In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 most expensive whiskeys in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global alcohol industry, the most expensive Bourbon in the world, and investing in Scotch whisky, head to 15 Most Expensive Whiskeys in the World.
5. The Macallan Michael Dillon 1926
Price: $1.53 million
Of the 40 bottles released of the iconic 60 year old Macallan 1926, just one is uniquely hand-painted by renowned Irish artist Michael Dillon, depicting Easter Elchies House at The Macallan distillery against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. In 2018, the pièce unique sold at Christie’s in London for around $1.53 million – a world auction record for a bottle of whisky at the time.
The Macallan 1926 sits among the Rarest Whiskies in the World.
4. The Macallan Fine and Rare 1926
Price: $1.9 million
A bottle of The Macallan Fine and Rare 1926 broke the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction in 2019, when it fetched $1.9 million at Sotheby’s in London. The 700 ml bottle contained about 45 pours of 15 ml each, breaking down to about $42,000 a pour for its lucky new owners, also making for some of the Most Expensive Whisky Shots in the World.
Another of the coveted Fine and Rare bottles went under the virtual hammer in February 2021, but it didn’t quite manage to reach the heights of its 2019 record, selling for $1.38 million. We have only included the more expensive bottle in our list.
3. The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 60 Year Old
Price: $2.7 million
On the 18th of November 1923, a bottle of The Macallan Valerio Adami 60 Year Old broke the auction record for a single bottle of wine or spirit when it sold for $2,714,250 at Sotheby’s London.
Hailing from the famous cask # 263, this whisky was distilled in 1926, and just 40 bottles were released in 1986 after six decades of maturing in sherry-seasoned casks. A dozen bottles received labels designed by British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, and a further 12 were adorned with labels created by Italian artist Valerio Adami, recommended by Macallan’s Italian importer at the time. Of this latter lot, one was destroyed by an earthquake in Japan in 2011, making this whisky even more of a rarity.
2. Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s The Emerald Isle Collection
Price: $2.8 million
The highly anticipated ‘The Emerald Isle Collection’ by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. in Dublin, in partnership with Fabergé, is the oldest and rarest triple-distilled Irish single malt in the world. Beautifully presented in a dark walnut experience box, each of the seven sets features a bottle of ultra-rare, single cask, 30-year-old, triple distilled single malt Irish whiskey, accompanied by two exclusive creations from Fabergé – the first-of-its-kind Fabergé Celtic Egg and bespoke 1/1 Fabergé watch.
It was reported in January 2024 that a bottle of The Emerald Isle Collection has sold for $2.8 million – almost $100k more than a bottle of The Macallan 1926 fetched at auction last autumn – thus breaking the world record yet again.
1. Isabella’s Islay
Price: $6.2 million
After its first ten years, Isabella’s Islay has already captured the attention of the world. While the cask-strength Scotch inside is reportedly very good, the hefty price tag of $6.2 million comes from its fine English handmade decanter – crafted with 5,000 diamonds, 250 rubies, and a white gold coating.
As the No. 1 Expensive Whisky in the World, the balanced spirit offers a silky mouthfeel with a robust woodsmoke character.
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