Distillers One of One Scotch Whisky Auction Arrives in December

By Marie-France 14.10.2021

Sotheby’s will hold the first of three biennial Scotch whisky auctions in partnership with The Distillers’ Charity on December 3.

Photo credit: William Grant & Sons

At the Distillers One of One auction, Sotheby’s will offer “ultra-rare” experiences and scotch whisky. Proceeds will help fund a trust set up by The Distillers’ Charity, focused on helping disadvantaged young people in Scotland by “transforming their life chances and empowering them to create positive change”.

Sotheby’s has now revealed the lots that will go on sale, with estimated prices for the whiskies ranging from £1,500 ($2,000) to £500,000 ($680,000). All of the bottles have been donated by Scotch whisky producers.

Jonathan Driver, master of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, said, “The generosity shown by the Scotch whisky industry in coming together to create these truly unique lots available for this historic sale has been humbling. Countless young people will benefit for years to come thanks to the results of the auction.”

“It is a testament to the spirit of the people working in both the family businesses and global companies that have contributed to this momentous occasion.”

Featured Scotch Whisky

One of the highlights of the auction is a Talisker Cask of Distinction 1978 Scotch whisky, which is expected to fetch between £350,000 ($475,772) and £500,000. This is the first time a bottle of Cask of Distinction has appeared at auction.

The Talisker whisky is accompanied by a cask transformed into a work of art by Scottish painter Callum Innes.

William Grant & Sons has provided three lots of Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Ladyburn, all over 50 years old. A Glenfiddich collection of four bottles from the 1950s is expected to sell for between £220,000 ($299,000) and £350,000.

Meanwhile, Beam Suntory is offering two full casks of Glen Garioch and a bottle of the first 51-year-old vintage released by the Bowmore distillery on Islay. Aged in a 1970 hogshead cask, Bowmore Onyx is bottled at 47% ABV, and is estimated to sell for between £100,000 and £180,000 ($136,000 and $244,000).

The Glen Garioch cask lot comprises a 31-year-old 1990 cask and an en primeur cask distilled in 2021.

The Glenturret offers a Lalique decanter bottle containing a selected malt whisky from 1987 sherry casks, along with an invitation to the distillery for a dining experience.

In addition, Gordon & MacPhail has donated a tour of its distillery, which will include a tasting of malt casks from the 1940s and 1950s. The winner will get two bottles from a cask of their choice, one of which will be in a unique decanter.

Jonny Fowle, spirits specialist at Sotheby’s, added: “This landmark sale, bringing together such significant donations from so many world-renowned brands, demonstrates the strength of community spirit in the Scotch whisky industry.”

“To bring this number of exceptional whiskies to auction, from unique bottles to rare cask offerings, and all for a good cause, is reason enough to raise a toast to all involved.”

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.