12 bottles per lot
Details
RARE PRE-PROHIBITION WHISKEY FROM THE COLLECTION OF RICHARD MELLON SCAIFE
Throughout his long and storied life, Richard Mellon Scaife remained both iconoclastic and enigmatic. Celebrated for his philanthropic largesse, he supported causes ranging from environmental conservation, political thought, free speech and the fine arts. Scaife’s private collection, however, paints a more intimate portrait of a fun-loving man who found inspiration in whimsy and charm; a collector with a keen eye and an adventurous spirit.
This extraordinary cache of whiskey, which forms part of The Collection of Richard Mellon Scaife provides a singular glimpse into a prominent and influential American figure.
Old Overholt is one of the oldest distilleries in America that is still running today. Abraham Overholt began distilling his Rye Whiskey in 1810, and by 1812 had established a commercial distillery in West Overton, Pennsylvania where he produced Old Farm Pure Rye Whiskey. In 1860, Jacob Overholt, Abraham’s son and his cousin Henry Overholt built a second distillery in nearby Broad Ford, and it was here that the first Rye whiskey bearing the Overholt brand was distilled.
Old Overholt is a Straight Rye Whiskey, aged at least four years, but in the case of these older examples which were distilled before the commencement of prohibition, it is likely that the whiskey spent much longer in cask, leading to a richer style of whiskey.
Old Overholt is one of the most consistent styles of whiskey in America, and in the minds of many, was one of the most characterful and elegant Rye whiskies that were distilled at the beginning of the 20th century. The whiskey was distilled in a large, wooden three chamber still (a hybrid between a pot and column still) from a mash bill of rye and barley malt and aged in heated warehouses.
We are delighted to offer this rare collection of multiple original wooden cases of ‘Overholt’ Rye Whiskey, it is without doubt the most important collection of Pre-Prohibition whiskey Christie’s have ever sold. The whiskey comes from the private collection of Richard Mellon Scaife, whose ancestor Andrew Mellon, once owned a share in Old Overholt distillery. The whiskey was stored in private cellars for the entirety of its life. The bottles are all one quart sized and presented in original wooden cases (banded before Specialists’ inspection). This whiskey was probably bottled after 10-14 years in oak barrel, possibly in 1919 as a hedge against Prohibition (it was perhaps re-bottled later). It was not bottled for commercial purposes: the vintage dating on bottle along with the fact that there is no other detail relating to ABV indicates this was bottled for the family.
Tasting Notes
Nose: notes of cedar, resin and allspice. More spice character than grain; Christmassy preserved, sweet spices. Very bright and clean.
Palate: Initial notes of cedar and sweet spice consistent with the nose, followed by pleasant waves of sweet grain character. Warm, dry and very long finish, not too wood-dominated, with a good deal of grain developing late. Very clean and extremely rich for an American rye whiskey. A very good whiskey.
Apparent proof: 45-50% vol. David Wondrich 09/08/2015
Please not that lots containing spirits may only be shipped within New York State, internationally where permitted, or picked up in person at our warehouse or Rockefeller Plaza offices.
Overholt, Rye Whiskey 1904
Broad Ford, Pennsylvania
All lots with levels 3.5cm or better below base of neck; corroded caspules, remains of torn and bin soiled labels
All in original wooden cases, banded prior to Specialist inspection
12 bottles per lot
Throughout his long and storied life, Richard Mellon Scaife remained both iconoclastic and enigmatic. Celebrated for his philanthropic largesse, he supported causes ranging from environmental conservation, political thought, free speech and the fine arts. Scaife’s private collection, however, paints a more intimate portrait of a fun-loving man who found inspiration in whimsy and charm; a collector with a keen eye and an adventurous spirit.
This extraordinary cache of whiskey, which forms part of The Collection of Richard Mellon Scaife provides a singular glimpse into a prominent and influential American figure.
Old Overholt is one of the oldest distilleries in America that is still running today. Abraham Overholt began distilling his Rye Whiskey in 1810, and by 1812 had established a commercial distillery in West Overton, Pennsylvania where he produced Old Farm Pure Rye Whiskey. In 1860, Jacob Overholt, Abraham’s son and his cousin Henry Overholt built a second distillery in nearby Broad Ford, and it was here that the first Rye whiskey bearing the Overholt brand was distilled.
Old Overholt is a Straight Rye Whiskey, aged at least four years, but in the case of these older examples which were distilled before the commencement of prohibition, it is likely that the whiskey spent much longer in cask, leading to a richer style of whiskey.
Old Overholt is one of the most consistent styles of whiskey in America, and in the minds of many, was one of the most characterful and elegant Rye whiskies that were distilled at the beginning of the 20th century. The whiskey was distilled in a large, wooden three chamber still (a hybrid between a pot and column still) from a mash bill of rye and barley malt and aged in heated warehouses.
We are delighted to offer this rare collection of multiple original wooden cases of ‘Overholt’ Rye Whiskey, it is without doubt the most important collection of Pre-Prohibition whiskey Christie’s have ever sold. The whiskey comes from the private collection of Richard Mellon Scaife, whose ancestor Andrew Mellon, once owned a share in Old Overholt distillery. The whiskey was stored in private cellars for the entirety of its life. The bottles are all one quart sized and presented in original wooden cases (banded before Specialists’ inspection). This whiskey was probably bottled after 10-14 years in oak barrel, possibly in 1919 as a hedge against Prohibition (it was perhaps re-bottled later). It was not bottled for commercial purposes: the vintage dating on bottle along with the fact that there is no other detail relating to ABV indicates this was bottled for the family.
Tasting Notes
Nose: notes of cedar, resin and allspice. More spice character than grain; Christmassy preserved, sweet spices. Very bright and clean.
Palate: Initial notes of cedar and sweet spice consistent with the nose, followed by pleasant waves of sweet grain character. Warm, dry and very long finish, not too wood-dominated, with a good deal of grain developing late. Very clean and extremely rich for an American rye whiskey. A very good whiskey.
Apparent proof: 45-50% vol. David Wondrich 09/08/2015
Please not that lots containing spirits may only be shipped within New York State, internationally where permitted, or picked up in person at our warehouse or Rockefeller Plaza offices.
Overholt, Rye Whiskey 1904
Broad Ford, Pennsylvania
All lots with levels 3.5cm or better below base of neck; corroded caspules, remains of torn and bin soiled labels
All in original wooden cases, banded prior to Specialist inspection
12 bottles per lot
Special notice
ParcelWineThis lot is offered without reserve.