Rare Macallan Whisky in an auction selling rare spirits
The World’s Best Whiskies
Guides to collecting rare, top-shelf and limited-edition whisky, Scotch, bourbon and more.

How to Collect the Greatest Whiskies in the World

Call it whisky or whiskey, it’s one of the world’s most popular spirits. Over centuries, few distilleries have truly perfected the craft.

Here, Sotheby’s specialist Forrest Price digs into the history of the greatest whiskymakers across Scotland and the United States.

The Macallan

The Macallan

A beloved Scottish whiskymaker, Macallan is the mastermind behind many of the most expensive Scotch examples sold at auction.

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Macallan Whiskies at Auction

Van Winkle

Van Winkle

The storied bourbon-distilling family Van Winkle makes Pappy Van Winkle, arguably America’s most important whiskey.

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Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 Year Old Family Reserve RNM Restaurant Single Barrel is among their most sought-after rare whiskeys. Sotheby’s New York auctioned a case of 12 bottles in June 2024 for $100,000.

Van Winkle Whiskeys at Auction

Michter’s

Michter’s

The Louisville, Kentucky-based whiskeymaker became the first American distillery to be awarded ‘The World’s Most Admired Whiskey.’

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Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace

The current owners of the Van Winkle brand, Buffalo Trace is especially prized for their unique limited offerings.

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Angel’s Envy

Angel’s Envy

In conversation with Owen Martin, the master whiskey distiller who led the production of the first-in-the-world cask strength bottled-in-bond bourbon release.

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Willett Family Estate Whiskeys at Auction

Bowmore Whiskies at Auction

How Much Is Your Whisky & Spirits Collection Worth?

How Much Is Your Whisky & Spirits Collection Worth?

Sotheby’s Specialists are on hand to provide a free, no-strings-attached valuation.

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