"Every Collector Wants It"… Sold for 3.5 Billion Won, the 'Rolls-Royce of Single Malts'

'Macallan 1926' Adami Label Sold for 3.5 Billion KRW
Distilled in 1926, Only 40 Bottles Produced in 1986
"Rich Flavor of Dried Fruits, Spices, and Wood Aromas"

A bottle of single malt whiskey was auctioned for about 3.5 billion KRW, setting the highest price record in liquor auctions.

At Sotheby's auction house in London, UK, a bottle of single malt whiskey 'Macallan Adami 1926' was sold for ?2,187,500 (approximately 3.534 billion KRW), BBC and others reported on the 19th (local time). After deducting auction fees, the whiskey price alone reached ?1.75 million (about 2.827 billion KRW).

[Image source=Screenshot from Sotheby's official website]

Macallan 1926 is the oldest vintage whiskey of Macallan. Distilled in 1926, it was aged in sherry casks for over 60 years and only 40 bottles were produced in 1986. It was not sold on the market but reportedly provided to key customers. Nicknamed the "Rolls-Royce of single malts," it attracted collectors' attention every time it was auctioned three times before.

In particular, the whiskey that set the highest price in 2019 was one of the 14 bottles bearing Macallan's iconic 'Fine and Rare' label, which greatly recognized its value. It was auctioned for ?1.5 million (about 2.3 billion KRW at the time), setting the highest auction record for a bottle of wine or liquor.

However, this auction broke the 2019 highest price record again. The expected winning bid was initially estimated at up to ?1.2 million (about 1.9 billion KRW), but the actual price far exceeded it. Sotheby's explained, "Everyone at the auction wants to sell Macallan 1926, and every collector wants to own it."

One of 12 'Adami Label' Bottles... Recognized for Rarity

The 'Macallan Adami 1926,' considered the most expensive whiskey in the world. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The whiskey sold this time is one of the 12 bottles bearing the label by Italian pop artist Valerio Adami. One bottle with the Adami label was destroyed during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and another was consumed. However, the exact number of remaining bottles is unknown, which adds to its rarity.

Before the sale, the cork was replaced at the Macallan distillery, and adhesive was reapplied to the corners of the label. Sotheby's stated, "We tasted a very small sample," and described it as "very rich, with flavors not only of dried fruit but also spices and wood."