For those who appreciate the finer tipples in life, a bottle of the world’s “most sought-after Scotch whisky” sold for more than £2.1 million ($2.7 million) Saturday at Sotheby’s in London.
The Macallan 1926, considered the oldest vintage ever produced by Macallan, saw only 40 bottles crafted after maturing in sherry casks for an impressive 60 years, as revealed by the auction house.
Initially anticipated to fetch between £750,000 and £1.2 million ($934,274 and $1.4 million), the auction at Sotheby’s took a surprising turn. The coveted bottle exceeded all expectations, commanding a staggering £2,187,500 ($2,724,967). This remarkable sale not only surpassed the predicted range but also established a “new record for any bottle of spirit or wine sold at auction,” according to Sotheby’s.
Before the auction, Jonny Fowle, the head of whisky at Sotheby’s, shared his experience of sampling a small portion of the Macallan 1926. the finer tipples
“I tasted a tiny drop – a tiny drop – of this. It’s very rich, it’s got a lot of dried fruit as you would expect, a lot of spice, a lot of wood,” he remarked, emphasizing the exceptional nature of this whisky.
The exclusivity of the Macallan 1926 was further highlighted by the fact that none of the 40 bottles, filled in 1986, were made available for general purchase. Instead, some were selectively offered to The Macallan’s top clients, adding an extra layer of luxury and desirability. This exclusivity has been a significant factor contributing to the appeal and high value of these bottles, as indicated in previous sales and detailed on Sotheby’s website.