The Prestonfield House Legacy

Isolated from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s capital by twenty acres of idyllic country park, Prestonfield House Hotel offers opulent five-star accommodation for visitors to Edinburgh. What better location, then, for whisky companies to wine and dine prospective clients and distributers from around the world? 

During the 1980s it was common for visiting distillery representatives to bring along a few samples to these meetings in order to demonstrate to clients how their flagship blends were created. This piqued the interest of Prestonfield’s Assistant Manager at the time, one Andrew Symington. Impressed by the complexity and depth of flavour displayed by these single malt whiskies, Symington sensed an opportunity and moved to source some casks that could be bottled exclusively for the Hotel. And what casks they were!  

During the late 1980s Prestonfield bottled an intimidating selection of 1960s and 70s vintage Bowmore, not to mention Springbank and GlenDronach. These exceptional whiskies have become iconic, must-have expressions for collectors and connoisseurs alike, and laid the groundwork for Andrew Symington’s highly successful independent bottling company, Signatory, which he founded in 1988. 

This month we’re excited to be able to offer a comprehensive selection of Prestonfield House exclusive releases. Highlights include a 1966 vintage Bowmore aged for 21 years (lot 107, estimate £3000 to £4000) and two bottles of 20 year old Springbank distilled in 1972 and 1967 respectively (lots 104 and 108). These bottles were acquired directly from Prestonfield House by the vendor and have remained in their collection for nearly forty years. Whiskies of this pedigree are only becoming rarer, so don’t miss out on your chance to add these to your collection.  

McTear’s is the longest-established auctioneer of whisky in the world. Entries are invited for this international auction. For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact our specialist on 0141 810 2880 or whisky@mctears.co.uk.