Whisky (or whiskey, for that matter) holds a unique distinction in the realm of fine spirits, cherished for its complex, full-bodied flavour and an appealingly lingering warmth. It endures as an exemplar of taste, refinement, and rarefied luxury, with the finest examples gracing heritage auction houses like Sotheby’s.
Some of the world’s best whiskies stand as a class apart in their craftsmanship and smooth finish, celebrated not only for their meticulous production but also for the legacy and tradition they embody. Read on to uncover some of the rarest malts and bourbons set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s New York – bottles that transcend even the reach of the most renowned dealers and collectors.
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Landmark Whisky Sales at Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s has borne witness to countless momentous milestones throughout its 280+ year history, marked by several record-breaking sales across its collecting categories. For whisky connoisseurs, one such moment occurred in November 2023, when the auction house set the record for the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction – a record that remains untouched to this day. The prized possession in question is the Valerio Adam 60 Year Old from The Macallan Distillery, which was secured at $2.9 million (£2.2 million), nearly double the maximum estimate.
A few years prior, in 2019, Sotheby’s achieved another landmark accomplishment with the sale of a 1926 Macallan Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old. The hammer fell at $1.9 million (£1.5 million), making it the most expensive bottle of spirit ever auctioned at the time. In 2018 and 2019, Sotheby’s made history on three occasions, each time with a different variation of the Macallan 1926 — Sir Peter Blake, Michael Dillon, and Fine & Rare – reaffirming its distinguished place in the whisky auction world.
Ultra-Aged Whiskies Steal the Spotlight in New York this September
The ‘Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey: Aged Single Malt and Legendary Bourbon’ live auction is taking to the stage from 10th to 24th September, showcasing an exclusive selection of bottles crowned by 77 years of heritage in every sip. Headlining the auction are legendary names such as Macallan, Bowmore, Dalmore and Midleton, distilled in 1916, 1926, 1950 and 1964.
The crown jewel is the Old Fitzgerald Blackhawk 18-Year-Old 121 Proof, the highest age statement and barrel proof in the collection, bottled by the storied Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville.
Very Very Old Fitzgerald 18 Year ‘Blackhawk’ 121 Proof
If any bottle merits the title of a bourbon unicorn, it is no doubt the Old Fitzgerald "Blackhawk" 18 Year Old 121 Proof. Aged for an astounding 18 years, these Very, Very Old Fitzgerald expressions are almost never seen and command reverence for their association with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery — a name that has become the stuff of legend among bourbon aficionados. Whilst the distillery ceased operations in 1992, its legacy lives on. While a modest volume of whiskey is still produced on-site, much of the distillery now functions as a hub of heritage and education.
Sotheby’s New York will spotlight an exclusive ‘Blackhawk’ 121 Proof, bottled exclusively for the Chicago Blackhawks and Wirtz family, bearing the words "Barrel 121 Proof" on the shoulder label.
The flavour profile of this revered bourbon reveals an inexplicably intricate character, with prominent notes of vanilla and caramel layered over subtle hints of corn and grain. Cherry undertones are elegantly balanced by oak and a whisper of spices, including cinnamon.
A Fragment of History: Sunflower Kweichow Moutai Early 1970
A treasured Chinese spirit originating in Guizhou Province, Kweichow Moutai has garnered worldwide renown for its distillation process that has been perfected over centuries. It appeals to discerning palates, whether savoured neat, on the rocks, or in crafted cocktails. With a production history spanning more than 2,000 years, Moutai’s origins trace back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when it was reserved exclusively for the imperial court.
Moutai is crafted by fermenting sorghum and other grains using a yeast strain unique to the brand. The resulting mash is distilled in clay pots and then aged for several years in oak barrels, lending to its distinctive character. Its flavour notes are predominantly floral, with subtle hints of nuts and toasted rice.
Over the past five years, demand for Moutai has grown steadily, solidifying its presence on the global stage well beyond its roots in Chinese culture. In 2021, Sotheby’s London sold a crate of Moutai for over $1.4 million (£1 million), setting the record for the highest price ever achieved for a single lot outside China. It also marked the most valuable Moutai case the auction house had offered to date.
Final Thoughts
The presence of these rare bottles at auction over the years underscores Sotheby’s standing as a global authority not only in rare whiskies but also among the world’s most treasured possessions. The auction house draws on a worldwide network of whisky specialists who meticulously verify provenance and authenticity, enabling them to bring fine spirits such as Macallan, Dalmore, and Moutai under the hammer with considered expertise. Celebrating cultural heritage and the pursuit of excellence, these liqueurs stand out for their artistry and rarefied character.
