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Introduction

Scotch Whisky Auctions is an online whisky auction business in Glasgow. With premises on Lancefield Street, in central Glasgow, the business operates out of two large warehouses. With monthly auctions, national bottle collections, and international bottle submissions, Scotch Whisky Auctions is currently the largest online whisky auction site in the world.

History

SWA was founded in 2010 by Glaswegian entrepreneur Thomas Gardiner. Gardiner had been buying and selling whisky at auction for several years when he began to be disgruntled by large auction house commissions. With small profit margins and stagnant localisation, Gardiner decided to utilise and harness the benefits of the internet, and SWA was born. Working initially out of a small shop in Finnieston, Gardiner began auctioning Scotch, and the company grew from strength to strength. SWA now hosts monthly auctions online which have seen upwards to 7000+ bottles per auction – and indeed Scotch Whisky Auctions is currently the largest online whisky auction site worldwide. From humble beginnings the company now employs 25 full time staff, and continues to grow rapidly.

Process

Every month there is a call for submission, whereupon bottles descend upon SWA from all over the world. Once a bottle is delivered to SWA it works its way through the ‘book-in’ department, where it is checked in for sale. Next, the bottle passes through the photography and description department, where it is expertly photographed and described in detail by the experienced team.. Once the bottle has been documented it is uploaded onto the site, whereupon it waits for the auction to commence. The auction lasts ten days and bids come in from all over the globe. Once a bottle has been won by a successful bidder, the bottle is packaged and despatched to its new home.

The Whisky Boom

Over the last twenty years whisky has seen a huge increase in global interest. What used to be merely a local currency in the Highlands, whisky is now an incredibly precious global commodity. Markets continue to grow and interest in the liquid gold isn’t restricted to consumption. In fact, the art of whisky investment is viewed by many as an increasingly sound and secure form of investment.

Philanthropic Interests

Through SWA, Gardiner is passionate about sharing his success and so supports local charitable causes including Blameless -formed to help the chikdren and families of those suffering with addiction.

Sponsorship

Since ‘2014’ SWA have been an official sponsor of Hamilton Academical Football Club and in 2018 they furthered this with shirt sponsorship sponsorship of the under 18’s. In addition to this SWA currently sponsors Cumbernauld Rugby Club, Cumbernauld Ladies Rugby Club, Clydebank Rugby Club and Tayforth Ladies Shinty Team.