whisky Auctioneer, who have waived their selling fees to support the charities – The SA Bushfire Appeal and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
The auction opens on February 28 and runs for 11 days, with bids accepted until March 9.
The winning bidder will be able to fill the cask themselves at Lindores Abbey and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour with manager Gary Haggart.
The auction price includes the cask, the whisky and 10 years of storage at the distillery.
The cask has been donated by Nebb Whisky Barrels, an Australian company that sources casks from wine producers in Australia, many of whom have had their businesses ravaged by flames.
A number of major wine growing regions have been affected by the fires, and both human and animal lives have been destroyed, including some 30,000 koalas.
Distillery owner Drew McKenzie Smith said: “We have been horrified by the images of devastation coming from Australia.
“We have many Australian members of our Preservation Society who kindly contribute to the upkeep and conservation of our abbey and its natural surroundings, so we feel compelled to do the same for them in their country’s time of need.”
Ian McLure, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, added: “We very much appreciate Lindores Abbey Distillery asking us to assist with the auction of this cask for charity.
“We have many customers in Australia and this is at least a small thing that we can do from afar to help the communities and wildlife that have been impacted by the destructive bushfires.
“Lindores Abbey Distillery is one of Scotland’s most exciting and innovative new distilleries and we are delighted to offer this unique opportunity to purchase a Australian De Bortoli 15-year-old Muscat cast and handfill it with new-make spirit.”
For more information on the auction and to register to bid, visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com
