Whiskey fans and collectors alike have always been captivated by the allure of rare and vintage bottles. Over the years, certain whiskeys have fetched astronomical prices at auctions, turning them into liquid gold. Here, we delve into luxury spirits, showcasing the 15 most expensive whiskeys ever sold.
Isabella’s Islay
Isabella’s Islay Original Whiskey, produced by Scotland’s Luxury Beverage Company, features a decanter adorned with over 5,000 diamonds, nearly 300 rubies, and the equivalent of two bars of white gold. This cask strength whisky offers crisp taste notes with touches of toasty woodsmoke and fresh malted barley. Encased in a wooden box, this single malt scotch is the world’s most expensive whisky, priced at $6.2 million.
The Emerald Isle Collection
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Fabergé created a $2 million whisky gift set featuring two bottles of the oldest triple-distilled Irish liquor from Bushmills. The set also includes a Fabergé Celtic Egg made of emeralds and 18k gold, a 22k gold chronometer, and a Cohiba Siglo VI Grand Reserva cigar with a gold-plated cutter. In 2021, proceeds from The Emerald Isle Collection were donated to children’s cancer research, making it the most pricey inaugural release for any whisky company.
The Macallan 1926 Fine & Rare 60-Year-Old
It formerly held the crown for the most expensive whiskey ever sold, fetching $1.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2019. Purified in 1926 and bottled in 1986, this extraordinary spirit is renowned for its rich complexity and depth of flavor. The bottle itself, adorned with a label designed by renowned British artist Sir Peter Blake, further enhances its allure. This sale solidified Macallan’s reputation as a leader in the high-end whiskey market.
The Dalmore 62-Year-Old
A single bottle of The Dalmore 62-Year-Old sold for a record-breaking $194,000 in 2011. This rare single-malt Scotch whisky was distilled in the mid-19th century and aged in various casks. Each bottle from this exclusive series was uniquely named, with this particular one called “Matheson,” honoring the distillery’s founder. Its rarity makes it a coveted item among collectors.
The Macallan M
This whisky was presented in a stunning crystal decanter and fetched $628,205 at a Hong Kong auction in 2014. This exceptional whiskey, with its deep amber hue and complex notes of dried fruits and spices, was crafted from a blend of some of the rarest casks at The Macallan. The decanter, designed by Lalique, is a masterpiece featuring six facets to represent the Six Pillars of The Macallan.
The Macallan 64-Year-Old in Lalique
In 2010, a bottle of The Macallan 64-Year-Old in Lalique sold for $460,000, with proceeds benefiting charity. This unique decanter, crafted by Lalique, contains whiskey aged for over six decades in sherry-seasoned oak casks. The intricate design of the decanter, combined with the rich and complex whiskey inside, makes it a true collector’s item.
The Dalmore 64 Trinitas
It is a single malt scotch made from very old and rare whiskies, sold for over $100,000 per bottle in 2010. Only three bottles were ever produced, making it incredibly rare. Named “Trinitas,” which means “triad” in Latin, this whisky was a unique and luxurious product.
The Balvenie 50-Year-Old
The Balvenie 50-Year-Old, esteemed for its outstanding quality and scarcity, debuted in installments from 2019 onwards. Its market value fluctuated depending on the specific edition, from $32,000 to $40,499. Matured within European oak sherry hogsheads, it presents a multifaceted array of flavors. Every bottle is uniquely numbered and housed in a meticulously crafted wooden case, enhancing its prestige.
Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series
In May 2022, Bonhams Hong Kong sold a record-breaking Japanese whisky collection, Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series, for $1.5 million. This 54-bottle set, released between 2005 and 2014, represents a card deck. Founded in 1941 near Tokyo by Isouji Akuto, the Hanyu distillery was closed by his grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2000 after saving 400 casks. These casks were used to create the prized Full Card Series.
The Yamazaki 55-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky
Released in 2020 by lottery in Japan, it is the oldest Japanese whisky ever sold, with only 100 bottles available initially. These calligraphed bottles, adorned with gold dust and lacquer, later reached international markets, selling for $780,000 in 2022. Vatted from Mizunara and American White Oak barrels, it has a woody note that enhances its bitter-sweet flavor. The bottle, wrapped in handmade Echizen washi paper and secured with a 24-strand plaited cord, highlights its rarity and justifies its high price.
The Dalmore Decades No6 Collection
The only complete set of The Dalmore Decades liquor, with releases from 1951, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, and 2000, was sold to an Asian collector for $1.1 million. Each bottle in the set features a bespoke silver-collared crystal decanter displayed on an illuminated pedestal with black oak, polished chrome, and sterling silver. In 2021, The Dalmore donated $123,540 from the sale to the V&A Dundee Museum in Scotland as part of their partnership.
Johnnie Walker Diamond Jubilee Whiskey
Crafted by John Walker & Sons in 2012 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year, the Diamond Jubilee whisky features creamy vanilla, spice, and slight fruitiness. Priced at $227,700, it blends grain and malt distilled in 1952, the year of her accession. The whisky is encased in a diamond-shaped Baccarat crystal flask with a half-carat diamond in a Britannia silver collar.
Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection
This alcohol was distilled at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, and aged for 55 years. After emptying the cask in 2001, there was only enough liquid for 11 bottles, making it an extremely rare whisky. In 2016, at the Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh, it became the most expensive single malt ever sold at a Scottish auction house with a price tag of $157,520.
The Glenlivet 50-Year-Old Winchester Collection
The Glenlivet 50-Year-Old Winchester Collection, with an average price of around $27,200, is a rare and exquisite whiskey. This limited-edition release of only 150 bottles worldwide, named after former Master Distiller Alan Winchester, offers a rich and complex flavor profile. The official tasting notes mention apricot jam, ripe peaches, toasted almonds, milk chocolate, and orange, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
The Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old
It is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to craftsmanship. While a specific sale price for 2018 isn’t readily available, current retail prices can range from $34,000 to $40,000, depending on the retailer. This whiskey, aged in American and European oak casks, offers a balanced blend of flavors, including honey, oak, and spice. Its deep amber color and rich character make it a standout among aged whiskeys.
