Alan, tell us about this new collection service, available through The Whisky Shop Auctions.

After years of refining our auction service, Auction Manager Chris knew the time was right to "get on the road." This bespoke home collection service means we're able to collect customers' whisky bottles directly from their doorsteps and deliver them straight to our auction house in Glasgow.

It's a fantastic service because it eradicates any kind of worry for the customer - especially when sending high value bottles. We've also found that it's a particularly popular service for customers who wish to sell a larger collection.

What are the advantages for customers?

One of the biggest advantages is that we're able to pick up larger collections that would have otherwise been a bit of a nightmare to send via courier.

The packing process is also extremely easy. We simply ask customers to pack their bottles safely and clearly display their name on each of their boxes. Once we have collected their boxes, customers can relax knowing their bottles are insured, and that there is no possibility of the parcel going missing or arriving damaged.

Further to this, this service is currently free, however we do have a minimum pick up amount of ten bottles, or minimum pick up value of £1,000.

How can customers arrange collection of their bottles?

Collection can be arranged simply by calling our auction house on 0141 427 2950, sending the team an email at [email protected], or getting in touch via social media.

If easier, customers can also contact their local branch of The Whisky Shop in the first instance.

Which routes does the home collection service cover?

There are no restrictions on route. Typically, the van will leave Glasgow and travel down the east coast of the UK, before meeting up with the team in London. All of the London bottles will then be loaded before the van heads back up to Glasgow, this time via the west coast.

But as I said, there are no restrictions, so get in touch regardless of where you are in the UK, and we'll soon be on the road to you.

You must meet some interesting people and collectors along the way?

Definitely. We whisky collectors and enthusiasts are always looking to chat about rare whisky and exchange tips on what the next hot investment is (while trying to stay on schedule!).

What has been the most spectacular bottle you have picked up so far?

There have been so many, and these often take you by surprise - from very old Dalmores to Fine and Rare Macallans. One of my all-time favourites has to be a Bowmore Bicentenary 1779. Beautiful presentation!

What's your on-the-road playlist? 

I like easy-listening music, as well as lots of tracks from the 70s and 80s, but when I'm on the open road it has to be The Travelling Wilburys.

How about your favourite part of the country to drive through?

I have to say my homeland of Scotland, however on one particular collection route I travelled through the Peak District and I was blown away.

When did you first get a taste for whisky?

I discovered whisky late in life when I was invited to a tasting event and from that day, I was hooked!

I love a big, bold, sherried dram. I'm drinking Bowmore 18 Year Old Feis Ile 2021 at the moment. It's a beautiful combination of smoke and sherry.

Do you buy and sell whisky at auction?

Yes, I often buy whisky at auction, especially limited released which are much harder to get hold of today. Auctions are also great for finding little gems from closed distilleries.

Are you a whisky collector? If so, tell us about some of your most prized bottles.

I've been a whisky collector for several years now, and a couple of my most prized whiskies are Karuizawa bottlings that I picked up early on. Being originally from Perth, I also have a small collection of 50s and 60s blends and malts from my hometown - bottlings from Dewars, Bell's and Matthew Gloag.

As well as using The Whisky Shop Auctions' home collection service, can customers still drop off their bottles and pick up their winnings in-store?

Yes, now that we're returning to a little bit of normality, we're seeing more and more auction bottles once again being collected from store via the "Click and Collect" option online. We have 20 stores across the UK, do it may be more convenient for you to drop off and pick up your bottles from your local brand. Whatever works best for you, we're here to help.

The original feature is from the Summer 2021 edition of Whiskeria, delivered to the door of W Club subscribers and also free with any Whisky Shop purchase in store or online. Click here to read the full Summer 2021 issue of Whiskeria online for free.