Now that you are an expert from reading our previous blog 'A Guide to Whisky for the Non-Whisky Connoisseur', this one follows well… It is a well known appreciation, especially of us Scots to occasionally enjoy a glass of our finest export- whiskey!
Here is a list of some of the most expensive whiskies in the world- we are sure it will be no surprise where the origins of the best whiskies come from, because let's face it, we Scots for it best!
1. Macallan 1946 – £285,000
Macallan 1946
This single malt whisky in a LaliqueCire Perdue decanter was auctioned in 2010, with the proceeds going to charity. It is particularly unusual because it was made with peated malt due to the then-prohibitive coal prices that shot up because of World War II. This is a classic Macallan and one of the best ever released.
2. Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 – £58,000
Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955
Glenfiddich had a barrel of Scotch whisky aging since New Year’s Eve of 1955. When the granddaughter of Glenfiddich’s founder William Grant, Janet Sheed Roberts, passed away, the company honoured her by making 15 bottles from the barrel. Four bottles were kept by the family and 11 were sent to auction. A whisky connoisseur from Atlanta bought one of them for $94,000. The whisky has been recognised for its floral, fruity and sweet taste.
3. Macallan 1926 – £46,500
Macallan 1926
The oldest in Macallan’s fine and rare collection, this single malt was distilled in 1926 and bottled in to 40 in 1986. The blend is dry and concentrated with no water added. The colour reflects that of the old barrel. It was purchased in 2005 by a South Korean man.
4. Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Matheson – £36,000
Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Matheson
This is a blend of four single malt whiskies distilled in different years. Only 12 bottles were made in 1942, each of which was given individual names relevant to the Dalmore Estate. The most expensive was the Matheson, named after Alexander Matheson, the estate owner. It was purchsded in 2005 by an anonymous buyer who quickly opened it and drank it with five friends.
5. Glenfiddich 1937 – £12,400
Glenfiddich 1937
This is from Glenfiddich’s Rare Collection. It was distilled in Scotland in 1937 and left to age. The barrel was then opened and made into 61 bottles in 2001. The whisky is said to have a rich walnut colour with hints of cedar, cinnamon, cloves and toffee. The bottle was auctioned for charity in 2006, in New York.
Please note that all above prices have all been converted from dollars and simplified. These are some lavish hammer prices, see what
Hammer Highlights we had at McTear's recently, where the great whisky buying interest has led to bottles of Scotland's finest winging their way to all corners of the globe.
McTear's next whisky auction is one the Department is already looking forward to and preparations are already underway. Join the global whisky audience at 10.30am on 13th November for more collectable and drinkable whisky in our
Rare & Collectable Whisky, Wine & Port Auction. Furthermore, to discuss selling or buying whisky, wine and other spirits at McTear's, please contact specialists Stephen McGinty or Dominic Hughes on 0141 810 2880 or email stephern@mctears.co.uk ordominic@mctears.co.uk.
