I n the world of whisky, rarity and exclusivity often reign supreme. The allure of owning a unique, one-of-a-kind bottle from a top distillery is a dream for many connoisseurs and collectors. Enter The Distillers One of One, an extraordinary whisky sale that promises to deliver precisely that. This exceptional event brings together historic whisky producers, impassioned collectors, and philanthropy in a remarkable auction hosted by Sotheby's.
What Makes These Whiskies So Unique | Distillers One of One – A Charity Auction | Spotlight
Whisky aficionados have long marvelled at the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into producing fine spirits. Distilleries from Scotland to Japan and beyond have garnered worldwide acclaim for their exceptional creations. The Worshipful Company of Distillers is an exclusive club of top producers, representing some of the most celebrated names in the industry, renowned for their dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation.
It is in the spirit of this innovation that the concept of The Distillers One of One was born. The sale (the largest charitable spirits auction in the world) offers a select group of these distilleries the invitation to create a one-off, never-to-be-repeated whisky. Each distillery has crafted a unique limited-edition bottle, making it an instant collector's item, with significant interest already gathering pace and demonstrating the allure of these rare lots.
Now in its second year, the auction will feature 39 one-of-a-kind Scotch whiskies donated by distilleries from various regions in Scotland, with estimates ranging from £2,000 to £500,000. Leading the auction is the Bowmore STAC 55 Years Old (est. £300,000-500,000), the oldest whisky ever released by the distillery, and the highest value lot in the sale. Set apart from anything seen before, the sculptural, hand-blown 1.5 litre magnum decanter is inspired by the rugged Atlantic sea stacks of the Bowmore distillery's island home, founded in 1779.
Other highlights include an historic 50-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Brora Iris – suspended within an imposing handcrafted stone sculpture and depicting the eye of a Scottish wildcat. Crafted by distillers at Brora fifty years ago, it is their oldest single malt ever bottled and will never be commercially available. It is lots of this calibre that truly demonstrate the exceptional nature of the sale, and the opportunity for serious collectors to secure a piece of history.
The Distillers' Charity organises the auction to support disadvantaged young people in Scotland through the Youth Action Fund. The first edition of the Distillers One of One auction in 2021 raised over £2.4 million to fund and develop initiatives with real impact. The project underlines the commitment of the industry to make a positive impact on the communities involved in their craft.
“…The generosity, creativity and commitment exhibited here makes you feel proud to be part of this great industry.”
Jonathan Driver, Chairman of Distillers' Ventures Limited, explained the collective effort and in bringing these remarkable bottles to market: “Through the generosity, commitment and collective endeavour of the Scotch Whisky Industry we hope to continue the momentum created by the Distillers One of One Auction in 2021. Through this collaboration, the Youth Action Fund was established to support disadvantaged young people in Scotland and this purpose has inspired yet another remarkable collection of the rarest and most collectible Scotch Whisky Lots. The generosity, creativity and commitment exhibited here makes you feel proud to be part of this great Industry.”
The Distillers One of One is an event that unites passion, artistry, and philanthropy. The legacy of this auction is apparent in the lives it touches through its charitable contributions. Collectors interested in these exceptional whiskies have the opportunity to place online bids in advance of the auction.
View the full catalogue below.
