The first auction ever to take place at The Macallan Estate on Speyside has achieved sales of £3.3 million — including one bottle, The Macallan Fine & Rare 60 Years Old 1926 — which sold for £2.125 million.
The Macallan — owned by Glasgow-based whisky, gin and rum company Edrington — welcomed Sotheby’s and guests from around the world to the estate for the auction.
“Conceived to mark 100 years since The Macallan 1926 was distilled, the sale celebrated the rarity, craftsmanship, provenance and stories behind some of the most significant whiskies from across The Macallan’s history,” said the whisky firm.
“The landmark sale comprised 42 lots and was 100% sold, achieving a total of £3.3 million / $4.4 million. At the heart of the auction was The Macallan Fine & Rare 60 Years Old 1926, which sold for £2,125,000 / $2,807,975.
“The result made it the second most valuable bottle of whisky ever sold at auction in sterling and established a new auction record for a bottle of The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.
“The 1926 vintage holds a unique place in The Macallan’s history. After maturing for six decades, just 40 bottles were drawn from a single sherry seasoned oak cask, cask number 263, in 1986.
“A maximum of 14 were decorated with the Fine & Rare label, including the bottle presented at the Estate auction. The occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate a century of history surrounding this extraordinary vintage and the continued appreciation for The Macallan among collectors and connoisseurs.”
The Macallan said the auction began with a special presentation of The Macallan Romantica Collection Artists’ Edition.
The collection brought together the work of artists Peter Blake, Valerio Adami and Michael Dillon, each of whom played a part in the story of The Macallan 1926.
The collection sold for £162,500, with proceeds benefiting three registered charities nominated by the artists and their representatives: Graeae Theatre Company, Cancer Research UK and Associazione VIDAS.
The special auction presentation featured three bottles at a bespoke 42.6% ABV, alongside original artist-donated artefacts, personal letters, preparatory works and a bespoke museum-inspired display cabinet.
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director, The Macallan, said: “We are humbled by the response to the auction live from The Macallan Estate and the results achieved.
“It was a privilege to welcome Sotheby’s and guests to our home, and to see such appreciation for whiskies tha represent different chapters in our history.
“We are especially proud that the sale of The Macallan Romantica Collection Artists’ Edition has raised funds for charities nominated by the artists Valerio Adami, Sir Peter Blake and Michael Dillon, giving this remarkable collaboration a meaningful legacy beyond the auction itself.”