A selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies from 35 companies and distilleries have been sold at auction to raise a whopping £2.9 million for Scotland’s Youth Action Fund.
The third edition of The Distillers One of One Charity Auction smashed its pre-sale estimate of £793,400, and in so doing set 30 new auction records for whiskies including The Glenlivet, Port Ellen, Ladyburn, Glenfarclas, The Glendronach, Laphroaig, and The Glen Grant.
Held earlier this month at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in partnership with Sotheby’s, the auction attracted some 200 guests from across the globe, with ‘lively’ bidding in the room and on the telephones.
Bidders were reportedly prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ to secure the one-of-a-kind whiskies on offer, with bids leaping in increments of as much as £140,000 at a time.
Since its inaugural event in 2021, The Distillers One of One Auction has grown to become what is described as ‘the world’s preeminent charity auction dedicated to rare Scotch whisky’, having now raised a total of £6.6 million across its three sessions.
This year, 100% of the hammer-price netted at Hopetoun will go to the Youth Action Fund in support of disadvantaged young people in Scotland.
Distillers’ Charity chairman, Grant Gordon OBE, said: “What pride for me to see that the Scotch Whisky industry continues to come together to raise incredible amounts in support of young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their ambitions and strengthen our communities.
“Over nearly four years, between January 2022 and the end of September 2025, the Youth Action fund has helped 2619 young people secure employability, meaning a job apprenticeship, training or education leading to work.
“We sincerely thank all our those involved for their time and talent, whether they are in the industry, sponsors or craftspeople and the buyers for their support and generosity, whose contribution together helps transform the lives of young people in Scotland.”
Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, Jonny Fowle, said: “The third Distillers One of One charity whisky sale has once again surpassed all expectations, delivering an exceptional result that truly reflects the passion and innovation at the heart of the Scotch Whisky community.
“Our deepest thanks to every bidder who participated and to the distillers who contributed their rare and imaginative creations to this unique auction. The quality and creativity on offer were simply outstanding, showcasing the very best of the whisky world, in every sense.”
Fowle added: “What makes this year’s edition particularly memorable is the extraordinary number of brand records achieved. The overall results are a clear indication of the trust and excitement this event continues to build within the global spirits community.”
The auction was led by The Glenlivet SPIRA 60-year-old 1965, which smashed its pre-sale high estimate of £110,000 to go for £650,000, a new auction record for a bottle of The Glenlivet, following a ten-minute bidding battle.
It is the oldest expression to be released from the distillery to-date, presented in a 1.5 litre spiral decanter hand-blown and shaped by Brodie Nairn at Glasstorm.
Another auction record was achieved when The Glen Grant Eternal 77-year-old 1948, the oldest whisky to be released by the distillery and the oldest whisky presented in this year’s auction, soared to £400,000, five times its low estimate of £80,000.
Port Ellen Prism 46-year-old 1978 – again the oldest whisky ever released by that distillery, housed within a magnum-size 1.5 litre decanter encased in a glass sculpture weighing 100 kilos, created by award-winning German artist Wilfried Grootens – more than doubled its low estimate to bring £375,000, a new auction record for a bottle of Port Ellen.
Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw, a 58-year-old 1966, comprising spirit hand-drawn from one of the very last remaining Ladyburn casks from the distillery’s foundation year, saw bidding increments as high as £30,000, resulting in a final sale price of £225,000, an auction record for Ladyburn.
A flurry of bids saw the Laphroaig Capsule 40-year-old – created from spirit distilled in 1980 and 1981 to become the joint oldest release ever from the Laphroaig distillery, and presented in a 1.5 litre curved crystal decanter – sell for a record £125,000, more than tripling its low estimate of £40,000.
Another auction record was set with The Glendronach Arias in Time, a one-of-a-kind collection of four whiskies including the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery, presented upon a bronze sculptural artwork by Osanna Visconti, which brought £93,750.
A gallon bottle (4.5 litre) of 58-year-old Glenfarclas, housed in an oak presentation case, sold for £81,250 – an auction record for Glenfarclas Distillery.
The Gordon & MacPhail 130th Anniversary Collection, featuring three rare, one-off 50cl single malts from Gordon & MacPhail’s own brands and distilleries, brought £68,750.
Leading the selection of casks on offer was the Bruichladdich Cask of Biodynamic Single Malt 2013, the distillery’s third contribution to The Distillers One of One Auction, which sold for £50,000 – an auction record for Bruichladdich Distillery.
Full list of lots and auction results can be viewed HERE
