A collection of unique whiskies created by some of Scotland’s best known distilleries has raised more than £2.3 million for a charity benefiting disadvantaged young people in Scotland.
Bidders flew in from around the world on Friday for the Distillers One of One auction, the world’s largest charity auction of rare Scotch.
A total of 39 one-off lots created by leading distilleries went under the hammer without reserve at historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in collaboration with auctioneers Sotheby’s.
The biennial sale raised a total hammer price of £2,316,722, with the entire proceeds primarily going to The Youth Action Fund, set up by the Distillers’ Charity to support disadvantaged young people across Scotland “to unlock their potential and contribute positively to their communities”.
The sale, which set 30 new auction records, was the third of its kind to be staged. It takes the total raised for charity since the inaugural auction in 2021 to £6.6 million.
Over 2600 young people aged 16-25 have already had their lives transformed as a result of the funds raised.
The sale featured 35 different distilleries working collectively to donate unique and highly collectable lots in the name of philanthropy, with bidding starting at just £1 for each lot.
Leading the sale was the stunning Glenlivet SPIRA 60-year-old 1965. The oldest and most distinctive expression from the famous distillery went under the hammer with an estimate of £60,000-110,000.
Bidding for the 1.5 litre magnum, in a green glass hand-blown decanter, soared to a hammer price of £520,000 to cheers around the room.
Another exceptional whisky, The Glen Grant Eternal 77-year-old 1948, again the oldest and rarest single malt whisky ever released by the Speyside distillery, made £320,000 against an estimate £80,000-120,000.
Meanwhile, the Port Ellen Prism 46-year-old 1978, made £300,000. The whisky, from the reopened Port Ellen Distillery on Islay, came in an exquisite bespoke glass sculpture inspired by “the intricate chemistry of smoke and the natural elements that shape its flavour”.
Bidding had already risen to £160,000 when a telephone bidder raised his offer to £300,000, to gasps and loud cheers around the room.
The Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe 58 year-old 1966 — the oldest ever from the “lost” Ayrshire distillery — which featured on its label a rarely seen photograph of the Hollywood icon taken in New York by her friend, the photographer Sam Shaw, in 1954, fetched £180,000.
The Laphroaig Capsule 40-year-old, presented in a unique handcrafted magnum in the shape of a capsule, was snapped up for £100,000.
And a stunning 21 litre bottle titled “Elementum”, offered by The Borders Distillery and illustrated in vibrant colours by Edinburgh-based contemporary abstract painter Vicky Paul, soared to £20,000.
The sale also featured unique offerings from Aberlour, Glendronach, Glen Scotia, Glenturret, Royal Brackla and Old Pulteney, among others, with bidders flying in from locations as far as Singapore and Hong Kong as well as around the UK.
Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, said: “We’re so humbled to see such generosity in action for this third Distillers One of One Auction. The resounding success is the result of an incredible collective endeavour across the Scotch whisky industry to create meaningful and lasting change, with much work behind the scenes from passionate individuals who care deeply about their communities.
“It is very special to us to know that this exceptional sum that has been raised will have a direct impact on Scotland’s disadvantaged youth.”
Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, said: “The third Distillers One of One charity whisky sale has once again surpassed all expectations, delivering an exceptional result that truly reflects the passion and innovation at the heart of the Scotch Whisky community.
“Our deepest thanks to every bidder who participated and to the distillers who contributed their rare and imaginative creations to
this unique auction.
“The quality and creativity on offer were simply outstanding, showcasing the very best of the whisky world, in every sense.”
Grant Gordon, chairman of The Distillers’ Charity, said: “What pride for me to see that the Scotch Whisky industry continues to come together to raise incredible amounts in support of young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their ambitions and strengthen our communities.”
