Our February 2026 Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 22nd February 2026.

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 – 40 Year Old (Millennium)

Mortlach – 30 Year Old (Midnight Malt) 2023 Special Release

Tobermory – 42 Year Old (1973)

Whistlepig – 21 Year Old (The Beholden) 75cl

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.

FEBRUARY 2026 AUCTION ENDS SUNDAY!

It’s that time again — this month’s auction is nearing its end, closing from 8pm GMT on Sunday 22^nd February. Don’t miss your chance to bid on a superb selection of old, rare, and limited releases, like this quartet of Macallan 18. Following earlier 17-year-old releases, the decision was made to settle on 18 years of age — a choice that would define one of the distillery’s most iconic age-stated annual releases.

Over the years, the 18-year-old has evolved in both bottle shape and presentation, most notably in 2018 with the introduction of the wider-shouldered bottle and striking black packaging. This redesign coincided with the opening of the new distillery and a complete reimagining of the brand’s core ranges. While Triple Cask and Double Cask 18-year-olds have since appeared, the Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old remains the benchmark — and a firm favourite among collectors and connoisseurs alike. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to snap up four consecutive bottlings from the range 2018-2021.

Distilled at Tamnavulin in 1973 and released in 2000 as New Century, this striking Glen Stuart Whisky Company bottling was created to celebrate the dawn of the new millennium. A genuine time-capsule release and a must-have for collectors chasing rare, era-defining whiskies!

The dramatic finale of a celebrated three-part series created to honour Clan Mackenzie and their ancestral home, Castle Leod. This Dalmore was released to support the castle’s restoration and the sought-after trilogy was matured in American white oak before a luxurious finish in González Byass Oloroso sherry casks. Beginning with Clan Mackenzie in 2010 and Castle Leod in 2011, the story reaches its powerful conclusion with Cromartie, released in 2012 — a must-have closing chapter for collectors and one of only 7,500 bottles produced.

Distilled at Glenfarclas in 2003, this single malt was matured for over 15 years before being drawn from a single sherry cask (Cask #89) and bottled at full cask strength exclusively for the 2019 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Limited to just 647 bottles, this is a powerful, small-batch festival release with serious collector appeal.

Final call. These are just a handful of the old, rare, and highly collectable bottles in our February auction — and time is running out. Head to clickwhiskyauctions.com to explore the full lineup and register to bid now. Don’t miss out — you’ve got to be in it to win it. Auction closes Sunday 22^nd February from 8pm GMT.

FEBRUARY 2026 AUCTION IN FULL SWING!

The auction is well underway, which is the ideal time to take a closer peek into a selection of truly eye-catching bottles. The Macallan Time : Space Mastery is a celebratory single malt, designed to capture the evolution of The Macallan across two centuries. Crafted from a diverse selection of matured whiskies, it delivers layered richness and harmony, housed in a circular vessel that reflects the ongoing journey of craftsmanship from one generation to the next.

Distilled in 1999, this Dalmore remained quietly maturing until 2018, when it was unveiled as a distillery-only release. After aging in American white oak bourbon barrels, it was given a final flourish in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and offered as an annual exclusive, reserved for visitors to the Highland distillery.

This exceptional 25-year-old Longmorn was bottled at natural cask strength by independent bottlers Signatory Vintage in 2015 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Braemar Royal Highland Society (B.R.H.S.). Bottle number 430 of only 500 bottles released.

Launched in 1991 to widespread acclaim from both critics and consumers, the celebrated Flora & Fauna series quickly became a landmark collection, later expanded to include four additional distilleries. This particularly sought-after expression was discontinued in 2001 following the revival of Caol Ila as a standalone brand, making way for the now-familiar 12-year-old core release. Its short production run and strong reputation make it a compelling and increasingly scarce auction lot.

These bottles are just a glimpse of the rare and collectable whiskies available in our February 2026 Auction. Explore the full lineup at clickwhiskyauctions.com and register now to place your bids. Time is ticking — the auction closes Sunday 22nd February from 8pm GMT.

The Great American Whiskey Collection Shatters Records 

at Sotheby’s New York

Landmark Sale Achieves $2.5 Million — Now the Most Valuable American Whiskey Collection Ever Sold

Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” Fetches $162,500

— Most Valuable Bottle of American Whiskey Ever Sold at Auction — 

Van Winkle 18 Year Old Special Reserve Single Barrel “Binny’s” 

Realizes $106,250

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, on the rostrum during the sale of The Great American Whiskey Collection

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, said: “This was a landmark moment for American whiskey. Breaking the record for the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold is a testament to the extraordinary rarity and quality of this collection, as well as the passion and expertise of collectors worldwide. The enthusiasm from bidders was phenomenal, reflecting a global appreciation for American whiskey that continues to grow year after year. This exceptional auction has propelled Bourbon and Rye into a new stratosphere of desirability.”

New York, 25 January — History was made last night at Sotheby’s New York, where The Great American Whiskey Collection achieved $2.5 million, becoming the most valuable single-owner American whiskey collection ever sold at auction and the most valuable single-owner spirits auction ever held in New York. More than doubling its low pre-sale estimate (est. $1.17–1.68 million), the sale drew intense competition from determined collectors online, on the phones, and in the room for some of the rarest and most coveted Bourbon and Rye ever bottled, many of which set new auction records.

The white-glove auction, held at Sotheby’s new global headquarters in the iconic Breuer Building on Madison Avenue, marked the first-ever live, single-owner American whiskey sale in history. As part of the campaign for the auction, Sotheby’s installed a specially designed pop-up bar within The Breuer to prominently display the collection, allowing collectors and visitors to experience the bottles up close in an immersive setting. The meticulously curated collection featured 360 exceptional bottles, ranging from Old Rip Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald to Red Hook Rye and beyond. The sale was a remarkable success, with 100% of lots sold and 89% exceeding their high estimates. With demand for American whiskeys invariably domestic and spread across the United States, 96% of the lots were acquired by collectors based in North America. Notably, nearly a third of buyers were new to Sotheby’s, with over half aged 40 or younger.

The top lot was a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” (1982), which shattered records by selling for $162,500 (est. $70,000–100,000), making it the most valuable bottle of  American whiskey ever sold at auction*. Hailed as one of the most legendary bottles of Kentucky bourbon ever produced, the “Sam’s” is also the highest-proof Van Winkle release in history, bottled at an extraordinary 133.4 proof. With only 60 hand-numbered bottles ever made, it ranks among the rarest American whiskeys in existence. Last night’s sale marked the first time the “Sam’s” appeared at auction in over a decade.

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, commented: “This sale represents a defining moment for American whiskey at auction, underscoring the legendary status of the Van Winkle name and the extraordinary significance of the ‘Sam’s’ Old Rip Van Winkle. The result reflects the continued maturation of the global market for the rarest American whiskeys and a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship, heritage, and rarity that define the very best of American distilling. A bottle of this calibre is not just a collector’s item but a piece of American whiskey history.”

The sale was further propelled by an exceptional offering of private-label bottles, exclusive single barrels, and historic releases now virtually impossible to source, many of which appeared at auction for the first time and went on to set new records. Highlights included:

• Van Winkle 18 Year Old “Binny’s” (1985, 121.6 proof) achieved $106,250 (est. $60,000–80,000). Distilled at the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1985, the Van Winkle Special Reserve 18 Year Old Single Cask was hand-selected exclusively for Binny’s, one of Chicago’s most renowned liquor stores. Bottled at full cask strength—an extraordinary 121.6 proof, the third-highest ever for a Van Winkle—fewer than 100 bottles were produced, with most long since consumed. This auction marked the first appearance of the “Binny’s” Van Winkle at Sotheby’s.
• Very Very Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawk” 18 Year Old (1950, 121.0 proof) sold for $112,500, more than double its low estimate (est. $50,000–80,000). One of the rarest and most sought-after bourbons ever released, it was a private bottling exclusively for the Wirtz family, owners of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wirtz Corporation. No “Blackhawk” bottles were ever available publicly, and they were likely gifted only to close family, friends, and associates. The “Blackhawk” series includes just three extremely rare bottlings: this 18 Year Old and a 15 Year Old (both distilled in 1950), and a 12 Year Old, distilled in 1951 and bottled in 1963—also part of The Great American Whiskey Collection, it sold for $60,000 (est. $40,000 – 50,000).
• Van Winkle 18 Year Old Family Reserve “Park Avenue Liquor Shop” (105.2 Proof) sold for $62,500 (est. $26,000 – 45,000). This private-label bottling for Jonathan Goldstein at Park Avenue Liquor Shop in Manhattan has not appeared at auction in more than a decade. Originally retailing for $75, it is one of only three 18 Year Old Van Winkle bottlings ever known to have been produced, all of which were sold in this auction.
• Four determined bidders competed for the O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey 115 Proof 1909 (1 Quart), driving the final price to $47,500—well above its pre-sale estimate of $13,000–18,000.

Among the record-setting lots from last night’s sale were:

•  Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year Old Blue Smoke 92.6 Proof NV sold for $37,500, (est. $18,000 – 24,000)
• Twisted Spoke 16 Year Old 105 Proof NV achieved $32,500 (est. $12,000 – 16,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old ‘Delilah’s 10th Anniversary’ 100 Proof NV sold for $30,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Van Winkle 19 Year Old Special Reserve Corti Brothers 45.7 abv 1975 realized $35,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Van Winkle 19 Year Old Special Reserve Corti Brothers 90.4 Proof NV fetched $35,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• J.W. Gottlieb Private Stock Straight Rye 13 Year Old 95.6 Proof 1984 sold for $56,250 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Old Advocate Special Reserve 15 Year Old 107 Proof NV doubled its pre-sale high estimate to achieve $40,000 (est, $15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old Woodside Partner’s Reserve 92.4 Proof 1988 sold for $43,750 (est. 15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Bottled In Bond 100 Proof 1917 realized $47,500 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 Year Old Family Reserve Single Barrel ‘City Grocery 20th Anniversary’ 90.4 Proof NV made $30,000 (est. $12,000 – 16,000).

Please refer to the sale page for individual lot results.

Notes 

*The previous record for the most valuable single-owner auction of an American whiskey collection was held by The Thoroughbred Collection, which achieved $965,813 in 2021.

*The previous record for the most valuable single bottle of post-prohibition American whiskey was $125,000 for a one-of-a-kind bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Van Winkle Selection’ Kentucky Bourbon Festival Master Distiller’s Auction 2007, a price that includes buyer’s premium and tax.

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 at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

 *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.

Our February 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 22nd February 2026.

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 – 40 Year Old (Millennium)

Mortlach – 30 Year Old (Midnight Malt) 2023 Special Release

Tobermory – 42 Year Old (1973)

Whistlepig – 21 Year Old (The Beholden) 75cl

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.

FEBRUARY 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Finally, our first auction of 2026 is underway! We have a small but mighty auction this month and true to form it’s packed with interesting bottles, like this newest offering from Macallan. Diamonds Are Forever was the seventh James Bond film, marking Sean Connery’s return as 007 and his final official appearance in the famous spy franchise. First aired in 1971, the plot follows Bond investigating diamond smuggling to uncover a plot by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Charles Gray) to use the gems in a laser-weapon satellite. Released in early 2026 to mark the 55th anniversary of the film, this bottling was distilled in 2007, a clear nod to the franchise.

Matured in bespoke hybrid Casks of Sherry-seasoned European and American oak and (unusually for Macallan) the addition of American Oak Casks that had previously held red wine. Aged for 18 years then bottled at 45.5% abv with the last two numbers of the abv percentage thought to signify the number of years since the blockbuster James Bond film was first aired. This limited edition expression shows not only an age statement but also the year of distillation and is bound to be a wee gem in this month’s auction.

Distilled at the Mortlach Distillery, aged for 19 years and then bottled at natural Cask strength in 2002, this Manager’s Dram is one of the iconic bottlings made available to the workers of the distilleries in what is now the Diageo portfolio. Annually released from a single distillery, the manager is tasked to choose the finest casks to produce this yearly malt, which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers.

One of only 12,000 produced, this fascinating Bowmore was released in 1999 as a limited edition. Although the distillation date is not indicated, It’s thought that the expression was distilled some time in the 1980’s, matured using a combination of Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Casks then finished for a final period of 18 months in Bordeaux Wine Casks from wineries owned by Suntory.

Dalbeallie Dram was bottled in honour of the local train station situated beside the Tamdhu distillery, nestling in close proximity to the river Spey. The train station actually played an important part in the history of the much loved Speyside distillery, with the trains carrying consignments of Spanish Sherry Casks there. Released in 2018 during the annual Spirit of Speyside Festival, Dalbeallie Dram was completely matured in Sherry Casks and bottled at Cask strength. This is one of only 1,000 bottles produced.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our February auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 22^ndFebruary from 8pm GMT.

Three-Day Event Celebrates America’s Native Spirit; Online Bidding for Auction Available

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2026) — The inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) will convene Feb. 13–15, 2026, bringing bourbon enthusiasts, collectors and philanthropists to Louisville for an unprecedented three-day celebration of America’s native spirit. Timed to President’s Day Weekend and aligned with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the event honors Bourbon’s enduring role in American history while supporting the Bob Woodruff Foundation, benefiting veterans, first responders and their families.

Anchored by one of the most comprehensive and prestigious public bourbon auctions ever assembled, the newly released auction catalogue features once-in-a-lifetime bottles, full barrels and immersive bourbon experiences donated by iconic distilleries, private collectors and industry leaders. Featured lots among the newly announced offerings include:

• The Brown Family Decanter (Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon)
• Parker’s Heritage Collection Blend of Mashbills Bottle
• Willett Family Estate 10 Year Single-Barrel Bottle

“The KBCA was created to honor bourbon’s place in our nation’s story while using its power to do impactful work,” said Andrew Varga, founder of KBCA. “Hosting this inaugural event in Louisville on President’s Day Weekend, during America’s 250th anniversary, allows us to unite extraordinary bourbon, meaningful experiences, and a shared purpose: supporting the veterans, first responders and families served by the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This weekend represents the very best of Bourbon Country.”

The three-day event consists of:

• Friday, Feb. 13 – Grand Reveal Tasting at the Frazier History Museum, celebrating the kickoff of Bourbon Season with rare pours, curated tastings and bottle sales.
• Saturday, Feb. 14 (afternoon) – The Blind Leading the Blind, an interactive tasting brunch at Watch Hill Proper,
• Saturday, Feb. 14 (evening) – The signature Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration Gala at Omni Louisville Downtown, an evening of fine dining, storytelling and the live auction benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
• Sunday, Feb. 15 – The Final Pour, including an exclusive tour of the Louisville Water Tower and a bourbon-forward lunch at Savor at RiverHouse.

Proceeds from the auction support the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which has invested more than $189 million in programs providing mental health care, housing assistance, employment services and long-term support for the military community and first responders.

Tickets for in-person events are limited. Collectors and bourbon enthusiasts unable to attend in Louisville may participate virtually via the official auction platform.

For tickets, event details, and auction catalogue, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow KBCA on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

This months collection schedule and request form is available HERE . Please complete the form to  register your interest in our free collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 9th February 2026.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Well folks, Christmas has been and gone but not to worry for our 176th auction is now live and bursting with thousands of amazing bottles all vying to be the one which helps you drive those winter blues away!  To get your watchlist moving we’ve picked out a few highlights from the plethora of goodies on offer this month.

The Macallan Cask 888 debuted in Hong Kong at the Lalique Lounge to much fanfare, befitting its status as a limited edition single cask release from one of the world’s most collectable distilleries.  Bearing the prized ‘888’ moniker, a number deemed to be highly fortuitous in Chinese culture, only 720 bottles were made, 24 of which were made available in Hong Kong at the time.

Next up is a fantastic little piece of Scottish material culture, this is the Killyloch 1972 22 Year Old Signatory.  Killyloch distillery made a lightly peated Lowland style whisky that was used exclusively in blends for an exceptionally short period of time, production began in 1965 and ended in the early 1970’s.  With only one official single malt release in 2003, if you want to try this amazing little curio then this incredibly rare indie bottling might be your best chance.

Every month there must be the obligatory ‘I want to drink this immediately’ bottle, and this month’s winner is the Longrow 1998 26 Year Old Society Bottling.  Those lads and lassies in the Society sure know how to pick ’em, this absolute corker was distilled in 1968 and spent 26 years ageing in refill Oloroso and fresh PX casks.  One of only 485 bottles produced this is a fantastic bottling, and if sweet and smoky is your favourite flavour profile then this one is most certainly for you.

We started with a sherry bomb from a Scottish heavyweight distillery so let’s finish with one too, this is the GlenDronach 1971 43 Year Old Single Cask #2920.  GlenDronach has come a long way since founder James Allardice’s marketing strategy of offering free drams to Edinburgh’s “ladies of night”, and they now produce some of the finest sherried whisky in Scotland.  This beauty has spent an incredible 43 years ageing to perfection in a single PX sherry puncheon, while still retaining a highly respectable ABV of 48.6%.  Perfection doesn’t exist in whisky but if it did it would probably look something like this.

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.

Iron Gate Auctions Announces February Canada Spirits Auction Featuring Historical Bottles of Significance

Auction starts Monday February 2, 2026.

There are moments in the auction calendar when a sale becomes something more enduring—a reflection of history, craftsmanship, and the passage of time itself. Our February Spirits Auction in Canada is one such moment.

This auction brings together a collection of bottles that few will ever encounter in person, let alone have the opportunity to acquire. These are spirits shaped by decades—sometimes generations—of patience, foresight, and custodianship. Each bottle tells a story of an era, a philosophy, and a set of decisions that can never be replicated.

At the heart of the sale are landmark Scotch whiskies available for the first time in Canada. From the extraordinary 1949 MacPhail’s aged 68 years, to the cult status of 1964 Black Bowmore aged 42 years, to post-war 1948 Macallan and the singular character of Springbank’s Local Barley distilled in 1965 and bottled in 2001.

Equally compelling are the independent bottlings from distilleries that are now silent. Port Ellen, Brora, Glenugie, and Japan’s legendary Karuizawa represent lost chapters of distilling history—names that resonate deeply with collectors precisely because they can never be repeated. These whiskies are finite by nature, and each year their significance only grows.

This is, above all, a winter auction. One meant to be enjoyed slowly. I invite you cosy up to the fire, take time to browse the lots and to imagine these bottles of history in your home.

On behalf of the entire team at Iron Gate Auctions, thank you for your continued trust and passion. We look forward to welcoming you to what we believe is one of the most beautiful and significant spirits auctions of the season.

Link to Catalogue

If outside Canada, contact Iron Gate to see how you can participate in the upcoming auction.

Ajay Bhardwaj

Vice-President of Spirits

Iron Gate Auctions Canada