
A highly sought-after bottle of The Macallan 60-Year-Old 1926 from the Fine & Rare collection has set a new world record, selling for an astonishing $1.9 million at Sotheby’s auction. This extraordinary single malt Scotch whisky now holds the title of the most expensive bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction.
This marks the second time a bottle from this iconic 1926 vintage has shattered records. Previously, another bottle from the same cask achieved $1.2 million at Christie’s in London the year before.
Distilled back in 1926 and drawn from cask number 263, this exceptional whisky is one of just 40 bottles produced. Only 14 of them received the prestigious Fine & Rare labeling, making the auctioned bottle even more exclusive.
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s spirits specialist, described the atmosphere: “The energy in the room was electric. Cheers erupted as the hammer came down on this Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 – truly one of the most thrilling moments in whisky auction history.”
The star lot dominated Sotheby’s sale, which showcased over 460 premium Scotch bottles from a dedicated private collector. The entire collection sold out, generating a total of $10 million and marking the auction house’s debut success with a single-owner whisky assemblage.
This sale highlights the growing demand for ultra-rare vintage whiskies among collectors worldwide.
More about The Macallan Distillery
Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, on the picturesque banks of the River Spey, The Macallan Distillery has been crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky since 1824. Founded by barley farmer and teacher Alexander Reid, it was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to receive a legal license, marking the beginning of a legacy built on unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Today, The Macallan remains a benchmark for luxury single malt whisky, renowned worldwide for its rich, sherry-influenced expressions that embody the natural beauty and heritage of its Easter Elchies Estate.
In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its award-winning new distillery, a £140 million architectural masterpiece designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. This innovative, hill-inspired structure seamlessly blends into the Speyside landscape while housing state-of-the-art production facilities, including 36 copper stills that preserve the brand’s signature small-batch distillation process. Guided by the Six Pillars— from exceptional oak casks to masterful spirit creation—The Macallan continues to produce unparalleled whiskies that captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most prestigious whisky makers.
Address:
The Macallan Distillery
Easter Elchies
Craigellachie
AB38 9RX
Scotland
Website: https://www.themacallan.com
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