The Rarest Bottle of Japanese Whisky Ever to Come to Auction

Unique 52-Year-Old Karuizawa, “The Prototype,” to Headline Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey Sale

One of Only Two Bottles Ever Drawn and Hand-Bottled Directly from Cask #5627 Prior to Commercial Release

Estimated at $400,000–600,000, Among the Most Valuable Japanese Whiskies Ever to Come to Market

“This is one of those bottles that I have been trying for years to hunt down. It’s a career highlight for me just to come into contact with it. Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627 represents the very pinnacle of Japanese whisky, and this particular bottle is the rarest example of what this legendary distillery ever produced. Its age, extraordinary scarcity and historical significance come together to make this the most important Japanese whisky bottle to come to market in recent years. As one of only two bottles ever hand-bottled directly from Karuizawa’s oldest cask, this represents a key moment that would change the face of Japanese whisky collecting forever.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits 

NEW YORK, September 2026 – A uniquely rare bottle of Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627, known as “The Prototype,” will lead Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey auction on 18 September, presented as part of Sotheby’s Nightcap series at the Breuer. Estimated at $400,000–600,000, the bottle is expected to be the highest-value lot among the Nightcap offerings and represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire what is today regarded as one of the most coveted Japanese whiskies in the world.

Distilled on 1 February 1960, Cask #5627 was the oldest cask in Karuizawa’s inventory when the remaining casks were acquired following the distillery’s closure. Karuizawa ceased distilling at the end of 2000 and, following a subsequent change of ownership, the distillery itself was ultimately demolished. With no possibility of Karuizawa ever producing whisky again, the remaining casks became a finite and constantly diminishing source of one of Japan’s most sought-after whiskies.

Cask #5627 contained very little liquid when it was acquired, ultimately yielding just 41 commercially available bottles of the celebrated Karuizawa 1960 vintage. Matured for 52 years, the whisky was the oldest Japanese whisky ever bottled at the time of its release. Each bottle was labelled with traditional Japanese washi paper and individually identifiable by a carved wooden “netsuke” character.

Before this 1960 Hogshead was disgorged, however, two bottles were drawn directly from the cask and hand-filled into glass, each on a separate occasion. The bottle offered at Sotheby’s was filled on 20 December 2012, before the commercial 1960 vintage was bottled, making it one of only two bottles ever drawn and hand-bottled directly from Cask #5627 prior to its commercial release. It is therefore known as “The Prototype.”

The bottle was hand-filled by Osami Uchibori, Karuizawa’s legendary final Master Distiller, who had worked at the distillery since 1960, the year Cask #5627 was distilled. Its label was completed by hand and is accompanied by a certificate, also handwritten and signed by Uchibori, confirming that he filled this rare bottle. The Prototype liquid was drawn at a notably higher strength of 58.3% ABV, compared with the 51.8% ABV of the “standard” version of the 1960.

The cask also has a remarkable auction pedigree. In March 2020, a Karuizawa 52 Year Old Zodiac Rat Cask #5627 sold at Sotheby’s London for £363,000 (approximately US$435,273), ranking among the highest prices ever achieved at auction for a single bottle of whisky at the time and setting a record for the Karuizawa brand.

More than a decade after its release, Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627 remains a landmark in the history of Japanese whisky. With its extraordinary age, extremely limited production, pre-release bottling and direct connection to Osami Uchibori, the bottle embodies the rarity, craftsmanship and heritage that have made Karuizawa one of the most sought-after names in collectible whisky.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building in New York City, featuring Marcel, 945 Madison Avenue – a new continental restaurant designed by Roman & Williams.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

The Provenance Behind the Collection

Iron Gate Fall Fine Spirits Auction Opens September 14, 2026

Iron Gate Auctions will open its Fall Fine Spirits Auction on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT, presenting Canadian collectors with an exceptional selection of rare and highly collectible whiskies. The timed auction runs through Monday, September 21, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights include, the famous 1975 Glenmorangie Cote de Nuits Wood Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, silent still gems like the 1966 Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Banff Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 101 Proof and the vintage bottlings of Macallan 18 Year Old.

Behind every remarkable whisky collection is a story.

For many of the consignors featured in Iron Gate’s Fall Whisky Auction, collecting began not with an investment strategy, but with a genuine passion for whisky—the spirit itself, along with its history, craftsmanship, stories and the community that surrounds it. Over the years, a personal passion evolved into a significant collection.

One of the most rewarding aspects of bringing these collections to auction is discovering the stories behind them: what first sparked a collector’s interest, where their journey took them, and which bottles became particularly meaningful along the way.

Iron Gate captures that history through the Provenance section accompanying every lot, providing a glimpse into the people, places and experiences that shaped each collection.

One collection in the Fall auction is particularly Memorable

Nearly 40 years ago, a trip to Scotland for his sister’s wedding unexpectedly changed the course of one collector’s life. During a visit to a centuries-old pub, he discovered that its new owner was clearing out old inventory, offering bottles from a display high among the ceiling beams for just one pound a dram.

What followed was an extraordinary introduction to Scotch whisky. Among the bottles being served were rare expressions dating to the 1930s, including remarkable Macallan releases. Over five days, he had the opportunity to experience whiskies that would later become highly sought-after by collectors around the world. A lifelong passion was born.

When he returned to the pub several years later, those historic bottles were gone—a reminder of just how fortunate that first encounter had been.

Over the following decades, his passion grew into a collection of more than 900 predominantly unique bottles. He acquired whiskies during travels throughout Scotland, on journeys as far afield as New Zealand, through auctions, and as a member of a local whisky club, where friendships and access to exclusive and unusual releases further shaped his collecting journey.

As his palate developed, his appreciation increasingly gravitated toward the distinctive character of peated Islay whisky, with Ardbeg becoming a particular focus.

The collection eventually became part of the fabric of his home and offices—a personal shrine to decades of discovery and a tangible record of his passion for whisky. Now, after finally running out of space, he has decided that the time has come for these bottles to begin their next chapter.

For the consignor, the whisky may be moving on, but the memories remain: the travels, friendships, discoveries and experiences accumulated over a lifetime of collecting.

Every bottle has a history. Sometimes, the story behind it is as compelling as the whisky itself.

Auction Details
Event: Iron Gate Fine Spirits Auction
Start: September 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. EDT
End: September 21, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Format: Timed online auction

Catalogue: Iron Gate Fine Whisky Auction-23465

Please note that a buyer’s premium of 19.5% applies to this sale. The auction is operated under license by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis and under the applicable Alberta auction license.  Shipping is arranged across Canada using third party shipper, Calgary Shipping.  Flat rate fees for certain postal codes.

About Iron Gate

Iron Gate provides fine wine and spirits auction services for collectors across Canada, combining specialist expertise with a commitment to provenance, trusted handling, and a seamless online bidding experience.

Spirits Contact
Ajay Bhardwaj, VP Spirits Iron Gate Auctions
Email: ajay@irongate.wine

SEPTEMBER 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Our September Auction is now underway, bringing together a selection of rare and sought-after whiskies, including a particularly special piece of Macallan history. The Easter Elchies expressions were released annually and exclusively through the distillery from 2008 until the final expression in 2013. Produced in exceptionally small numbers, these single-cask releases have become highly sought-after, particularly for their rarity as cask-strength Macallan bottlings. Distilled in 1996, this 2013 expression is the final release in the six-part series. With just 386 bottles produced, it represents an exceptionally rare example of Macallan’s single-cask heritage and a fitting highlight for the September Auction.

Another standout lot of the September Auction is this distinguished Glenfarclas 1974, distilled at Glenfarclas Distillery and matured in Sherry Butts before being bottled in 2001 as part of The Family Malt Collection. A fine example from this era of the distillery, this vintage expression has earned an impressive 91/100 on Whiskybase, highlighting the quality and character associated with Glenfarclas of the period.

Another notable highlight is this Aberfeldy 19 Years Old Manager’s Dram, distilled at Aberfeldy Distillery and bottled at cask strength in 1991. The Manager’s Dram series comprises annual releases made available to workers across the distilleries now within the Diageo portfolio. Each year, a single distillery was selected, with its manager entrusted to choose the finest casks for the release, which was then bottled in limited numbers at cask strength. A fascinating example of Aberfeldy from an earlier era, and a distinctive piece of the distillery’s history.

Another highlight is Balvenie Rose, released in 2008 and named for the story of Margaret Douglas, the Fair Maid of Galloway. According to legend, King James II of Scotland allowed her to remain at Balvenie Castle in exchange for an annual payment of a single red rose. Available exclusively to visitors at the end of their Balvenie distillery tour, the expression quickly became a popular and highly limited release. Bottled at cask strength, only 426 bottles were produced. A distinctive piece of Balvenie history, combining an intriguing local legend with an exceptionally limited bottling.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our September Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more exceptional bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 20th September. Make sure you’re registered and ready to bid on your favourite drams – you have to be in it to win it!

A very warm welcome everyone to our now live 183rd auction!  We have a truly tremendous selection of bottles available this month from every corner of the whisky-producing world, so no matter where your tastes lie we are sure to have something to pique your interest.  And with literally thousands upon thousands of bottles to choose from we thought it prudent to pick out a few that have caught our eye to help you build your watchlist.

Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2025 Release

Macallan Fine and Rare 1949 52 Year Old

Launched in 2002, Macallan’s flagship Fine & Rare range showcases nearly eight decades of the distillery’s history. Comprised of expressions created using some of their oldest stocks, this particular bottling is the Macallan Fine & Rare 1949 52 Year Old.  Distilled in late spring 1949 this distinguished old dram has spent a remarkable five decades ageing in a single 1st fill Sherry hogshead before finally being bottled in 2002.  Despite its heavily sherried looks Macallan describe it as “peaty in character” making this the very embodiment of the sweet peat flavour profile so popular in today’s market.

Suntory Hakushu 1984 Distillery Treasured Pure Malt

From Suntory’s mountain distillery which is found deep within the forests of Mount Kaikomagatake, this is the Suntory Hakushu 1984 Distillery Treasured Pure Malt.  Distilled at Hakushu Higashi in 1984 and then aged exclusively in sherry casks in warehouse no.2 of the famed Yatsugatake Ageing Cellar, this is an example of Japanese whisky at its finest, sweet, smooth and luxurious.  A treasured malt indeed and surely of interest to the ever-swelling number of Japanese whisky collectors across the globe.

Glenlivet 1938 Gordon & MacPhail 26 2/3 Fl Ozs

And finally, we have a pre-war gem from one of Scotland’s heavyweight distilleries, this is the Glenlivet 1938 Gordon & MacPhail 26 2/3 Fl Ozs.  Gordon & MacPhail have been bottling whisky for over 120 years and have garnered an enviable reputation for quality releases, and this is most certainly one of them.  There is something uniquely attractive about the understated branding on this one, harking back to time when the whisky did the talking, not the ever more ornately decorated packaging.  A time capsule of a whisky, given it’s been 88 years since it was initially distilled.

As always, we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Whisky & Whiskey | Featuring The Wax Top Collection

Live Auction, 3 – 18 September

From left to right: Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon #8 “Chocolate Monster” 25 Year Old 90.2 Proof 1981 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $13,000–18,000), A.H. Hirsch Reserve 18 Year Old 46.5% ABV 1974 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $20,000–30,000) & Bowmore ARC-54 Year Old 44.3% ABV 1968 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $40,000–60,000)

The Wax Top Collection, a meticulously curated offering of 328 bottles, represents the single largest collection of Willett Family Estate ever to come to auction at one time. It offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most sought-after bottles from one of America’s most revered whiskey labels.

The wider sale features more than 250 additional bottles, spanning a comprehensive selection of Pre-Prohibition (pre-1900s) and Prohibition-era whiskeys, rare and collectible Scotch, and an impressive array of sought-after Japanese single malts.

Among the highlights of The Wax Top Collection are rare Willett Family Estate Single Barrels and the ever-sought-after “Epic Ryes,” including Doug’s Green Ink (est. $10,000–15,000 each) and Iron Fist and Velvet Glove (est. $10,000–15,000 each).

Also featured are the cherished 4/6/1993 vintage Willett Family Estate barrels, a mythical run of high-age-statement bottlings that are exceptionally well known among Willett collectors. Highlights include the Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon “The Wheated Patriot” 21 Year Old (est. $7,000–9,000), as well as several exceptional Wheated A, B and C Barrels that have never previously appeared at auction, including the highly sought-after C70A (est. $7,000–10,000).

Another standout is the exceptional array of A.H. Hirsch offered in the sale, including an A.H. Hirsch Reserve 18 Year Old 46.5% ABV 1974 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $20,000–30,000). A.H. Hirsch occupies a uniquely revered position among American whiskeys, prized not only for its rarity and exceptional provenance, but also for its place in the history of American distilling. All aged Hirsch was distilled in 1974, a pivotal year in the history of American whiskey and a landmark vintage for collectors.

The sale features a remarkable 21-bottle single-owner collection, titled “Acquired from The National Distillers Museum Collection”, with all proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen. Among its highlights is a Mount Vernon Rye 1874 (est. $4,000–6,000), acquired by the consignor in 1993. The bottle’s label offers a fascinating connection to William Henry Fearing (circa 1844–1904), a prominent New York wine merchant and broker active in the late 19th century. Fearing’s name has also been identified on bottles of Madeira dating from the same period.

The wider sale includes two charity lots. The Very Olde St. Nick Estate Reserve Vintage Collection A is a one-of-a-kind collection of three large-format bottles of Very Olde St. Nick 17 Year Old. Presented in a 1-litre format for the first and only time, the three bottles are housed in a reclaimed chestnut wooden case created especially for this auction. Proceeds from this lot will benefit The Big Wave Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Half Moon Bay, California, which provides lifelong housing, day programmes, and a supportive community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Bowmore ARC-54 Year Old 44.3% ABV 1968 (1 Bottle, 75cl) (est. $40,000–60,000) will also be offered, with proceeds benefiting The Foundation of Hope. Aged for more than half a century in exceptional casks within Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, ARC-54 is an extraordinarily rare expression reflecting generations of distilling expertise. Housed in a visionary design that looks boldly to the future, ARC-54 brings together exceptional provenance, craftsmanship and rarity in a multidimensional expression of remarkable depth and intensity.

TWO DECADES IN THE MAKING: DEFINITIVE JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION COMES TO AUCTION

The world’s No. 1 Scotch whisky brand is chronicled through more than 3,200 bottles, miniatures and pieces of memorabilia assembled by one collector over twenty years. 

Whisky Auctioneer will hold a landmark sale this September featuring the largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnnie Walker ever brought to auction. Offering collectors, and dedicated followers of the Striding Man, the unprecedented opportunity to explore the history of one of the world’s most recognisable Scotch whisky brands through more than 3,200 bottles, miniatures and pieces of original advertising and memorabilia, the auction will run from 11-21 September.

At the heart of the collection is the 20 year story of Frans Op den Kamp, whose Johnnie Walker journey began in 1999 with a $130 bottle of Blue Label bought on his way home from a business trip to New York. Over two decades, his fascination evolved into an encyclopaedic knowledge of the brand, with fellow collectors and industry figures turning to him for help dating, valuing and authenticating bottles.

Frans Op den Kamp, collector and consignor, commented:

“Johnnie Walker has been a constant companion throughout my collecting journey. What began with a bottle of Blue Label bought in 1999 grew into more than two decades of learning and travelling from discovering rare market-specific bottlings to bringing together the full story of Johnnie Walker across a century.

“Parting with the collection is certainly not easy, but I feel I have achieved what I set out to do. I hope these bottles find their way to collectors who discover something that resonates with them, whether that’s a particular whisky, a moment in Johnnie Walker’s history or simply the thrill of the hunt. Most of all, I hope it inspires a renewed appreciation for the art of blending and the story of Scotch whisky.”

The collection spans more than a century of Johnnie Walker history, from early 20th-century Old Highland Whisky bottlings through to sought-after modern limited editions and ultra-rare releases. The archive forms a complete visual and physical record of the brand’s evolution from the twentieth century, comprising more than 1,600 full-size bottles, over 600 miniatures, and more than 1,000 original pieces of advertising and memorabilia.

Highlights among the historic archive include pre-1968 corked Black, Red, and Swing bottlings, as well as rare single malt bottlings from Cardhu, Talisker, and Mortlach that explicitly reference John Walker on their original labels. Beside these historic gems sit highly prized modern releases, such as the 1805 Celebration Blend – crafted to mark the 200th anniversary of John Walker’s birth, with only 200 bottles ever gifted to individuals recognised for “significant contributions to modern life”, and the ultra-exclusive Signature Blend by Jenson Button, created by the Formula One world champion and limited to just 25 bottles sold by private invitation in Shanghai.

Consigned from California, the collection has been brought to Scotland, where Whisky Auctioneer’s team is carefully cataloguing, photographing and preparing the archive for its global audience of collectors. The sale builds on Whisky Auctioneer’s experience handling significant private collections from around the world, including The Perfect Collection, which was consigned from Colorado and became the most valuable single-owner whisky collection ever offered at auction at the time.

Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“What makes this collection so fascinating is the completeness of the story it tells. Johnnie Walker’s history goes far beyond the global brand we know today, and these early bottlings, labels and memorabilia offer a unique glimpse into its twentieth century evolution and role in shaping Scotch whisky.

“The sheer breadth of the collection is a testament to Frans’ 20 years of dedication. Bringing together this level of completeness is an extraordinary achievement and there’s something here to spark an interest at every level, offering a fascinating way into the world of whisky collecting.”

Beyond the liquid itself, the auction boasts an unprecedented marketing and advertising archive containing over 1,000 pieces of historic advertising and memorabilia dating from the early 1900s to the present day. Offering a unique cultural window into the globally recognised brand’s history, design, and culture, the archive illustrates how the Striding Man logo and Johnnie Walker’s visual identity evolved across global markets throughout the twentieth century.

Dr. Nick Morgan, Whisky Historian and author of the Johnnie Walker bicentennial history, A Long Stride: The Story of the World’s No.1 Scotch Whisky, commented:

“Johnnie Walker’s history is, in many ways, the history of Scotch whisky becoming a global drink in the twentieth century. Having spent years researching the brand, I know how complex and fascinating that story is and what makes Frans’ collection so remarkable is the way it brings that history together in physical form to tell it.

“These objects reveal how the brand evolved from the first appearance of the iconic Striding Man figure in 1908 into the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky. Collections like this are invaluable because they allow us to experience history not just through documents and written records, but through the bottles, labels and objects that people actually bought, drank and occasionally kept for posterity. Frans’ dedication has created an extraordinary collection and a unique insight into the evolution and enduring power of the world’s No. 1 Scotch whisky”.

To register for the auction, The Johnnie Walker Collection: One Hundred Years of Striding, and receive first access to auction previews, collector’s guides, and free artwork downloads, click here.

Auction highlights: 

In numbers: 

• Over 1,600 full-size bottles
• Over 600 miniatures
• Over 1,000 advertisements and pieces of memorabilia
• Over 280 Blue Label bottlings
• Over 200 Red Label bottlings
• Over 500 Black Label bottlings
• Over 100 pre-1968 corked Black, Red and Swing bottlings
• 20 years of collecting by the consignor

Lot highlights: 

Historic Johnnie Walker 

• Old Highland Whisky
• Special Old Highland Whisky
• Extra Special Old Highland Whisky
• Early Black, Red and Swing bottlings
• Cardhu, Talisker and Mortlach bottlings referencing John Walker

Rare and modern highlights 

• A Complete Directors Set
• 1805 Celebration Blend
• John Walker & Sons Signature Blend Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Edition
• A Complete Epic Dates series
• Rare Blue Label special editions including Robbie Burns, Kilmarnock FC, Bruce Lee.
• Special limited editions including Selfridges 100 Years, Gold Kilmarnoch 400 Years, Hill Street Opening 1956.

The advertising archive: 

• Over 1,000 pieces of advertising and memorabilia
• Spanning the early 1900s to the present day
• Providing insight into the evolution of Johnnie Walker’s branding, advertising and visual identity

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the leading global platform for buying and selling whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 by whisky enthusiast Iain McClune, the company has grown into a trusted destination for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, with offices in Scotland, London and Utrecht.

Whisky Auctioneer’s monthly online auctions feature one of the most extensive selections of rare and collectible spirits available, spanning Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey and world whiskies including iconic American and Japanese releases. The platform is designed to make the secondary market more accessible, connecting buyers and sellers across the globe.

In 2021, Whisky Auctioneer made auction history during the sale of The Perfect Collection, when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old achieved a £1 million hammer price – the first bottle of whisky to reach that figure in an online-only auction.

Our August 2026 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 23rd August.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenfarclas – 62 Year Old (1954) Pagoda Ruby Reserve (Collector’s Gold Edition) Bottle #1

Highland Park – 8 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) 1970’s (100 Proof) 75cl

Bowmore – ‘Black Bowmore’ 30 Year Old (1964) 2nd Edition

Glenfiddich – Pure Malt (1950s)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Our August 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 23rd August.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenfarclas – 62 Year Old (1954) Pagoda Ruby Reserve (Collector’s Gold Edition) Bottle #1

Highland Park – 8 Year Old (Gordon & Macphail) 1970’s (100 Proof) 75cl

Bowmore – ‘Black Bowmore’ 30 Year Old (1964) 2nd Edition

Glenfiddich – Pure Malt (1950s)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

AUGUST AUCTION ENDING SOON!

With our August Auction drawing to a close, we’re taking a final look at some of the standout lots still open for bidding. The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak was introduced in the late 1990s and remained the flagship expression of the range long before the arrival of the Fine Oak series. Matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks, it became one of the defining bottlings of Macallan’s modern era, renowned for its rich, classic house style.

This example predates the comprehensive rebranding introduced in 2018 to coincide with the opening of Macallan’s new distillery. Representing the original presentation of the 30 Year Old, it captures an important chapter in the evolution of one of Speyside’s most iconic whiskies.

Released in 2011 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of The Benevolent, this special Glenfiddich single cask also marked 125 years since the laying of the distillery’s foundation stones. Distilled in 1993, it was drawn from Single Cask #29670 and bottled at natural cask strength. Although labelled as a 15 Year Old, the bottling date means the whisky was in fact matured for at least 17 years before release. Limited to just 500 bottles, it stands as a distinctive commemorative release from one of Speyside’s most celebrated distilleries.

Originally reserved for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, the annual Manager’s Dram series was bottled in limited numbers at natural cask strength. Each release was selected by the distillery manager from a small number of exceptional casks, offering a unique expression of the distillery’s character. Distilled at Talisker, the Isle of Skye distillery renowned for its maritime character and signature peppery spice, this expression matured for 17 years before being bottled at natural cask strength in 2011.

Another standout release from Diageo’s celebrated Manager’s Dram series, this special Oban bottling was produced in 1991 to mark the distillery’s 200th anniversary. Matured in sherry casks and bottled at natural cask strength, it commemorates two centuries of one of Scotland’s oldest and most distinctive Highland distilleries. Combining the rich influence of sherry cask maturation with Oban’s characteristically coastal style, it stands as a fitting tribute to this historic milestone.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our August Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more remarkable bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 16th August. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Register today to bid on your favourite drams.

AUGUST 2026 AUCTION IN FULL SWING!

With our August Auction now underway, we’re taking a closer look at another standout lot from this month’s sale. Introduced in 1995, Diageo’s Rare Malts series celebrated the individuality of Scotland’s distilleries through well-aged, natural cask strength releases, with many bottlings coming from distilleries that had already fallen silent. This Millburn 1975 was distilled at the now closed Highland distillery, matured for 25 years and bottled at natural cask strength in 2001. A rare opportunity to experience the character of one of Scotland’s lost distilleries through one of the most respected whisky series ever released..

Originally reserved for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, the annual Manager’s Dram series was bottled in limited numbers at natural cask strength. Each release was selected by the distillery manager from a small number of exceptional casks, offering a unique snapshot of the distillery’s character. Distilled at Glen Elgin, a Speyside distillery celebrated for its elegant, fruity spirit, this expression matured for 19 years before being bottled at natural cask strength in 1993.

Distilled in 1998, the final year of production at the now demolished Imperial Distillery, this single cask release captures the closing chapter of a lost Speyside distillery. Matured for 25 years in Refill Bourbon Barrel #100916, it was bottled at natural cask strength by Cask 88 in 2023. Drawn from some of the last spirit ever distilled at Imperial, the release comprises just 200 bottles, each featuring an individually varied label illustrated by Johnathon Freemantle – a fitting tribute to one of Scotland’s vanished distilleries.

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak has long been regarded as one of the distillery’s defining expressions. Distilled in 1995 and matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks, this release reflects the rich, classic style that has made the range one of Speyside’s most enduring benchmarks. Part of the final generation to carry the year of distillation on the label, it represents an important chapter in the evolution of Macallan’s iconic 18 Year Old.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our August Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more remarkable bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 16th August. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Register today to bid on your favourite drams.