The warmest of autumnal salutations to all, and welcome to our now live 171st auction!  We have a fabulous array of drams in this auction everything from far eastern rarities to homegrown heavyweights sourced from right here in Scotland.  With so many bottles being offered we thought it prudent to pick out a few lots to shine a spotlight on, so here we go.

First up we have a bottle which boasts exquisite design and is of tremendous rarity, this is the Karuizawa 1965 50 Year Old Single Cask #8636 for La Maison du Whisky.  As we all know Karuizawa is no more, having fallen silent in the year 2000, which makes expressions like this all the rarer.  It has spent a mammoth five decades ageing before finally being bottled for release while still somehow managing to maintain a hefty ABV of 62.6% in the process.  An increasingly sought-after bottling, and a genuine highlight in even the most salubrious of whisky collections.

Next we have a bottling which has attained near-legendary status in the world of American whiskey collecting, this is the A.H. Hirsch Reserve 1974 16 Year Old.  Distilled at the now defunct Schaefferstown Michter’s distillery in 1974 and aged for 16 years this special dram exhibits the famed ‘golden hue’ Hirsch was renowned for.  This bottling has been leaving reviewers astonished for years due to its richness and depth of flavour, so why not pick this one up and see what all the fuss is about?

It wouldn’t be a highlight reel without something special from Scotland and this beauty most definitely fits the bill, this is the Macallan 40 Year Old The Red Collection.  Taking inspiration from Macallan founder Alexander Reid, who’s surname means “the red one”, this show stopping range is also noteworthy for having been crafted by Macallan’s first female Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, who took the up the reins in 2019.  An absolutely fantastic and understated release from Macallan, solidifying their position as one of the most collectable distilleries out there.

Finally we return to Japan for our last highlight and a lot which includes not one but three of the most collectable Japanese whiskies on the planet, this is the Chichibu 2009, Hanyu 2000 and Karuizawa 35 Year Old SAFE Bubbles and Malt Premium Collection 3 x 70cl.  Produced for Hong Kong whisky merchants SAFE Bubbles and Malt this collection features a Chichibu, a Hanyu and a 35 Year Old Karuizawa; a fearsome lineup we trust you agree.  Each whisky is drawn from a single cask and they have been packaged together in a beautifully understated presentation box adorned with Asian imagery.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.

Unveiling Old Pulteney Polaris for 2025 Distillers One of One Auction

Masterpiece of Caithness craftsmanship features 47-year-old whisky, Old Pulteney’s oldest ever release  

International Beverage, unveiled Old Pulteney Polaris, its most extraordinary bottling of Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky to date, created exclusively for the 2025 Distillers One of One charity auction.  

This one-of-a-kind masterpiece of artisanal skill and artistry features a rare 47-year-old expression of the Maritime Malt, which is the Wick Distillery’s oldest ever release. 

It is encased in a stunning sculpture of Caithness slate and silver, which are both naturally found in the Distillery’s windswept coastal home in the far north of Scotland, with an additional enhancement of a secret copper disc at the base of the structure which has been carefully reclaimed from Pulteney Distillery’s stills.  

Polaris takes its name from the North Star, symbolising a bold, bright future for Old Pulteney as International Beverage plans a global celebration of the Distillery’s milestone 200th anniversary in 2026 – and the beginning of an exciting programme of new releases.  

For guests at this year’s Distillers One of One charity auction, Polaris offers the chance to own a unique and never-to-be-repeated piece of Old Pulteney’s history when they gather for the prestigious biennial auction, which takes place at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh on 10th October.  

Polaris follows on from Old Pulteney’s previous contribution to the 2023 auction – Bow Wave – which raised nearly £70,000 for the event’s main beneficiary: the Youth Action Fund, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in Scotland. 

The Whisky 

Distilled and aged at Old Pulteney’s windswept home in Wick on the far north Scottish coast, this whisky captures an authentic maritime character that is unparalleled. Old Pulteney Polaris has been carefully matured for four decades in American oak casks with a final seven years spent resting in a single first-fill Spanish oak butt.  

 Selected for its elegantly complex and perfectly balanced character, this exceptional whisky boasts complex aromas of sea spray that the Maritime Malt is renowned for. On the palate, delicate vanilla and sweet cinnamon pastry come to the fore with a smooth, fine-textured taste featuring Scottish tablet and dark chocolate, ending with a finish of clotted cream. Bottled in 1.5 litre with an ABV of 43.6%, the Lot will include a 100ml tasting sample. 

The Bottle 

Honouring the industrial craftsmanship behind each drop of Old Pulteney, the Polaris bottle has been expertly designed and crafted in partnership with local artisans including Tain-based glass merchant Glasstorm to symbolize and celebrate the whisky’s coastal Scottish home. A deep blue glass bottle, represents the crashing waves of the Caithness coast, with intricate inciso cuts creating a rippled effect around the glassware. Caithness slate encases the bottle, symbolising the enduring cliffs found on this part of Scotland’s northerly coastline, and the bottle’s smooth front allows the luxurious mahogany hues of the whisky to shine through. Threads of Caithness silver run along the bottom of the dramatic slate structure to mimic the motion of waves and are beautifully intertwined with cords of copper. 

Renowned whisky expert, Dave Broom, praises its remarkable taste: ‘This deep amber whisky opens with a captivating nose of luxurious stone fruits, citrus zest, and a complex evolution toward oxidative notes like medlar and cob nut, lifted by the sensation of a cool seashore breeze. The palate is thick and waxy, mingling soft, late-harvest fruit with cedar-spiced tannins and a hint of salinity, evoking a windswept clifftop. A splash of water reveals greater mineral depth and incense-like spice, while the finish sees the return of fruit after the saltiness fades – mature and balanced.’  

Award-winning whisky writer, Jonny McCormick, further compliments the whisky’s incredible flavour profile: ‘Old Pulteney Polaris glows rich amber with burnished gold highlights. The first wave of aromas opens with a bold coastal nose of sea spray, molasses cake, nutmeg, and deep oak, before revealing layers of vanilla, espresso foam, and hints of baked apple and peppermint. On the palate, it’s silky and vibrant, with Scottish tablet, citrus peel, and a rolling wave of grilled pineapple, cherry cake, and toasted spice, all carried by a mineral backbone. The finish is indulgent and lingering, merging dark chocolate and coffee with soft oak, clotted cream, and a final lift of white chocolate and nutmeg.’  

Fiona Kennie, Marketing Director at International Beverage, said: ‘We are exceptionally proud to be sharing Old Pulteney Polaris with the word today, a project that has been a real labour of love for our team and the skilled designers and local makers in Caithness who have turned our vision into such a magnificent reality. Charity and making a difference in our community is at the heart of our business, so we are very excited to follow the progress of Polaris at this year’s Distillers One of One auction, where we hope our contribution will raise as much money as possible for such an important cause. And for whisky lovers, this is an absolute treasure and a fitting release to mark the countdown to Pulteney Distillery’s 200th milestone next year, when we will have more exciting new releases with rarity, craftsmanship and Old Pulteney’s authentic maritime character to share.’ 

 To register interest in this auction, visit the Distillers’ One of One website. 

Grandson Uncovers Treasure in Family Inheritance: Rare Macallan Lalique 50 Year Old Scotch Valued at $90,000

In a tale fit for the silver screen, a grandson, Liam Martin*, unearthed an extraordinary treasure amidst the bittersweet task of sorting their late grandfather’s belongings. Among a lifetime’s collection of keepsakes and heirlooms was something that initially seemed unremarkable—a dusty box with a bottle of Scotch tucked away in the back of the cellar. But little did they know, this humble bottle was a portal to history, luxury, and staggering value.

What the grandson discovered was no ordinary bottle of whisky. After a Google search and a meeting with experts at Iron Gate Auctions in Calgary, Liam along with his father learned their unassuming inheritance was a Macallan Lalique 50 Years Old —one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the world of fine spirits, valued at over $90,000 CAD.

The Macallan Lalique, renowned for its exquisite crystal decanter and the whisky it encases, is a rare edition cherished by connoisseurs and collectors alike. Often referred to as “liquid gold,” it represents a union of unparalleled craftsmanship between The Macallan distillery and French crystal masters Lalique. Each bottle is a time capsule of artistry, encapsulating decades of skill, passion, and heritage.

“This wasn’t just a bottle of Scotch—it was a masterpiece,” Liam shared. “We’re still in shock. To think that my grandfather quietly owned something so rare is surreal. He wasn’t the type to brag about his collection, so this feels like a final gift from him.”

In partnership with Iron Gate Auctions, the bottle will soon have its moment in the spotlight. On September 15th, 2025, collectors and whisky enthusiasts from around the globe will vie for the chance to own this one-of-a-kind treasure in a high-stakes online auction. Experts anticipate fierce competition, with bids likely to surpass its estimated value.

“This type of find is thrilling,” remarked Ajay Bhardwaj, Director of Spirits at Iron Gate Auctions. “The Macallan Lalique 50 is the first in the 6 pillars series released in 2005. It isn’t just a bottle of whisky—it’s a piece of history and a symbol of the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Only 470 decanters were made, and many of the initial Macallan in Lalique bottles were opened before the Six Pillars Collection was established as a series. The actual number of remaining 50-Year-Old Exceptional Oak Casks decanters is unknown, making it the rarest and hardest to find in the collection. This bottle will undoubtedly make headlines and create immense excitement in the collecting community.”

As Canada readies itself for this monumental auction, Liam is planning his next steps hinting at dreams of travel and paying tribute to his grandfather’s memory: “It’s like he’s sending us on one last adventure together.”

Whisky aficionados, collectors, and dreamers alike can register to participate in the auction and catch a glimpse of this historic bottle on Iron Gate Auctions’ website. As the countdown to September 15th begins, this consignor’s remarkable story serves as a reminder: even the most unassuming corners of an inheritance can hold treasures that ignite the imagination and inspire new beginnings.

Ajay Bhardwaj, Director Spirits, Iron Gate Auctions
www.irongateauctions.com
Email: ajay@irongate.wine
*Name protected for client’s privacy.

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

The auction closes on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 from 9:00pm (BST)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

AUGUST 2025 AUCTION ENDS TONIGHT!

Fear not, there is still time to bid on your favourite bottles, including this stunning bottle of Macallan Time: Space Mastery. Released in September 2024 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Macallan Distillery. Beautifully presented in a curiously shaped circular bottle symbolising life’s enduring cycle, paying homage to the history and story of the distillery and Its age old whisky making processes.

Or how about this stunning bottling, which was distilled in 1983 at Dallas Dhu, aged for 23 years and then bottled at an unspecified date for the distillery caretakers Historic Scotland.

Released in 2012 to celebrate Burns night, this beautiful bottling of Cutty Sark with elaborate case depicts a scene from the legendary Burns poem Tam O’Shanter and comes with a hardback book which includes the poem itself, stunning artwork inspired by the poem and a brief history. This 25 year old Blend is one of only 5,000 produced.

Another little cracker, this 25 Years Old Bushmills bottling was released in 2023 to mark the 415th anniversary of obtaining a licence to distil Bushmills. matured in Bourbon barrels and Sherry butts for between four and six years before finishing in first-fill Ruby Port pipes for the final 21 years.

These are only a few of the lots in our August 2025 Auction, to view more, visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends this evening  (Sunday 17^th August) from 8pm UK time.

AUGUST 2025 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

We are delighted to offer some old, rare and limited bottlings in this month’s auction, including this iconic Macallan bottle, released in 2018 to mark the opening of the new Macallan distillery. Genesis also celebrates the design processes used to construct the state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly building. A highly prized and important bottling in the history of the Macallan Distillery, limited to a mere 2,500 bottles!

Released in 2024 to mark the 100th anniversary of Cutty Sark, this extraordinary blend has been aged for a minimum of 23 years and then (unusually) bottled at Cask strength. Presented in a beautiful Art Deco style bottle and striking canvas bag, which sports a nautical theme. Bottle number 926 of only 1,435 bottles produced.

The Macallan 30 Years Old was first introduced in the late 1990’s. In 2018, the 30 year old (along with all of the Macallan ranges) was rebranded in conjunction with the opening of the new distillery, which saw the 30 year old Sherry Oak become an annual release. This is the 2022 edition.

We have a selection of Wolfburn on offer in this month’s auction, including Kylver Fehu. Released in 2016, this is the first instalment of what has become an annual release from the Highland distillery. Kylver takes Its name from an ancient burial stone found in Gotland, Sweden. Thurso was once a Viking settlement, the Kylver stone is said to display one of the earliest examples of the Viking runic alphabet. Fehu, the name of this first expression from the highly popular Kylver series, means ‘Wealth’ in the ancient Nordic language. Matured in ex-Bourbon Barrels, aged for a minimum of 3 years then bottled as the first expression in the series. One of only 1,200 bottles produced.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our August 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 17^th August from 8pm BST.

A Collective Endeavour: Scotch Whisky Industry Unites for Philanthropy as First

Lots for the Distillers One of One® Auction Are Revealed

Scotland’s distilleries once more join forces to champion craft and give back through the industry’s largest charity event taking place 10th October 2025

Third edition of The Distillers One of One Charity Auction

Live auction in partnership with Sotheby’s: Friday, 10th October 2025 at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh

36 Scotch Whisky distilleries working collectively in the name of philanthropy

40 one-off, never-to-be-repeated auction lots

100% of the hammer price will be donated to charity

£4.3M / $5.25M raised for charity since the first auction in 2021

LONDON, – The Distillers One of One® is revealing the first extraordinary lots for its highly anticipated third auction, set to take place on Friday, 10th October 2025 at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in collaboration with Sotheby’s. The landmark charity auction will bring together the Scotch Whisky industry in a shared spirit of generosity and support, featuring 40 exceptional lots from 36 esteemed donor companies.

Since the initial auction in 2021, the Distillers One of One has firmly established itself as the largest global charity auction of rare Scotch whisky ever staged. The unwavering commitment from donors has helped raise £4.3 million to date, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform young people’s lives in Scotland, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.

Thanks to this vital support, over 3,300 young people have been engaged since 2022, with approximately 1,000 young people supported each year and funding delivered at an average of £1 million annually. The journey to lasting employability is often long and complex, and the sustained support provided through the Youth Action Fund has already led to 2,271 employability outcomes to date (June 2025), including employment, apprenticeships, further education, and structured volunteering. Equally important are the 16,462 soft outcomes – such as increased wellbeing, motivation, and resilience – and 12,617 progression milestones achieved, including literacy and numeracy qualifications, work placements, mentoring, and financial management training. These foundational achievements are critical stepping stones on the pathway to employment, and a testament to the life-changing impact this initiative continues to have on Scotland’s young people.

Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, says “The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves – the scale of impact is really incredible. 2025 has already brought its share of surprises and uncertainties on the global stage, and the whisky industry is feeling those effects too. That’s why we are hugely grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again in support of this unique philanthropic endeavour, to keep raising funds for such a vital cause. Each donor is dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots – and we can assure you, this year’s line-up is raising the bar once more!”

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, adds: “Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. It is remarkable that so many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of such high age, high quality and highly creative concepts, merging the most historic Scotch whiskies with breathtaking and innovative designs. These lots incorporate everything imaginable, from glass art and tailoring to watercolours and photography. Being entrusted, once again, to present these whiskies to the world’s most dedicated collectors, all to raise money for a worthy cause, is a privilege.”

About The Distillers One of One® Auction and The Distillers’ Charity  

The Distillers One of One Auction is a biennial series of ultra-rare whisky auctions, which launched in 2021. To date, the Auctions have raised £4.3 million, principally awarded to the Youth Action Fund with the aim of supporting young people in Scotland, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. The Youth Action Fund’s portfolio charities are Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Fare, Street League and The Talk About Trust (formerly Alcohol Education Trust). They are collectively managed by Inspiring Scotland.

More than 3,300 young people have been engaged through the Youth Action Fund since its inception in early 2022, benefiting from the work the fund’s dedicated charity partners have undertaken, and dramatically increasing their opportunities to enter the workforce. These young people have significantly improved their long-term prospects, either securing employment (33%), progressing to further/higher education (28%), pursuing other vocational training and apprenticeships (19%), or re-engaging with school (15%). The cumulative employability outcome (to June 2025) currently stands at 2,271.

A total of eighty-one unique lots have been donated across the 2021 and 2023 auctions, 37 of which broke world sales records for the distilleries who created and donated them. The Distillers One of One has earned its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors: no two bottles are ever the same, and no lot will ever be recreated. Each lot is imbued with the spirit of craftsmanship and exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of Scotch whisky.

The Distillers One of One® is a trading name of The Distillers’ Ventures Limited, a company registered in England & Wales under company number 13264121 and registered office at 9 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PE.

The Distillers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (no1193683) and Scotland (SC052075)

One of One® and Distillers One of One® are registered trademarks of The Distillers’ Charity

https://www.distillersoneofone.com/

@distillers_one_of_one

About Sotheby’s 

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction.

Our collection schedule for August 2025 has now been finalized. This month will include a trip to Orkney. There are a few changes to our regular schedule. The dates of our Scotland runs have changed slightly. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 11th August 2025.

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.

The Grand Whisky Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

The auction closes TONIGHT (Tuesday, 5th August) from 9:00pm (BST)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

The auction closes on Tuesday, 5th August from 9:00pm (BST)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com