The World’s Most Prized Spirits are Bound to Sotheby’s New York

That suave lingering flavour after the first sip of a fine whisky (or whiskey for that matter) is swiftly followed by moments of pure indulgence that can only be described as royalty in a glass.

As a symbol of expense, luxury and occasion, rare whiskies are a real find at high-end auction houses like Sotheby’s. There are many pretenders to the throne of the finest ultra-aged spirits, but some of them, no doubt, reign supreme and some bottles can even go far beyond the reach of the most renowned dealers and collectors. Costing hundreds of thousands and even going into millions, the world of ultra-premium whiskies reaches a level of exclusivity that few other collectables can match, due to the craftsmanship, rarity factor and celebrity allure that drive their sky-high price tags.

The Most Expensive Bottles of Whisky Ever Auctioned by Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has been witness to many landmark moments across its 280+ year history, recounting several record-breaking sales across its collecting categories. For those who appreciate the finer tipples in life, 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 still standing today. The famous bottle – an extraordinary Valerio Adam 60 Year Old from The Macallan Distillery – achieved an impressive total of $2.9 million ( £2.2 million ) – nearly twice the maximum estimate.

In 2019, Sotheby’s achieved another milestone with the sale of a 1926 Macallan Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old, when the hammer fell at $1.9 million, making it the most expensive bottle of spirit ever auctioned, at the time. The auction house achieved unprecedented results three times across 2018 and 2019, with three different variations of the Macallan 1926: Sir Peter Blake, Michael Dillon and Fine & Rare.

Legendary Ultra-Aged Whiskies Anchor New York this September

Running from 10 to 24 September, Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey | Aged Single Malt and Legendary Bourbon live auction is taking to the stage with a selection of bottles spanning over 77 years of heritage in every sip. Leading the auction are rare, legendary malts such as Macallan, Bowmore, Dalmore and Midleton, distilled in 1916, 1926, 1950, and 1964, alongside the highly coveted Old Fitzgerald "Blackhawk" 18 Year Old 121 Proof. The latter represents the highest age statement and barrel proof, having been bottled by the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville.

Another remarkable entry is represented by one of the most distinguished names in Chinese spirits, the  “Sun Flower” Kweichow Moutai Early 1970s, with ten bottles offered for bidding.

Very Very Old Fitzgerald 18 Year ‘Blackhawk’ 121 Proof

If any bottles deserve the status of a true bourbon unicorn, the Old Fitzgerald "Blackhawk" 18 Year Old 121 Proof undoubtedly wears the crown well. Aged for an impressive 18 years, Very, Very Old Fitzgerald bottles are rarely seen and carry immense value, due to their association with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, whose whiskey has become highly sought after by connoisseurs. Stitzel-Weller became a legend among bourbon aficionados, and despite closing in 1992, the distillery’s mystique continued to grow and capture interest. Even though a limited amount of distilling still takes place within the distillery, it mainly serves as a tourism and bourbon education venue.

Sotheby’s New York auction will feature an exclusive ‘Blackhawk’ 121 Proof, bottled exclusively for the Chicago Blackhawks and Wirtz family, which should read "Barrel 121 Proof" on the shoulder label.

The flavour profile of this ever-so-rare bourbon brings to mind a blend of smooth and refined aromas developed over a deep complexity and character, with strong notes of vanilla and caramel and hints of corn and grain. The cherry note is balanced by oak and subtle spices like cinnamon.

Sun Flower” Kweichow Moutai Early 1970

A luxury Chinese spirit of premium quality and unique flavour originating in Guizhou Province, Kweichow Moutai has gained worldwide recognition thanks to a distillation process that has been perfected over centuries. Made from sorghum and other grains, the liquor’s tasting notes lean floral, with a hint of nuts and toasted rice. It appeals to discerning drinkers who 

enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. Having been produced for over 2000 years, the origins of Moutai can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when it was exclusively reserved for the imperial court.

Moutai is made by fermenting sorghum and other grains with a singular yeast strain unique to the brand. The mash is then distilled in clay pots and aged for years in oak barrels.

The liquor has seen its demand rise over the course of the last five years and continues to cement its presence globally, outside the realm of Chinese culture. In 2021, Sotheby’s London sold a crate of the beloved “Sun Flower” Kweichow Moutai for over £1 million ($1.4 million), realising the highest price for a single lot of Moutai outside of China, also making it the most valuable Moutai case the auction house had offered to date.

Final Thought

The appearance of any of these rare bottles at auction over the years reinforces Sotheby’s status as a global leader in the realm of rare whiskies. Bringing fine spirits such as Macallan, Dalmore or Moutai under the hammer, the auction house is supported by a worldwide network of leading whisky specialists who perform clinical analysis on the bottles to confirm provenance and authenticity. A toast to cultural heritage and the ultimate pursuit of perfection, these liquers deserve mention for their artistic flair and exclusivity. 

As dream items for collectors, a show of status or simply a symbol of life’s rarest luxuries, these bottles represent the summit of excellence in the world of fine whiskies.