The Distillers One of One – Auction by Sotheby´s

39 Lots of Extraordinary Whiskies and Experiences

With a Combined Value in Excess of £1 Million

Proceeds to be donated to The Distillers’ Charity, principally to the Youth Action Fund, dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in Scotland.

The second edition of The Distillers’ One of One auction – comprising one-off, never-to-be-repeated lots specially created and donated by leading Scotch Whisky distilleries – will take place at Hopetoun House on the outskirts of Edinburgh on Thursday 5 October 2023. This is a ticketed event for which all attendees must be registered. There are 39 lots, which showcase the excellence in quality, innovation and value of Scotch Whisky, ranging in estimates from £2,000 upwards to £500,000.

This groundbreaking auction would not be possible without the generosity of some of the most revered brands in Scotch Whisky. The Worshipful Company of Distillers have galvanized whisky brands, both new and old, from every region of Scotland to present exceptional whiskies with incredible creativity, all in the name of charity. In addition to the generous bottles, casks and experiences donated for this sale, these brands also gave further support to make this event possible.

“The Distillers’ Charity is delighted to be returning with the 2023 Distillers One of One. Through thegenerosity, commitment and collective endeavour of the Scotch Whisky Industry we hope to continue the momentum created by the Distillers One of One Auction in 2021. Through this collaboration, the Youth Action Fund was established to support disadvantaged young people in Scotland and this purpose has inspired yet another remarkable collection of the rarest and most collectible Scotch Whisky Lots. The generosity, creativity and commitment exhibited here makes you feel proud to be part of this great Industry.”

Jonathan Driver, Chairman, Distillers’ Ventures Limited

HIGHLIGHTS:

The highest value lot in the sale is Bowmore STAC 55 Years Old (est. £300,000-500,000), the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery. Showcasing over half a century of exquisite and skilled maturation, this single malt is housed in a striking and ground-breaking magnum-sized, 1.5 litre, hand-blown vessel made entirely of glass. The concept pays homage to Bowmore’s island home where its inspiring sea stacks became the starting point for the vessel’s design.

Equally striking is Brora Iris, an historic 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky presented in a 1.5 litre decanter, itself suspended within an imposing one-of-a-kind handcrafted stone sculpture (est. £200,000-400,000). This ultra-rare spirit, crafted by distillers at Brora five decades ago, is the oldest Brora single malt that has ever been bottled and will never be made commercially available. The stunning work of art represents the eye of a Scottish Wildcat, the highly elusive native of the Scottish Highlands that is the emblem of Brora Distillery.

From the Glen Grant Distillery comes The Visionary, an exceptional one-of-a-kind creation (est. £50,000-90,000). This rare single malt is aged 68 years and is one of the oldest whiskies to be released by the distillery. The whisky is presented in a singular hand blown battuto-cut magnum decanter, its innovative design capturing the suspension of the spirit within the glass structure as if it was itself a rare plant or flower. A precious stone Malachite stopper and base reflect the influence of copper, celebrating the tall stills which have shaped the spirit.

The Gordon & MacPhail Recollection Showcase embodies the company’s unique depth and breadth of single malt Scotch whiskies (est. £80,000-160,000). Housed in a handcrafted cabinet made of elm and oak, this singular offering features five uniquely engraved Glencairn decanters. Each contains an extremely rare one-off 70cl single malt from a distillery that has been lost or silent for decades – never to repeated.

A unique lot from Glenfarclas – Glenfarclas 55 Year Old Single Casks 1967 & 1968 – combines two vintages from the 1960s in one set (est. £20,000-30,000). Both casks are traditional Sherry Butts aged for 55 years which remain safely sleeping in the dunnage warehouses in Ballindalloch, with just the precious liquid for the lot removed.

AGA, by KANDOBLANC showcases a contrasting duo of rare Scotch whiskies (est. £50,000-100,000). Nestled within the exquisite vessel inspired by Japanese aesthetics and Italian craftsmanship is a delicate and refined Speyside malt and a flamboyant Highland malt. Distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2023, both whiskies are meticulously woven for the one-of-a-kind offering.

Littlemill Decennia is a one-off trio from Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, featuring liquid from Littlemill’s 70s, 80s and 90s reserves (est. £20,000-30,000). The liquid is showcased in three bespoke 70cl Glencairn decanters each bearing three delicate cuts in homage to three remarkable decades of whisky-making history – housed in a one-of-a-kind handmade cabinet.

The second edition of The Distillers’ One of One auction – comprising one-off, never-to-be-repeated lots specially created and donated by leading Scotch Whisky distilleries – will take place at Hopetoun House on the outskirts of Edinburgh on Thursday 5 October 2023. This is a ticketed event for which all attendees must be registered. There are 39 lots, which showcase the excellence in quality, innovation and value of Scotch Whisky, ranging in estimates from £2,000 upwards to £500,000.

The Distillers One of One

The inaugural Distillers One of One Auction took place in December 2021, supported by leading brands
from across the Scotch Whisky industry, and raised £2.4m for charity of which £2.2m was granted to
the newly created Youth Action Fund. The Youth Action Fund was established by The Distillers’ Charity
to support disadvantaged young people in Scotland, transform their life chances, and empower them
to create positive change in their lives and communities.

Full list of lots, with estimates, is available to view here.

The Distillers One of One

Auction by Sotheby´s

5 October 2023 • 2:00 PM BST • Edinburgh. UK