MOST EXPENSIVE WHISKEY IN THE WORLD: 20 Most Expensive Whiskey Ever Sold

Most Expensive Whiskey in the World
Photo Credit: Cocktails – LoveToKnow
Table of Contents Hide
  1. What is Whiskey?
  2. Most Expensive Whiskey in the World in 2024
    1. #1. Isabella’s Islay — $6.2 Million
    2. #2. The Emerald Isle Collection—$2 Million
    3. #3. The Macallan 1926 — $1.9 Million
    4. #4. Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series— $1.52 Million
    5. #5. Dalmore Decades No.6 Collection— $1.24 Million
    6. #6. The Macallan Valerio Aami 1926 60-Year-Old — $1.07 Million
    7. #7. The Macallan Peter Blake 1926 — $1.04 Million
    8. #8. The Macallan Lalique Legacy Collection — $993 Million
    9. #9. The Macallan Red Collection — $975,756 
    10. #10.  The Macallan M — $628,205
    11. #11. Macallan 64 Lalique Cire Perdue — $464 Million
    12. #12. Macallan 64 Year in Lalique — $460 Million
    13. #13. Dalmore 62 — $250 Million
    14. #14. Dalmore 64 Trinitas — $160,000
    15. #15. Yamazaki 35-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskey — $98,925
    16. #16. Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 — $94,000
    17. #17. Glenfiddich 1937 — $85,000
    18. #18. The Macallan 1926 (Fine & Rare) — $75,000 
    19. #19. Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch (Matheson 1942) — $58,000
    20. #20. Balvenie 50 years old scotch single malt whiskey — $50,000
  3. What is the Most Expensive Whisky Ever Auctioned?
  4. What are the most expensive whiskies ever sold in the world?
  5. Does the Value of Rare Whisky Rise?
  6. Is It Possible for Bacteria to Grow in Whisky?
  7. Among Other Things
  8. What Is the Most Expensive Whiskey in the World 2024?
  9. What Is the Most Expensive Macallan Whiskey in the World?
  10. What Is the Most Expensive Macallan Whiskey in the World?
  11. Which Whiskey Dechanter or Container Includes a Cigar, Jewelry, and a Watch?
  12. Is Isabella’s Islay the Most Expensive Whiskey in the World in 2024?
  13. Related Articles

With so many tastes to choose from, whiskey is an excellent choice for any type of cocktail, since it comes in a variety of flavors and leaves you with an experience. This holds true regardless of the quantity or shape of the whisky you choose to consume. You have probably been looking all around or tilting the bottle in an effort to discover which whiskey is the most expensive in the world in 2024, has the most appealing decanters, and has been aged the longest. Relax; this list was compiled specifically for you. I have delivered it to your door for your convenience. To learn more, keep reading.

What is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a fermented grain-based distilled alcohol with an amber color. Barley, corn, wheat, and rye are the most common cereal grains used in their production. Many whiskeys exist, each having a unique flavor depending on where it comes from, the type of grain it is made from, the blending technique, and also the aging process.

Whisky is derived from “uisge beatha,” which means life’s water.

Whiskey is classified or categorized into Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, and Canadian Whiskey.

Having set the foundation, let’s begin by taking a closer look at the most expensive whiskey in the world in 2024.

Most Expensive Whiskey in the World in 2024

Ranging from the most expensive whiskey in the world:

#1. Isabella’s Islay — $6.2 Million

An Isabella’s Islay bottle costs more than any other whisky in existence. It is housed in a magnificent white gold container, together with 8,500 diamonds and 300 rubies. 

This means or signifies that the price comes mainly from the container and not necessarily the content. As of the year 2023, this whiskey has the title of being the most expensive whiskey that can be purchased for the highest price anywhere in the world.

#2. The Emerald Isle Collection—$2 Million

Besides whiskey, the Emerald Isle includes a cigar, jewelry, and a watch. I am going to give you a clear picture of the items in this container.

The Faberge Celtic Egg (a crimson egg created by the jewelry brand House of Fabergé) is made of emerald and 19-karat gold. Also featured is Faberge’s 22-karat gold watch and, lastly, a Cohiba Siglo VI Grand Reserva cigar that has a cutter that is coated in gold.

The whiskey is produced by Bushmill, Ireland’s oldest distillery. In 2024, this whiskey will be the second most expensive in the world because of the container it comes in.

Furthermore, the brand’s distillers identified a wide range of aromas, from chocolate to maple syrup, bananas and leather, to vanilla and meringue, as emanating from the distillery.

#3. The Macallan 1926 — $1.9 Million

Owing to its age, history, and aesthetic value, the Macallan 1926 is highly sought after. The Irish artist Michael Dillon created the cover in 1926, and it was sold in its original barrel with the inscription “number 263.”

Thus, whisky connoisseurs have not stopped looking for this unique collection of vintage single malts throughout eight decades of distillery operations.

#4. Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series— $1.52 Million

Each bottle in Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series represents a card from a deck of cards. Isouji Akuto established the Hanyu in 1941, but his grandson Akuto, on the other hand, managed to preserve 400 barrels prior to its closure. The 400 barrels that make up this series were culled and bottled between 2005 and 2014 to create the 54 bottles that comprise this series.

Also, Aaron Chan of Hong Kong’s Club Qing Whisky Bar owned the whole collection, which was sold for a record-breaking $1,520,000 at auction.

#5. Dalmore Decades No.6 Collection— $1.24 Million

1961, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, and 2000 make up the Decades No.6 grouping. The vintages for this collection were selected by Dalmore’s principal distiller, Richard Paterson.

Dalmore Decades is also the first whiskey distilled in the new millennium.

#6. The Macallan Valerio Aami 1926 60-Year-Old — $1.07 Million

There were just 12 Valerio Adami 1926 whiskeys made by Macallan. In addition to this, it comes in an elegant cabinet.

One of the bottles was said to have exploded after a devastating earthquake struck Japan. There were 56 bids on a bottle auctioned in 2020, and it was subsequently sold for around $1.07 million dollars in that same year.

#7. The Macallan Peter Blake 1926 — $1.04 Million

Casks seasoned with sherry were used to age Macallan’s whisky, and this was aged in the Speyside distillery for 60 years until 1986. Only 40 bottles were produced in 1986 from it. 

The label is what drives the price of this specific whiskey so high. Peter Blake, a well-known British artist, collaborated with Macallan to create the cover art for their 1926 album. The first 12-bottle batch was released in 1993.

#8. The Macallan Lalique Legacy Collection — $993 Million

The Lalique Legacy Collection is a six-piece crystal decanter set that features or houses a selection of some of the most sought-after single malts from The Macallan, aged between 50 and 65 years. “Six Pillars Odyssey” is a collective term for these decanters.

Also included are six miniatures and six Lalique Macallan glasses in an ebony cabinet, as well as decanters.

#9. The Macallan Red Collection — $975,756 

The oldest whiskey ever issued by Macallan is the Red Collection, and this includes a 78-year-old whiskey. There’s more to the Red Collection than simply whisky, as each label was designed, created, and signed by Javi Anarez, a Spanish artist.

The collection also includes a 74-year-old whiskey. Know also that there are lower-priced vintages in this collection, but the Red Collection includes special labels that are only available in this collection.

#10.  The Macallan M — $628,205

The Macallan (“M”) is a blend of vintages that span decades, ranging from 25 to 75 years old. The M has a unique and robust flavor because of this aging process and time. 

The decanter for the Macallan M. was manufactured by a team of 17 glassblowers who all worked together to produce an exceptionally uncommon 6-liter bottle, which is expected to become more costly over time.

Additionally, the whiskey made by the Macallan distillery is of the highest quality, and the decanters made by the company are of the utmost workmanship.

#11. Macallan 64 Lalique Cire Perdue — $464 Million

The Lalique was produced by a well-known French glass manufacturer. For this reason, when it comes to its decanters or containers, you won’t find them anywhere else. The Macallan 64 is a combination of three distinct vintages: from 1942 through 1946.

At an auction in 2010, a Lalique Cire Perdue Macallan 64 was last seen and sold at $464,000,000. If you’re looking for a sophisticated beverage, not only for its unique mixes and subtle dark chocolate flavors but also, because it is a refined beverage, this will serve.

#12. Macallan 64 Year in Lalique — $460 Million

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it was the most expensive whiskey ever sold at the time of its sale.

Nevertheless, the strangest thing about the sales was that the whole proceeds went to charity. The auction was conducted in New York in November 2010 at Sotheby’s.

#13. Dalmore 62 — $250 Million

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Dalmore 62 was made in Scotland. That means it’s about two hundred years old! Amazingly, more than 100 hours went into creating the platinum and crystal decanter cast.

Thus, according to our ranking of the most costly whiskey distilleries, this distillery is on the upswing.

#14. Dalmore 64 Trinitas — $160,000

The 64 Trinitas is made by combining Dalmore’s outstanding vintages of 1864, 1878, 1926, and 1939.

In light of the fact that Dalmore Distillery had just a small amount of its previous vintages remaining, it could only manufacture three bottles of the 64 Trinitas. One more bottle is up for grabs while the whereabouts of the remaining two bottles remain a mystery and are yet to be located.

#15. Yamazaki 35-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskey — $98,925

According to our research, this is Japan’s first commercial distillery. This is a remarkable 35-year-old bourbon made during the years 1966 through 1970. 

It’s a single malt that’s been matured in 90-liter Spanish second-fill sherry barrels from Spain. It wasn’t until 2006 that it was finally bottled up, and it drew admiring glances when it was finally presented in a stunning wooden cabinet.

#16. Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 — $94,000

In honor of its 110th anniversary, the distillery released a 55-year-old vintage whiskey. Not only has this one got overtones of peach and grain in it, but also, only 11 of these bottles were ever made, making them very rare and costly.

In 2012, one of these bottles was sold at an auction in New York City for $94,000. It is on a list of the most unusual whiskies that have ever been sold.

#17. Glenfiddich 1937 — $85,000

Only barley is used as a malted grain in the making of this whiskey. One of the most ancient whiskey barrels ever utilized One bottle sold for $85,000 at auction, out of a total of less than 60.

What makes this whiskey so sought-after are the aromas of wood and molasses, as well as burnt heather, cedar, chocolate, and oak. If you’re willing to shell out $85,000, Glenfiddich has a 50-year-old whiskey. Fortunately, Dan Murphy carries it.

#18. The Macallan 1926 (Fine & Rare) — $75,000 

Some of Macallan’s best vintages are included in the Fine & Rare categories. The legacy of Macallan’s renowned distillation can be found in every sip. Interestingly, there is a Macallan 1926 in this collection, which is the earliest/oldest bottle.

As a result of its scarcity, the Macallan 1926 has reached an all-time high of $75,000 on the market. The first vintage of Macallan was bottled in 1926.

#19. Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch (Matheson 1942) — $58,000

The Dalmore Distillery was created in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, a well-known Scotch whisky distiller.

The Dalmore 62 is a rare scotch that has a particular taste and scent. It is difficult to locate or find. In addition, Dalmore launched the Dalmore 62 Single Malt Scotch in 1942 in commemoration of Matheson’s legacy and memory.

Bottles may only be available through bidding at auctions.

#20. Balvenie 50 years old scotch single malt whiskey — $50,000

It is estimated that only 88 bottles of the Balvenie were created and crafted by hand using this technique, making them both exceptional and extremely rare. Though, Balvenie Scotch Whisky is distilled in the Speyside area of Scotland.

What is the Most Expensive Whisky Ever Auctioned?

The Emerald Isle Collection by Craft Irish Whiskey Co. – $2 million

What are the most expensive whiskies ever sold in the world?

The distillery of Macallan sold for a hefty £1,452,000 (about Rs 14 crores) and the Macallan distillery’s 60-year-olds, sold for a staggering £848,750 (Rs 8.3 crores approx).

Does the Value of Rare Whisky Rise?

Yes, rare whiskies increased in value fourfold in just ten years, outpacing cars, watches, and real estate.

Is It Possible for Bacteria to Grow in Whisky?

Yes, they put the bacteria through testing with whiskey, vodka, various mixers, and various settings. Bacteria continued to thrive in all of the samples except one: whiskey, of course. Whiskey was the only drink that entirely eliminated all microorganisms.

Among Other Things

Regardless of how much you pay for whiskey, it is a beverage that always provides an unforgettable experience. You may now brag that you know about the most expensive whiskey in the world in 2024 thanks to the information that you just learned. Onward and upward!

What Is the Most Expensive Whiskey in the World 2024?

Isabella’s Islay — $6.2 Million

What Is the Most Expensive Macallan Whiskey in the World?

The Macallan 1926 — $1.9 Million

What Is the Most Expensive Macallan Whiskey in the World?

The Macallan 1926 — $1.9 Million

Which Whiskey Dechanter or Container Includes a Cigar, Jewelry, and a Watch?

The Emerald Isle Collection—$2 Million

Is Isabella’s Islay the Most Expensive Whiskey in the World in 2024?

Yes!, Isabella’s Islay bottle costs more than any other whisky in existence. It is housed in a magnificent white gold container, together with 8,500 diamonds and 300 rubies. 

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