Unveiling Whisky’s Finest at Sotheby’s September Auction

Sotheby’s September Whisky & Whiskey auction hosted on Sept. 15 presented a remarkable collection of rare and collectible bottles from esteemed distilleries across Scotland, America, and Japan.

Leading the sale were several bottles from The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection, renowned as one of the most iconic ranges of Scotch whisky ever produced, with vintages dating back to 1938. Complementing these treasures are other rare releases from Macallan, including full, original cases of The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak distilled in 1967 and 1968.

From the American whisky scene, standout lots include the Old Rip Van Winkle 23 Year Old Decanter, distilled in 1986, and Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Family Reserve Gold Wax, bottled in 1999.

The inception of the Fine & Rare series in 2022 gave birth to the world’s most valuable bottle, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, although not available at the auction, it symbolizes the immense value of the entire Fine & Rare range. Each expression within this collection has been meticulously hand-selected by The Macallan’s expert whisky-makers, ensuring an unrivalled combination of value, quality, and rarity, solidifying its position as a pinnacle of the whisky industry.

Spanning from the 1920s to the 1990s, the Fine & Rare vintages showcased not only a diverse range of years and age statements but also their limited availability. Among these exceptional bottles is the oldest in the series, aged for 60 years in oak and released as one of just 14 bottles. This series captivates whisky enthusiasts not only with its historical significance but also with the exclusivity of each expression.

The September auction, now closed, presented an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire some of the rarest and most coveted bottles on the market. With lots sold without reserve, this auction caters to both newcomers and seasoned collectors, providing an accessible avenue to build a remarkable whisky collection of their own.