‘Holy grail of whisky’ sells for record £2.1m at auction

The auction was the first ever auction staged at the distillery itself and, according to Sotheby’s, the first in any Scottish distillery at all.

It was held to mark 100 years since the distillation of the Macallan 1926, with more than 40 other lots also available.

The auction was an exclusive, invite-only event attended by 50 of the world’s leading whisky collectors, with additional collectors bidding online.

Jonny Fowle, global head of whisky and spirits at Sotheby’s, said: “Today’s result reflects the enduring fascination that The Macallan 1926 inspires among collectors around the world.

“More than a century after it was distilled, it continues to stand alone as the benchmark for rarity, provenance and desirability in whisky.

“Achieving the second-highest price ever paid for a bottle of whisky at auction, and setting a new record for a Fine & Rare bottling, at the first auction held at The Macallan Estate during the centenary year of the vintage itself, is a remarkable milestone in the history of whisky collecting.”

Macallan’s creative director Jaume Ferras said the company was “humbled” by the response to the auction.

“It was a privilege to welcome Sotheby’s and guests to our home, and to see such appreciation for whiskies that represent different chapters in our history,” he added.