James Martin’s 44 Years Old Fine & Rare – 1980 – Limited Edition 187/498 – 2024 Release
James Martin’s · Scotland · 700 ml
PortugalAn expert physically inspected this bottle before approving the listing.
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About this lot
A remarkable piece of Scotch whisky history and one of the rarest modern releases from James Martin’s. Distilled in 1980 and matured for an extraordinary 44 years, this James Martin’s Fine & Rare represents the oldest expression released by the historic Scottish house at the time of its introduction. Created from some of the last remaining stocks of James Martin’s whisky from the 1980s, this exceptional Blended Malt Scotch Whisky was selected from malt whiskies matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks, under the direction of acclaimed Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden. Released in 2024 exclusively for Portugal, the first edition was restricted to just 498 individually numbered bottles worldwide. This is bottle No. 187/498. The whisky is presented in an imposing Art Deco-inspired decanter with an embossed gold label and individually numbered plaque, accompanied by its original luxurious burgundy presentation case. The exceptionally long maturation produces a rich and complex profile, with notes associated with apricot, orange, dried fruits, intense spice, toffee and dates, complemented by mature oak and a deep, lingering finish. At 44 years of age, with only 498 bottles produced, this is far more than another old Scotch: it represents a surviving fragment of James Martin’s historic whisky stocks and an important modern collector’s release from a brand with an unusually strong connection to Portugal. Bottle details: James Martin’s Fine & Rare • 44 Years Old • Distilled 1980 • 2024 Release • Blended Malt Scotch Whisky • Bottle 187/498 • 70cl • 43% ABV • Scotland • Original presentation case.
The seller
The expert
André Bicho
Raised in Portugal and educated in the United States, André has spent two decades moving between cultures, languages and cellars. His passion for fine wine and spirits began with the great Ports and table wines of his home country and grew into a wider fascination with the craft, history and provenance behind every great bottle. When he isn’t tasting or sourcing, he can be found driving the back roads of Europe in search of small producers and the stories behind their labels.
Independently verified before listing