Whisky & the London Olympics
In 2012, the world focused on the London Olympics and the reelection of President Barack Obama.
Macallan's Sherry Oak 18 Years Old stood out in the whisky world, offering a classic profile that pleased purists and newcomers alike. The consistency and richness of this expression made it a high-value collector's item. Another standout was the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old, which played a pivotal role in placing Japanese whisky on the global map.
Among independent bottlers, Douglas Laing's Big Peat series gained traction with its Christmas Edition, a cask-strength, heavily peated blend of single malts from Islay. Another highlight was the Antique Lion Spirits, an independent bottler specializing in ultra-rare, antique whiskies.
Their releases became instant collector's items, often appreciating in value rapidly. The year 2012 showed that whisky could be a stable, enjoyable investment even in fluctuating times.