Some of the World’s Rarest Scotch Is Up for Auction. Here’s How to Get Your Hands on It

Some of the world’s most expensive Scotch is about to go under the hammer this week at The Distillers’ One of One Auction. The event kicks off in a palatial manor just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland, on Thursday evening. If you’re a collector of ultra-luxury spirits, you already know this. This is your Super Bowl. And just like that big game, you don’t need to be in attendance to enjoy all the action. The 39 lots of singularly rare whisky are now open to online bids. Below we’ll review some standouts among the over-the-top bottlings, including one that’s expected to sell for more than $600,000.

But first, a bit of background.

The One of One Auction was launched in 2021 as a bi-annual collaboration between Sotheby’s and the Distillers’ Charity—an organization set up to support and benefit underprivileged youths throughout Scotland. All of the liquids on offer represent singular expressions from some of the biggest producers in the industry. The idea is that for each selection, there will never be another bottle of spirit exactly like it. One of one, get it?

In its first go-round the event raised nearly $3 million for charity. This time, it’s expected to be an even bigger bonanza.

“The second Distillers One of One auction is already generating a buzz among collectors,” says Jonny Fowle, global head of spirits at Sotheby’s. “Featuring the oldest whisky ever released from Bowmore, Glenglassaugh, Old Pulteney, MacDuff, and Kilchoman, the highly anticipated event will further cement the significance of what has established itself as the biggest charity spirits auction of its kind.”

To his point, the distilleries involved have all committed themselves to what's become an absolute spectacle of spirit, both inside and outside the glass.

Bowmore 55

At the top of the scorecard is a 55-year-old magnum (1.5 liter bottle) of Bowmore known as STAC. Its mesmerizing decanter is meant to evoke the coastal crags of Islay. The 82-proof liquid originally entered barrel back in 1962 and represents the oldest Scotch ever released from one of the country’s most distinguished distilleries. The whisky boasts some of the wondrous pineapple top notes typical to Bowmore releases from the era. But there’s also a wholly unexpected menthol undertone running through this particular offering.

Brora Iris

Brora is another prestigious producer coming to auction with its oldest juice ever. The historic Highland operation—which was shuttered between 1983 and 2021—recently unveiled Iris. This half-century-old stunner glides across the palate with waxy threads of candied ginger and cardamom—if you’re able to uncork the bottle, that is.

It comes locked within the ovular opening of a 200-pound limestone block and can only be freed after inserting a specialized key fashioned as a wildcat into the sculpture.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society Only Drop

If that’s all a little too James Bond villain-y for you, consider Scotch Malt Whisky Society's more straightforward approach. For its “Only Drop” release, the revered independent bottler has brought to glass an absolute belter: a 33-year-old, triple-sherry-casked single malt from a distillery they’re not allowed to name (but we can: it’s The Macallan).

They've encased it in an elegant paper pulp sculpture constructed from wood shavings from those aforementioned aging vessels. It’s a graceful, understated approach—by One of One standards, at least.

“The Distillers One of One auction gives whisky creators the opportunity to support and come together as an industry to celebrate our craft,” says Rebecca Hamilton, CMO for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. “We donate a one-of-a kind whisky that will never be available after the auction closes. It was important to us that we did things a little differently, so instead of an elaborate, expensive bottle, we created a stripped-back, sustainable design that puts the whisky at the heart and lets it shine as the hero.”

If you take home any of these bottles, invite us over for a dram and you’ll be our hero. Though even if you don’t feel like sharing, you’ll still be a champion to any number of underprivileged Scottish youth. Who doesn’t want to drink to that?

Bidding closes on the evening of October 5th. You can view the complete list of lots as well as register for the auction here.